Optimizing solar panel placement on mine spoil heaps: Aerodynamic approach to dust deposition minimization

Vadym Shchokin¹, Viktoriia Tkachuk², Roman Makareiko²

¹Scientific Research Mining Institute, Kryvyi Rih National University, Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine

²Kryvyi Rih National University, Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine

Min. miner. depos. 2026, 20(3): 43-52

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining20.03.043

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. The research aims to substantiate the possibility of optimizing solar panel placement on mine spoil heaps, accounting for aerodynamic dust transport processes, thereby minimizing dust deposition on module surfaces and enhancing energy generation efficiency.

      Methods. The study employs numerical modelling of turbulent airflow using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model in ANSYS Fluent, discrete modelling of dust particle deposition trajectories using Discrete Phase Model (DPM), field measurements of dust deposition intensity at test sites, and parametric optimization of the geometric characteristics of solar panel placement.

      Findings. The optimal tilt angle for solar panels was determined to be 28-32°, reducing dust deposition by 18-25% due to enhanced near-surface shear flow. The recommended inter-row spacing-to-panel height ratio was set at S/H ≥ 2.5 to minimize stagnation zones. Orienting rows at 10-15° deviation from the prevailing wind direction reduces dust deposition by 12-18%. Model validation showed that the discrepancy between the model predictions and experimental data ranged from 12 to 18%.

      Originality. For the first time, a CFD-DPM methodology has been specifically adapted and validated for the aerodynamic and geomorphological conditions of mine spoil heaps, incorporating their complex terrain geometry, multi-source dust emissions, and regional wind rose data to optimize solar panel placement.

      Practical implications. The developed methodology determines the rational parameters for solar panel placement on mine spoil heaps, reducing annual productivity losses due to dust soiling by 5-8%. The results can be applied to spoil heap reclamation and to the design of solar power plants at industrial sites with elevated dust levels.

      Keywords: solar panels; mine spoil heaps; surface soiling; aerodynamic optimization; CFD modelling; renewable energy

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