Study on the Impact of Large-Scale Photovoltaic Systems on Key Surface Parameters in Desert Area Regions of Xinjiang, China

Junxia Jiang (), Huan Du, Huihui Yin and Hongbo Su
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Junxia Jiang: School of New Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Huan Du: School of New Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Huihui Yin: School of New Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Hongbo Su: School of New Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on critical surface parameters through analysis of observational data collected from a utility-scale PV power station located in Wujiaqu City, Xinjiang, in 2021. The results reveal that: (1) Installation of PV panels reduces surface albedo, which is significantly altered by dust storm conditions; (2) the installation of PV arrays increases the aerodynamic and thermal roughness length by increasing the frictional velocity across the mixed underlying surface; (3) the overall transport coefficients within the PV plant are higher than that of the reference site, with greater diurnal variation than nocturnal variation. The overall transport coefficient is highest in the unstable stratification conditions and lowest under stable stratification conditions; and (4) soil thermal property parameters exhibit seasonal variations. Significant changes in thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity were observed during spring thaw, high and fluctuating diffusivity in summer, and low and stable values in winter. The findings demonstrate that installing PV arrays in arid regions modifies surface energy balance and heat transfer characteristics. This provides a basis for optimizing PV station layouts and conducting climate impact assessments.

Keywords: photovoltaic power plant; surface albedo; roughness; overall transfer coefficient; soil thermal properties (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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