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Abstract Optimizing the installation parameters of photovoltaic panels in a photovoltaic array to reduce dust accumulation, thereby enhancing their power generation, is a crucial research topic in the construction of solar power stations in desert regions. Utilizing a series of wind tunnel experiments on a photovoltaic array comprising four equally sized panels, this study assessed how variations in tilt angle, mounting height, spacing, and incoming flow direction influence both the accumulation mass of dust and the particle size distribution in a photovoltaic array. The results indicate that the dust accumulation on the first panel exponential growth with increasing tilt angle, incoming flow angles, and height, while subsequent panels displayed a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease, with a maximum increasing ratio achieved at specific installation configurations, the difference of dust mass on each panel can even be several times. Notably, when the spacing between panels exceeds twice the panel height, the mutual influence on dust deposition becomes negligible, providing a quantifiable threshold for optimal panel spacing. Additionally, significant differences exist in the particle size characteristics of dust in the panel of the array, influenced by the installation parameters of panels and the direction of the incoming flow. This research not only enhances the understanding of dust accumulation in solar energy systems but also offers practical recommendations for optimizing installation strategies, thereby improving the economic viability of solar power stations, particularly in desert regions.

Modern solar power plants are usually built in deserts, in conditions of lack of water and a lot of dust. Dustiness of solar panels leads to a decrease in their efficiency, and cleaning the panels from dust is an energy consuming operation. The article discusses an approach to assessing the degree of contamination of a panel and making a decision about the need to clean it based on analysis of the panel image. An algorithm for making a cleaning decision is presented, a software application for assessing the degree of contamination of the panel is described, and the results of an experimental test of the created application are presented.

The Libyan state, which created the strategic plan for renewable energy 2013–2030, which strives to encourage initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability, is one of the developing nations vying to gain from solar energy in the sector of electrical energy. The agreement to build a 500-MW solar power project made this plan quite evident. The primary barrier to the best possible use of solar energy is pollution, specifically the buildup of dust and bird droppings on solar panels. The efficiency of power generation from solar panels is significantly affected by dust accumulated on them. As a result of the research, quantitative indicators of the impact of dust on photovoltaic systems in Libya were determined and images of the solar panel were obtained with different densities of dust on its surface. The field experiments show that with the increase in dust density, the short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and output power of the PV both decrease. The dust with a density of 40 g/m2 can reduce the maximum power of the PV more than on 20 %. The resulting images of the solar panel can be used to assess the degree of dust in automated systems for solar panels cleaning.

Featured Application: A number of negative consequences, including reduced soil fertility, increased desertification, diminished agricultural productivity, and heightened air pollution, have been caused by soil erosion and dust deposition in the Al-Baha region; therefore, the methodologies and outcomes of this study provide practical guidance for measuring these effects on soil properties. This study emphasizes the development of sustainable management techniques that mitigate these adverse impacts, ensure compliance with international environmental standards, and support long-term ecological balance and agricultural sustainability. The results could be used to help land managers and policymakers develop efficient soil conservation measures in areas susceptible to wind erosion. Soil loss due to wind erosion and dust deposition has become a growing concern, particularly in arid regions like Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess soil loss and dust deposition using three different dust collection methods across 20 sites during the summer of 2022. The methods include Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE), which measures airborne dust particles using passive samplers; Surface Dust Collector (SDC), designed to collect dust settling on the ground surface; and Marble Dust Collector (MDCO), which utilizes marble-coated surfaces to trap and measure dust deposition. These methods collectively provide a comprehensive evaluation of dust dynamics in the study area. The objective was to evaluate the effects of wind erosion and dust deposition on soil properties, offering insights into the mechanisms of soil loss in arid environments. The study revealed significant variations in soil characteristics, including low organic matter content (<1%), high calcite (up to 19.62%), and increased salinity levels, with notable quantities of Cl− (211.58 meq kg⁻1) and Na⁺ (165.98 meq kg⁻1). July showed the highest dust deposition (0.0133 ton ha−1), particularly at site S11, while soil loss was lowest at site S5. This research offers novel insights into the