Effect of Surface Charge on the Efficiency of Electrodynamic Dust Shield Prototypes

Bing Guo, Benjamin W. Figgis, Chufan Zhou, Wasim Javed, Chang Yu Wu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this study, two standalone weather-resistant EDS prototypes were tested in the laboratory to investigate the effect of surface charge on dust removal efficiency. Dust was deposited using a sieve deposition method, and a micro-photomicrography method was used to quantify the dust removal efficiency of the prototypes at various locations on the EDS surface, after a single activation of the EDS, also known as the single-operation mode. Both "dry clean" and "wet clean" were used to prepare the EDS surface prior to each experimental run. The method of cleaning prior to the experiment affected the dust removal efficiency, apparently because the different cleaning actions led to different conditions of surface charge. Dry clean resulted EDS efficiency than was only 1/3 that of wet clean. Meanwhile, dry clean left more than twice as much negative charge on the EDS surface as wet clean, measured at 6 min after the cleaning action. This laboratory study shows the effect of surface charge on EDS efficiency, and it can be used to explain the location dependence of dust removal efficiency observed in the field study. Further research is needed to better understand the role of surface charge in the performance of EDS and potentially improve the technology.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE 46th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages2879-2882
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781728104942
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019
Event46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019 - Chicago, United States
Duration: 16 Jun 201921 Jun 2019

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period16/06/1921/06/19

Keywords

  • electrodynamic dust shield
  • field test
  • mitigation
  • soiling loss

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