Numerical modeling of particle motion in traveling wave solar panels cleaning device

• Published in: Journal of electrostatics Vol. 110; p. 103552
• Main Authors: Zouaghi, Ayyoub, Zouzou, Noureddine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Dielectric particles; Displacement velocity; Electric field; Electrostatic forces; Engineering Sciences; Motion modes; Numerical modeling; Traveling wave; Numerical modeling; Electrostatic forces; Electric field; Motion modes; Traveling wave; Dielectric particles; Displacement velocity
• ISSN: 0304-3886; 1873-5738
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elstat.2021.103552

One of the promising solutions of dust accumulation on solar panels consists of using electric potential waves to prevent dust adhesion and to remove the dust layer. This study aims to understand the particle motion mechanisms on an electrostatic traveling wave conveyor. Understanding the effect of the operating parameters on particle trajectories and displacement distance is an essential step to improve the efficiency of this device and to understand the factors that can limit its performance. A numerical model that takes into account Coulomb force, dielectrophoretic, and image forces, but also gravity, drag force, and van der Waals adhesion force is carried out. The effect of rotating electric field, frequency, and electric potential harmonics on the particle trajectories and their characteristics are analyzed and discussed. The results reveal that the particles move according to four main movement modes. The frequency is a key parameter to control particle velocity and displacement. A hyper-synchronous movement during which the particles reach velocities much higher than the propagation velocity of the traveling wave has been obtained under certain conditions. •Numerical modeling of the particles motion in electrostatic traveling waves.•Study of the effect of the frequency and the spatial harmonics on the particles motion .•Consideration of the drag force, gravity force, Coulomb force, dielectrophoretic force, image force, and Van der Waals force.•Study of the displacement distance, velocity, and the trajectory of the particle.•Recommandations to improve the particle displacement efficiency for solar panels cleaning application.