nonlinear relationship between soil loss and time, contributing to sustainable soil management strategies. By aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the findings underscore the need to mitigate soil loss to enhance environmental sustainability, prevent desertification, and promote long-term resilience in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The port and industrial zone of Saldanha Bay in South Africa accommodates activities related to the transport, processing, and production of commodities such as iron ore, manganese ore, and steel. The visible emission of dust from this area raised concerns for public health and to address this, the municipality has monitored the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration and dust deposition since 2015. Here, this monitoring data served to assess spatial and temporal changes and to evaluate the potential contribution of industrial and meteorological processes to these changes. We observed high temporal variability in both PM2.5 concentration and dust deposition, and high spatial variation in dust depositions. Dust originated from local sources such as industry and traffic, but industrial activities could not explain the observed spatial variability, and concentration and deposition fluxes did not significantly increase over the years despite the extension of industrial activities. Meteorological factors such as rain, wind speed, wind direction, as well as topography exerted an important influence, but could also only partially explain the observed variability in both dust concentration and deposition. Furthermore, the PM2.5 concentration and dust deposition are not significantly correlated, which highlights the challenges in appropriate dust monitoring. It follows that such monitoring efforts, though meeting national standards, require improvement to assess risks accurately. Our study illustrates that in areas with such high complexity of industrial activities, the high variability of dust load and deposition must be considered to evaluate implications for public and environmental health, adherence to guidelines, and mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust explosions occur frequently during production, transportation, and storage processes involving combustible dusts, with dust explosions caused by de-dusting systems being the most common. To prevent such accidents, we need to perform timely and accurate risk assessment. Therefore, we have developed a risk assessment model for dust explosion of dust duct deposition based on convolutional neural network with an attention mechanism (ConvNeXt-Tsc). By enhancing the ConvNeXt block and introducing an attention mechanism, we can more accurately extract the critical features related to the thickness of deposited dust in images of the ducts, achieving a model recognition accuracy of 95.15%. We have verified that the model has a high assessment accuracy in practical applications, which helps to detect potential hazards in dust ducts in time and avoid explosion accidents. The results show that the model has a wide range of application prospects in sedimentary dust explosion risk assessment, with high reliability, practicality, and scientific rigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust deposition can supply nutrients to the upper ocean, and subsequently affect primary production and biodiversity in planktonic ecosystem, but the differential response among taxa and their interactions are not fully understood. Here, we performed 7-day onboard incubation experiment amended with different dust loadings (0, 0.2 and 2 mg L-1) in the Kuroshio-Oyashio transition region of the Northwest Pacific Ocean and characterized the community structure and microbial network of a planktonic microbiome in response to dust addition. Chlorophyll a and nutrient analysis indicated that dust-derived nitrogen promoted the growth of phytoplankton (165.8-293.6%) and phytoplankton size structure shifted towards larger cells (>3 µm).Metabarcoding sequencing, targeting prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, revealed the changes in community structure and co-occurrence network in response to dust addition. Dust induced a shift from dinoflagellate dominance toward diatom dominance in phytoplankton, and favored members of Cercozoa, Labyrinthulomycetes and Saprospirae, which showed positive correlation with diatom. Temporal response patterns among taxa were categorized into five clusters, and collectively pointed to a more sensitive microeukaryotic community than prokaryotic one in response to dust. The community turnover during the incubation was dominated by moderate taxa with 55.71-62.26% moderate OTUs transitioning to abundant or rare taxa, and dust addition stimulated the transitions of rare taxa. Moreover, biotic factors shaped planktonic microbiome more than abiotic factors, particularly the cross-domain interaction significantly affected microeukaryotic community. Notably, dust addition enhanced the co-occurrence network complexity, with the number of keystone taxa increased, suggesting more interspecies interactions were induced by dust. With integrated analysis, our findings highlight the differential sensitivity of planktonic microbiome to dust deposition and the effects could pass on other organisms through interspecies interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall filtration process is viewed from a new perspective: There is a continuous, systematic change in the structure of the active deposition zone of a given filter layer, here as the so‐called active filtering layer. During the overall filtration