Numerical simulation analysis of dust deposition characteristics and effects on parabolic trough solar collector

Abstract

Desert regions are abundant in solar radiation, making them excellent locations for constructing parabolic trough solar thermal power plants. Nevertheless, the characteristic windy and dusty conditions of these areas pose significant risks to the structural stability and operational efficiency of parabolic trough solar collectors. In this study, airflow dynamics and dust deposition around parabolic trough solar collectors are analyzed through three-dimensional numerical simulations. The study shows that when the inclination angle is 90° or less, the dust deposition rate peaks at 3.83 % at a 45° angle, averaging an increase of 6.06 % for dust particles sized between 1 and 50 μm. In contrast, when the inclination exceeds 90°, the deposition rate curve becomes much flatter, with an average increase of only 0.93 %. Furthermore, the dust deposition rate on the collector's surface diminishes as wind speed increases, yet it escalates with increases in both wind angle and particle size. Correlation analysis indicates that the most significant factors influencing dust deposition, in descending order of impact, are particle size, wind angle, inclination angle, and wind speed, with correlation coefficients of 0.79, −0.16, 0.14 and −0.049, respectively. This study offers substantial support for the structural design and dust control measures in desert environments.