Advances in wind-sand effect on desert photovoltaic modules and their impact on power generation efficiency

Desert photovoltaic (PV) modules are constantly subjected to wind-sand flow, leading to frequent wind-sand disasters that affect the operational safety and power generation efficiency of the modules. These disasters include surface erosion and deposition, dust accumulation, surface abrasion, and wind-sand-induced damage. However, current codes do not consider the impact of wind-sand flow on the operational safety and efficiency of PV modules, nor provide guidelines for sand-resistant design. This paper comprehensively reviews research on wind-sand flow characteristics, sand movement under PV array interference, net wind load, wind-sand load, and sand particle impact on PV modules, as well as dust accumulation, erosion and wear patterns, and the impact of wind-sand on power generation efficiency. It also summarizes key issues in existing research on wind-sand effects and power generation efficiency losses in desert PV modules. To achieve the development goal of high-performance desert PV power facilities, this paper proposes a research approach combining field measurements, wind-sand tunnel experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis, along with techniques such as piezoelectric sensors and scanning electron microscopy. It presents prospects for systematically studying wind-sand flow fields, wind-sand effects, power generation efficiency losses, and the development of anti-wind-sand design theories and measures for desert PV modules.