process, the filtering layer is transformed from the initial clean filter medium, via continuous particle deposition under the given filtration conditions, to a new, dynamically preserved stable porous structure, i.e. the active deposition zone on the upstream side of the dust cake. Based on 3D simulations of cake formation on model filters for fabric filters, 1D deposition profiles during the continuous filtration process are evaluated and converted into a dimensionless form, to describe the structural changes in the filtering layer. The stable 1D deposition profile during the phase of surface filtration can be well described with a logistic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichodesmium plays a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean. A complex interplay of physicochemical factors control the growth of Trichodesmium. However, owing to the large spatial and temporal variability, the relative influence of these factors in controlling Trichodesmium distribution and abundance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the basin‐scale distribution pattern of Trichodesmium in the upper 200 m water column of the Atlantic Ocean (25°N–30°S and 70°W–20°E) using a large data set (n = 33,235) and tried to constrain the distribution based on various physicochemical parameters. We suggest that the combined effect of warm temperatures and phosphate (PO43−) availability determines the zonal spatial extent and the abundance of Trichodesmium in the Tropical North Atlantic Ocean. However, the availability of dissolved iron, along with high sea surface temperatures and meteorological parameters such as the wind direction and precipitation, likely govern the meridional distribution of Trichodesmium across the Atlantic Ocean. Excess PO43− at the surface rules out the possibility of PO43− limitation in regulating the meridional distribution of the Trichodesmium. Depth‐integrated nitrogen fixation rates, based on a multiple linear regression, vary from 0.07 to 306 μmol N m−2 d−1. The presence of Trichodesmium colonies down to a depth of 200 m and the depth‐integrated nitrogen fixation rates reflect the pivotal role of Trichodesmium in the nitrogen budget of this region. Plain Language Summary: Microbial nitrogen fixation is the key to carbon sequestration in the ocean. Trichodesmium, being the ubiquitous nitrogen fixing microbe in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean, contributes significantly to nitrogen inputs. Limited availability of data, however, restricts our understanding of environmental parameters in controlling the distribution and abundance of Trichodesmium. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using large‐scale field‐based data of Trichodesmium abundance to investigate the role of various physical, chemical, and meteorological parameters on the distribution and abundance of Trichodesmium along the zonal and meridional transects of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean. We conclude that Trichodesmium distribution is governed by a complex interplay of environmental factors. Along the zonal transect, Trichodesmium abundance is primarily governed by the availability of PO43− and high sea surface temperatures. Conversely, the inter‐hemispheric variability seems to be influenced by dust deposition (a proxy for iron inputs) and high sea surface temperatures. Furthermore, our estimation of high modeled depth‐integrated nitrogen fixation rates based on Trichodesmium underscores its crucial role in the nitrogen budget. These findings provide valuable insight into the role of environmental factors driving Trichodesmium abundance and its significance toward the global nitrogen budget. Key Points: Trichodesmium distribution across the east‐west continuum in the Tropical North Atlantic Ocean is governed by the availability of phosphate and elevated sea surface temperaturesThe interhemispheric variability in Trichodesmium distribution in the Atlantic Ocean is regulated by the cumulative effect of high temperature and dust depositionTrichodesmium niche may have been overlooked in the past, potentially leading to underestimation of associated N2 fixation rates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the efficacy of applying a Lorentz force to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system featuring a finned duct, while also addressing challenges associated with dust accumulation. The magnetic field helps to prevent nanoparticle aggregation, enhancing the cooling process. The use of a finned duct combined with a nanofluid as the cooling medium efficiently dissipates excess heat from the silicon layer. Dust accumulation on the glass layer reduces transmissivity, negatively impacting system performance. The magnetic field's interaction with the nanoparticles enhances convective cooling of the upper layer, leading to an overall improvement in performance. Increased pumping power results in higher cooling rates, with improvements of approximately 3.48 % in thermal efficiency (ηth), 75.01 % in thermoelectric generator efficiency (ηTEG), and 39.37 % in photovoltaic efficiency (ηPV). An increase in the Hartmann number (Ha) improves ηth by about 1.87 %, with corresponding enhancements in electrical performance components. A higher concentration of ferrofluid further boosts performance, with the effect being roughly 1.7 times more significant in the absence of MHD compared to when Ha = 97. Dust presence decreases ηth, ηTEG, and ηPV by approximately 9.39 %, 8.55 %, and 25.77 %, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of Ha diminishes the influence of Vin on ηth by around 1.33 %.

