Numerical investigation of soiling of multi-row rooftop solar PV arrays
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ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Numerical investigation of soiling of multi‑row rooftop solar PV arrays Kudzanayi Chiteka1 · Rajesh Arora1 · S. N. Sridhara1 · C. C. Enweremadu2 Received: 11 January 2020 / Accepted: 15 April 2020 © Islamic Azad University 2020
Abstract The soiling behaviour of multiple solar PV arrays on multi-storey building rooftop was explored using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The CFD simulation study employed the SST k–ω turbulence model together with the discrete phase model. A grid independency analysis was done to determine the mesh size that is adequate for the simulation study. Three main parameters were investigated in this study on five rows of solar PV arrays and these were wind speed, dust particle size and tilt angle. Airflow characteristics on the solar PV arrays were evaluated and analysed on their influence on soiling. The study revealed that the PV arrays located at the front experience less soiling compared to those located at the rear although there was a small difference of 0.16% in the soiling rate. An average soiling rate of 15.77% was experienced on all the five PV arrays used in the simulation studies. The overall percentage soiling from the front row to the last row was found to be, respectively, 15.85%, 15.82%, 15.77%, 15.74% and 15.69%. A predictive model was developed and had a coefficient of determination, R2 of 96.82% which could accurately predict overall soiling on the PV arrays. Keywords Solar PV arrays · Soiling · Modelling and simulation · Installation configuration · Soiling variables Abbreviations CFD Computational fluid dynamics PM10 Particulate matter of 10 micrometres or less PV Photovoltaic (SST) k–ω Shear stress transport k–ω DPM Discrete phase model DRW Discrete random walk FVM Finite volume method RANS Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations SIMPLE Semi-implicit method for pressure linked equations TKE Turbulent kinetic energy (m2/s2) List of symbols Isc Short circuit current (A) Voc Open circuit voltage (V) Η Efficiency (%) J̃ 𝜔 Generation term for specific dissipation rate ω (s−1) d Diameter (m) * Kudzanayi Chiteka [email protected] 1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon 122413, India
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
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̃ Jk Generation term for turbulent kinetic energy k (m2/s2) gi Gravitational acceleration (m/s2) ⃗r Displacement vector Cp Pressure coefficient Kω Cross-diffusion term Lk Dissipation rate of k (m2/s3) Lω Dissipation rate of ω ° Degree(s) Re Reynolds number Sκ Source term (kg/m3s) t Time (s) u Velocity vector (m/s) α Thermal conductivity (W/m K) Γ∅,eff Effective diffusion coefficient (m2/s) Γk The effective diffusivity of k Γω The effective diffusivity of ω κ Independent flow variable ξ Mean free path of gas molecules ρ Density (kg/m3) Φ Independent flow variable ϕ Latitude (o) ω Specific dissipation rate (s−1)
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Vol.:(0123456789)
International Journal of Energy and Environm
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