Shape-Enhanced Aerodynamic Dust Removal (SEADR): A novel approach to PV soiling mitigation

Dust soiling is emerging as a major problem facing the expansion of the solar industry. The phenomenon reduces power output by more than half in dry desert-like climates and causes billions of dollars in losses annually. There are a myriad of photovoltaic (PV) soiling mitigation techniques, including surface coatings and automated cleanings. However, challenges remain due to the high costs of these interventions and their limited long-term effectiveness. Here we propose a novel method to mitigate dust soiling, shape-enhanced aerodynamic dust removal (SEADR). SEADR works by aerodynamically optimizing the geometry of PV panels to facilitate the removal of dust and other particulates by wind. We posit that these geometries will be more effective than flat panels in removing particulates by creating wind-induced, turbulent boundary layers with larger magnitudes of shear force on the surface. This is demonstrated analytically via a model that describes the removal mechanics of particulates affected by wind on a PV panel. The model is supplemented with environmental data and an existing PV soiling estimation model to quantify the feasible reductions in PV soiling using the SEADR approach.