In current work, the productivity of a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) unit impacted by dust accumulation was improved using magnetic force. The magnetic force was implemented to a cooling duct with Y-shaped fins, while solar irradiation was included as heat sources in the equations. Dust effects were simulated by adjusting the optical properties. The addition of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) layer boosted the electrical output. The cooling fluid was a homogeneous water and iron oxide mixture. Dust accumulation led to a 9.3 % drop in thermal performance, but the use of magnetic force enhanced electrical efficiency. Higher concentrations of additives improved system performance, with a maximum gain of 15.88 % at the highest inlet velocity (Vinlet). Increasing Vinlet further improved thermal efficiency (ηth) by 10.96 %, photovoltaic efficiency (ηPV) by 1.16 %, and thermoelectric efficiency (ηTE) by 33.53 %. Moreover, the application of Lorentz force increased isothermal uniformity by approximately 5.91 %

We quantify the effect of dust accumulation at Jezero crater by means of a Dust Correction Factor (DCF) for the solar radiation measured by the photodiodes of the Radiation and Dust Sensor of the Mars 2020 mission. After one Mars Year, dust on the photodiode surface attenuated 25%–30% of the incoming solar radiation. The DCF did not decrease monotonically; we use a model to reproduce its evolution and to derive dust deposition and lifting rates, showing that dust removal is 9 times larger at Jezero crater than at InSight's location in western Elysium Planitia. The model fit obtained using observed opacities is further improved when fed with dust sedimentation rates simulated by a GCM that considers a particle size distrtibution. Projections show seasonal net dust removal, being encouraging for the long‐term survival of solar‐powered missions to Jezero or similarly active dust lifting regions. Plain Language Summary: Dust is ubiquitous in the Martian atmosphere, accumulating on both natural and artificial surfaces. Dust particularly affects the performance and lifetime of missions: the termination of InSight and MER‐B operations are recent examples. Dust accumulation shows a seasonal behavior, and attenuated 25%–30% of the incoming solar radiation on Perseverance after the first Mars Year of the mission. Dust removal is almost 10 times larger than at InSight's location: projections indicate that surfaces at Jezero will be periodically partially cleaned. The estimations of the effect of the accumulated dust as a function of time are encouraging for solar‐powered missions to regions with similar amounts of dust lifting, which might be determined from orbital data on where dust storms originate, dust devils or their tracks are found, or seasonal albedo changes are noted. In addition, the quantification of the effect of accumulated enables future studies requiring more accurate knowledge of incoming solar radiation at the surface. Key Points: We present the evolution of dust accumulation at Jezero crater for more than one Mars YearWe derive dust deposition and removal rates: removal is 9 times more efficient than at the InSight location in western Elysium PlanitiaProjections show that surfaces at Jezero will experience seasonal net dust removal, encouraging solar‐powered missions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the deposition rates (Td) of mineral aeolian sediments in a forest patch in the semiarid Pampas agroecosystem and to analyze the seasonal variability of such deposition. The average Td was 520.15 kg ha-1 year-1 with high interannual variability. In spring-summer, Td was higher than in autumn-winter. Air temperature and average maximum wind speed influenced Td more significantly. However, the soil cover and management of the agricultural fields surrounding the forest would determine the production of sediment from wind erosion and consequent deposition within the forest. These results show the importance of maintaining forest patches within the agricultural matrix in the semi-arid environment, since they retain eolian sediments that would eventually be deposited on the forest soil, minimizing the negative impacts of wind erosion processes on these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road transport and traffic congestion significantly contribute to dust pollution, which negatively impacts the growth of roadside plants in urban areas. This study aims to quantify the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and analyze the impacts of dust deposition on different plant species and trees planted along a busy urban roadside in Lahore, Pakistan by considering seasonal variations. The APTI of each species is determined based on inputs of various biochemical parameters (leaf extract pH, ascorbic acid content, relative water content, and total chlorophyll levels), including dust deposition. In this study, laboratory analysis techniques are employed to assess these factors in selected plant species such as Mangifera indica, Saraca asoca, Cassia fistula, and Syzygium cumini. A statistical analysis is conducted to understand the pairwise correlation between various parameters and the APTI at significant and non-significant levels. Additionally, uncertainties in the inputs and APTI are addressed through a probabilistic analysis using the Monte Carlo simulation method. This study unveils seasonal variations in key parameters among selected plant species. Almost all biochemical parameters exhibit higher averages during the rainy season, followed by the summer and winter. Conversely, dust deposition on plants follows an inverse trend, with values ranging from 0.19 to 4.8 g/cm2, peaking during winter, notably in Mangifera indica. APTI values, ranging from 9.39 to 14.75, indicate varying sensitivity levels across species, from sensitive (Syzygium cumini) to intermediate tolerance (Mangifera indica). Interestingly, plants display increased tolerance during regular traffic hours, reflecting a 0.9 to 5% difference between the APTI at peak and regular traffic hours. Moreover, a significant negative correlation (−0.86 at p < 0.05 level) between APTI values and dust deposition suggests a heightened sensitivity to pollutants during the winter. These insights into the relationship between dust pollution and plant susceptibility