Optimization analysis of droplet dust removal mass on tilted superhydrophobic surface based on regulating PV tilt angle and drop height

Abstract

This study proposes a method for adjusting the mass of droplet dust removal based on droplet height and photovoltaic tilt angle, utilizing a model of droplet motion on inclined superhydrophobic surfaces. A droplet's motion on dusty and inclined hydrophobic surfaces is analyzed using a high-speed digital imaging system. The impact of drop height and photovoltaic tilt angle on the mass of dust removed by the droplet is experimentally investigated. The findings reveal that the mass of droplet dust removal increases quickly with the rise of drop height and tilt angle. The modification of the tilt angle yields a more pronounced enhancement in dust removal efficiency. At an angle of 40°, the drop height rises from 0.5 cm to 10 cm, leading to an extra 6.6 mg of dust removal per drop. At a height of 0 cm, the mass increased by 10.62 mg after raising the angle from 10° to 40°. Droplet impact on the surface is prone to shattering. The emitted minute droplets will adhere to the surface and form a cohesive ash band, with a visible light transmission rate of merely 67 %. When a droplet rolls on a tilted superhydrophobic surface, there's a dust removal threshold. Once exceeded, the rolling shape tends to become ellipsoidal. The experimental and model predictions of droplet dust removal mass are of the same order of magnitude and differ by a few micrograms. Therefore, the theoretical model can be used to improve the efficiency of droplet dust removal by adjusting the drop height and photovoltaic angle.