Wind-sand movement characteristics and erosion mechanism of a solar photovoltaic array in the middle of the Hobq Desert, Northwestern China

The operation and power generation of utility-scale solar energy infrastructure in desert areas are affected by changes in surface erosion processes resulting from the construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) power stations. However, few studies have addressed the interactions between solar PV arrays...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of mountain science 2021-05, Vol.18 (5), p.1340-1351
Main Authors: Tang, Guo-dong, Meng, Zhong-ju, Gao, Yong, Dang, Xiao-hong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arrays
Deceleration
Deserts
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Ecology
Environment
Erosion mechanisms
Exponential functions
Flow characteristics
Fluxes
Forces (mechanics)
Geography
Original Article
Panels
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaics
Power plants
Sand
Secondary flow
Sediment
Sediment transport
Sediments
Shear forces
Solar energy
Solar power
Stability
Transition zone
Vertical distribution
Wind erosion
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Summary:The operation and power generation of utility-scale solar energy infrastructure in desert areas are affected by changes in surface erosion processes resulting from the construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) power stations. However, few studies have addressed the interactions between solar PV arrays and aeolian erosion processes. In this study, wind flow field characteristics and the vertical distribution of sediments were investigated in the near-surface transport layer at three different locations with respect to the solar PV arrays in a 200 WM-p PV power station in the central Hobq Desert, northwestern China. The results indicate that the sediment transport varied around the panels, with the greatest transport occurring between the panels, followed by behind and in front of the panels. The sediment fluxes of all of the observation sites obey an exponential function. The secondary flow field zones formed around the PV panels: the conflux accelerating zone between the panels, the resistance decelerating zone of the under panels, and the transition zone of the rapid velocity increase in front of and behind the panels. This resulted in a greater shear force in front of the panels under the downward flow diversion effect of PV panels, and the wind erosion depressions were finally formed here. The results of this study provide information for planning better technical schemes for wind-sand hazards at solar PV power stations, which would ensure operational stability and safety in desert areas.
ISSN:1672-6316
1993-0321
1008-2786
DOI:10.1007/s11629-020-6273-2