will help decision makers in the selection of resilient plants for urban areas and improve air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study aims to track the changes in electrical properties and energy behavior of two technically identical photovoltaic modules of the RAGGIE type (RG-M165W model) under different operating conditions. The first is the reference photovoltaic module, while the second is the targeted photovoltaic module. Both modules were tested under the same climatic conditions in the Algerian region of El-Oued. Numerous practical experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effect of using a solar tracking system (a horizontal single-axis tracking system manually moved from east to west), changing the tilt angle of the photovoltaic modules, and the cleanliness of the effective photovoltaic module area on their productivity. The study results showed a convergence between experimental and theoretical results. The optimal tilt angle of the photovoltaic modules in El-Oued during the study days is 33°, and any inaccurate selection of this angle results in an efficiency loss of 19.31 %. Additionally, manually tracking the solar path improved the photovoltaic module efficiency by 1.63 %. A decrease in energy productivity by 34.68 % was recorded due to dust deposition of 14.5 g.m−2. Economically, it was shown that installing a photovoltaic system consisting of 14 RAGGIE modules can feed a typical Algerian house with 136.6 MWh over 25 years, with a Levelized Cost of Energy of $0.037/kWh, and the CO2 mitigation is 59.15 tons with a saving of $858.

Soil loss due to wind erosion and dust deposition has become a growing concern, particularly in arid regions like Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess soil loss and dust deposition using three different dust collection methods across 20 sites during the summer of 2022. The methods include Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE), which measures airborne dust particles using passive samplers; Surface Dust Collector (SDC), designed to collect dust settling on the ground surface; and Marble Dust Collector (MDCO), which utilizes marble-coated surfaces to trap and measure dust deposition. These methods collectively provide a comprehensive evaluation of dust dynamics in the study area. The objective was to evaluate the effects of wind erosion and dust deposition on soil properties, offering insights into the mechanisms of soil loss in arid environments. The study revealed significant variations in soil characteristics, including low organic matter content (− (211.58 meq kg⁻1) and Na⁺ (165.98 meq kg⁻1). July showed the highest dust deposition (0.0133 ton ha−1), particularly at site S11, while soil loss was lowest at site S5. This research offers novel insights into the nonlinear relationship between soil loss and time, contributing to sustainable soil management strategies. By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the findings underscore the need to mitigate soil loss to enhance environmental sustainability, prevent desertification, and promote long-term resilience in arid regions.

The study investigates dust management at the Albert Ilemobade library, The Federal University of Technology Akure. Dust deposition and accumulation poses a major challenge for the university library as all the units, sections, and divisions are affected. Dust not only adversely affects all materials, equipment, and facilities including books, audiovisual collections, and computers, but also constitutes a health hazard to library personnel and users. Major sources of dust include visitor activities and infiltration through openings like windows and doors. Dust mats, special computer enclosures, dusters, dust blowers, and respiratory masks were made available for dust protection and management in the library. The library lacked equipment like High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters and dust collection, and suppressions systems. Lack of awareness and training, inadequate funding, and lack of equipment were identified as the challenges to dust management in the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately evaluating dust deposition characteristics on photovoltaic modules is vital for improving power generation prediction and formulating cleaning cycles. This study analyzed the composition and size characteristics of dust collected from a solar photovoltaic power station in the Kubuqi Desert. Relationships were established among dust density, solar cell output parameters, actual radiation intensity, and spectral transmittance through experiments. Based on this, a monitoring model for dust deposition on PV modules was proposed and validated in the laboratory. Results showed that the composition and particle size of dust deposited on PV modules did not significantly differ across various areas of the station.Under the same dust deposited density, spectral transmittance exponentially decayed with increased dust density, with shorter wavelengths being more affected. Operating current loss accurately reflected dust deposition compared to other output parameters. The proposed monitoring model achieved 94% accuracy in reflecting the degree of dust deposition. This study provides theoretical support for intelligent operation schemes of solar PV power generation stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar power generation has great development potential as an abundant and clean energy source. However, many factors affect the efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) module; among these factors, outdoor PV modules are inevitably affected by stains, thus reducing the power generation efficiency of the PV panel. This paper proposes a framework for PV module stain detection based on UAV hyperspectral images (HSIs). The framework consists of two stain detection methods: constrained energy minimization (CEM)-based and orthogonal subspace projection (OSP)-based stain detection methods. Firstly, the contaminated PV modules are analyzed and processed to enhance the data's analytical capability. Secondly, based on the known spectral signature of the PV module, stain detection methods are proposed, including CEM-based stain detection and OSP-based stain detection for PV modules. The experimental results on real data illustrate that, in comparison with contrasting