Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation for Studying the Trajectory of Dust Particle Approaching Solar Photovoltaic Panel

This research aims to investigate the impact of wind velocity on dust particle accumulation on solar panels, a significant factor influencing its efficiency and contributing to increased maintenance costs. The study focuses on analysing the motion of dust particles subjected to various forces, including gravitational force, buoyant force, drag force, wind force, and Van der Waals force. The analytical investigation involves studying particle motion under different wind speeds and directions. The Runge–Kutta method of order four is employed to solve the problem. The critical wind speeds and wind directions for which dust deposition has been observed on the PV panels are identified as (3.7 m/s, 40°), (4.4 m/s, 20°–50°), and (5.1–5.6 m/s, 10°–60°), there is high dust accumulation on the PV panels. Interestingly, at low wind speeds (1–2.6 m/s) and wind directions (0°–60°), particles tend to fall to the ground just before reaching the solar panel. This finding underscores the significance of wind conditions in determining the trajectory of dust particles and their potential impact on solar panel efficiency.