Numerical modeling of dust particle motion in a corona discharge-based ionic wind cleaning system for solar panels
Résumé
This study explores innovative solutions to reduce efficiency losses in solar panels caused by dust accumulation, using corona discharge as a mitigation method. Ions produced by the positive or negative corona discharge transfer momentum to neutral air molecules through collisions, resulting in an airflow (ionic wind) that can help to eliminate dust accumulation. The cleaning system whose operation is numerically modeled consists of a corona blower device that moves along the panel, conveying the dust in a linear direction and providing a non-contact cleaning method. Dust particles are affected by different forces, such as Coulomb force, gravitational force, aerodynamic drag force, and van der Waals adhesion. Poisson's equation, the continuity equation for charged particles and the Navier-Stokes equations are solved to evaluate the Coulomb and drag force. Emphasis is placed on understanding how forces affect particle trajectories, and which forces are most relevant to the operation of the cleaning system.