methods, the proposed method achieves stain detection results that closely align with known stain percentages. Additionally, it exhibits a fitting curve similar to the more maturely developed electroluminescence-based methods currently in use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key factor, it is vital to mathematically model the electrical efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems. This paper investigates the efficient modeling of a 2.5 kW grid-connected PV system, located in Mahan, Kerman, Iran, with respect to different factors like solar radiation, humidity, dust deposition, temperature, and shading. For this aim, different nonlinear models are considered and a curvefitting approach is used to optimally determine the unknown parameters. Over the case study, simulation results show that when the dust deposition is not included in the modeling (solar radiation, ambient temperature, cell temperature, humidity, and shading as inputs), the third-degree polynomial model leads to more accurate result than the other models. By use of the third-degree polynomial model, the value of root mean square error (RMSE) for train and test data sets is obtained 0.0123 and 0.0109, respectively. In this case, the average RMSE value is 0.0116. On the other hand, when dust impact is included in the modeling (solar radiation, ambient temperature, humidity, and number of dusty days as inputs), the accuracy of the exponential model is more than the other ones. In this case, the value of RMSE for both train and test data sets is obtained 0.0018. Sensitivity analysis shows that the system efficiency depends mainly on the radiation, cell temperature, and dust and less on the humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion efficiency, power production, and cost of PV panels' energy are remarkably impacted by external factors including temperature, wind, humidity, dust aggregation, and induction characteristics of the PV system such as tilt angle, altitude, and orientation. One of the prominent elements affecting PV panel performance and capability is dust. Nonetheless, dust features including size, shape, type, etc. are geologically known. Several mitigation methods have been studied for the reduction of dust concentration on the exterior face of the PV modules. The outcomes have demonstrated that dust concentration and pollutants remarkably affect the PV panel energy production. This paper reviews the recently developed research on the outcomes of the dust effect on PV panels in different locations and meets the needs of future research on this subject. Moreover, different cleaning methods that could be advantageous for future researchers in opting for the most applicable technique for dust removal are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photovoltaic modules are mostly installed outdoors, exposing them to different conditions. These conditions significantly affect their performance. One of the most influential factors on photovoltaic modules is the soiling phenomenon from dust deposition. Dust deposition on the surface of the modules causes transmittance loss. Some studies in different parts of the world have tried to find mathematical correlations between particulate deposition and transmittance. These correlations are a function of dust characteristics and environmental factors. This study proposes a new methodology to mathematically combine the photovoltaic model and transmittance loss correlations. The proposed model could examine and predict the effect of soiling on photovoltaic modules' performance. Three photovoltaic modules with different capacities are selected. Using the proposed model, they are modeled by assuming clean and dirty photovoltaic surfaces depending on the installation conditions. This study is based on actual data from the center of Tehran, located at 35° 41′ north latitude and 51° 23′ east longitude for 12 months in the year 2020. The module's performance was investigated in the presence of dust. The presented results are validated by comparing them with other studies. The results show that the soiling effect is not dependent on the modules' capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the responses of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen dynamics to Holocene climate and environment in permafrost peatlands and/or wetlands might serve as analogues for future scenarios, and they can help predict the fate of the frozen SOC and nitrogen under a warming climate. To date, little is known about these issues on the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau (QTP). Here, we investigated the accumulations of SOC and nitrogen in a permafrost wetland on the northeastern QTP, and analyzed their links with Holocene climatic and environmental changes. In order to do so, we studied grain size, soil organic matter, SOC, and nitrogen contents, bulk density, geochemical parameters, and the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dating of the 216-cm-deep wetland profile. SOC and nitrogen contents revealed a general uptrend over last 7300 years. SOC stocks for depths of 0–100 and 0–200 cm were 50.1 and 79.0 kgC m−2, respectively, and nitrogen stocks for the same depths were 4.3 and 6.6 kgN m−2, respectively. Overall, a cooling and drying trend for regional climate over last 7300 years was inferred from the declining chemical weathering and humidity index. Meanwhile, SOC and nitrogen accumulated rapidly in 1110–720 BP, while apparent accumulation rates of SOC and nitrogen were much lower during the other periods of the last 7300 years. Consequently, we proposed a probable conceptual framework for the concordant development of syngenetic permafrost and SOC and nitrogen accumulations in alpine permafrost wetlands. This indicates that, apart from controls of climate, non-climate environmental factors, such as dust deposition and site hydrology, matter to SOC and nitrogen accumulations in permafrost wetlands. We emphasized that environmental changes driven by climate change have important impacts on SOC and nitrogen accumulations in alpine permafrost wetlands. This study could provide data support for regional and global estimates of SOC and nitrogen pools and for global models on carbon‒climate interactions that take into account of alpine permafrost wetlands on the northeastern QTP at mid-latitudes.

A novel experimental method for power efficiency loss is presented in this paper. It is used to quantitatively determine the impact of dust deposition on the PV power generation panel. To determine the selection range of unknown parameters in the experiment process, a photovoltaic panel with five collected dust samples (Toner (C), Soil, Cement (CaO, SiO4), Gypsum (Ca2SO4.2H2O), and Sand (AL2O3, SiO4)) is designed. According to experimental results, the extinction coefficient for the five pollutants are recorded. Eventually, the impact of dusts on the results is proofed by repeating in two continuous days of same conditions. The results show that the proposed process has a high effect on the reduction of output power (62% to 96%), decrease of irradiance (34% to 93%) and increase of output power due to increase of tilt angle as a doubling of power except toner. The experimental and calculated results are in agreement. The results show that non-uniform distribution of dust deposit pollutants on the photovoltaic panel significantly reduces the power output.Received: 09 January 2023 Accepted: 06 February 2023Published: 16 February 2023

The energy efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) panel is greatly influenced by the dust deposition, especially in a PV plant covering a wide area. However, hitherto there has been a lack of a real-time measurement technique for the dust deposition degree. To solve this problem, in this paper, some evaluation indicators are defined, and then a real-time evaluation strategy is proposed. In order to calculate these indicators, a method and three simplification methods based on some established equations (or equation sets) are proposed to obtain the equation solution for the irradiance. This solved data is compared with the irradiance directly measured by the sensor, so the dust deposition degree can be successfully evaluated. Finally, some simulations and experiments verify the feasibility, availability and workability of the proposed irradiance solution methods and the designed evaluation strategy. The simulation and experiment results show that the errors of the solved irradiance values are always less than 2.5%. Meanwhile, these results also show that the real-time dust deposition degree can be successfully characterized by the defined indicators in this evaluation strategy, even if it is compared with other work. Therefore, this work is very beneficial to judge the energy efficiency of the PV system and plan the cleaning schedule of the PV panel.

The utilization of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation represents a highly promising technological solution for addressing environmental challenges and energy crises. Dust deposition on the front and back surfaces of solar bifacial PV panels greatly decreases the optical performance and power generation. In this study, the dust deposition characteristics and mechanism of solar bifacial PV panels are investigated using the CFD–DEM method. The effects of the dust deposition rate on the output characteristics of bifacial PV panels are discussed. The research results show that the particle deposition behaviors on the back and front surfaces of bifacial PV panels are influenced by the deposition and separation forces at the left or right inlets. The dust deposition rate of windward surfaces can be 1.48–7.60 times that of the leeward surfaces of bifacial PV panels. The particle motion trajectories on the windward and leeward sides can be mainly divided into five and three kinds, respectively. The dust deposition rate of bifacial PV panels increases when the air inlet velocity decreases and the particle size and concentration and relative humidity increase. The open circuit voltage and short circuit current of bifacial PV panels decreased by 26.7% and 16.4%, respectively, when the dust deposition rate increases by 45.8%. The attenuation rate of the maximum output power of PV panels has a positive linear correlation with the dust deposition rate, as shown in Eq. 22. The bifacial PV panels have better output characteristics than the mono-facial PV panels with consideration of dust deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most significant sources of microplastics (MPs) for humans is indoor dust. However, very few researchers have studied the properties and abundance of MPs that existed in dust from different indoor environments. The current study investigated microplastic fallout in 90 locations (5 kindergartens, 6 mosques, 5 schools, 10 shops, 5 cafeterias, 6 hospitals, 25 dormitories, 7 barber salons, 6 offices, 5 scientific laboratories, 5 pharmacies, and 5 medical clinics) during six months. Among the ninety sampling sites, the most significant average of MPs was actually found in the kindergartens (4.743×103 ± 427 MP/m2 /d), in contrast, the lowest abundance was in the medical clinics (3.02×102 ± 62 MP/m2/d). The majority of indoor dust samples contained MPs in the form of fibers. The dominant colour of dust samples was transparent, followed by black, red, blue, green, and yellow. A total of six types of polymers were identified, including polystyrene (PS, 39%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 20%), polypropylene (PP, 17%), polyethylene (PE, 13), polyamide (PA, 7%) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 3%). PS, PET, and PP represent most of the MPs polymer types discovered in indoor dust samples from various locations. These polymers are frequently used in fabrics, furniture, carpets, packaging, and synthetic fibers. Statistical analysis was performed on the results using Excel 2019. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in each site with the other sites, except between (schools and mosques), (pharmacies, and medical clinics). The similarity between these sites in terms of people's activity or in terms of furniture, the lack of carpets and curtains could explain the insignificant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growth in the global cumulative installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity, the efficiency of PV panels is greatly reduced due to dust accumulation and soiling. To enhance this efficiency, consideration must be given to the factors that affect dust deposition ranging from panel configuration to weather conditions. This research aims to determine which of those factors contribute significantly to dust accumulation and model this behavior. Numerical experiments were performed to study those factors based on a planned Design of Experiments (DOE). Dust particle size, dust amount, wind speed, wind direction, and the solar panel tilt angle are the five factors examined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Statistical and regression analyses were then used to determine the most significant factors and model their effect on the deposition rate. Results revealed that the dust diameter, panel tilt angle, and wind speed influence the deposition rate the most. Dust diameter is positively correlated to the dust deposition rate. Larger dust particles have a lower deposition rate as the wind velocity increases. In addition, smaller dust particles will always give the lowest dust deposition rate irrespective of the tilt angle. It was also seen that the maximum dust deposition rate occurs at a panel's tilt angle of approximately 50 deg regardless of the wind speed or the dust particle size. The developed mathematical model shows the factors contributing to soiling and panel efficiency reduction over exposure time. This model can be used further to optimize panel cleaning frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous factors affect how well a solar PV system performs, and continuous monitoring of these parameters while it is in operation is necessary to suggest improvements and attain peak optimum performance. This study examines the impacts of irradiance, cell temperature, wind velocity, water cooling, and dust deposition are examined on a 50W PV module in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Experimental results suggest that the preferred wind velocity and water flow rate for the PV panel's top surface cooling were around 5 m/s and 0.0045 m3/min (0.113 m3/min per m2 of panel area), respectively. The cooling system's water circulation at 0.0045 m3/min boosted the PV panels' output power, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency by 20.47%, 12%, and 37.5%, respectively, at 730–780 W/m2 irradiation. The dust deposition of the PV panel reduced the power output to 21W from 46.81W (without dust) upon applying 42 gm of dust with a 0.29 mm particle size. Wind velocity (5 m/s) increases efficiency from 14.8% to 16.5%. The findings of this study may be useful to investors and policy makers in helping them to take right actions to minimize losses associated with the effects these operational and environmental factors.

This work discusses the numerical investigation of dust deposition behaviour on solar PV panels. Moreover, installing vortex generators (VGs) as a passive cleaning method on the PV panels is introduced and analysed. Multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to predict the influence of VGs on both the air flow fields and the dust deposition on the basis of the environmental properties of Cairo, Egypt. The dust deposition reduction is predicted for different dust particle sizes and for different VGs sizes to find the optimum VG size that causes the highest reduction. It is found that installing VGs is effective for dust particles that are smaller than 50 µm. The results show that installing VGs will result in a deposition reduction of about 35%. It is concluded that installing VGs is effective in reducing the dust deposition when wind direction is from north, south, east, or west.