DUST PARTICLES RAISE COSTS AT WIND AND SOLAR FARMS

From reduced energy harvested from your equipment to safety hazards for your employees, you can’t afford not to effectively control dust. Midwest is the leader in holistic wind and solar farm dust control solutions.

EFFECTIVE DUST CONTROL REQUIRES A CUSTOMIZED PROGRAM

Midwest comes alongside you to develop a program specific to your site – then we test it, to make sure it works.

There are plenty of products you can buy on the market for solar or wind farm dust control. But at Midwest, we believe that the product is only 40% of effectively eliminating dust. The other 60% comes from having a customized application strategy carried out by specialists with decades of experience.

Midwest is a pioneer in creating dust control applications for a wide range of functions and industries. For nearly half a century, we have combined cutting-edge chemistry with deep application expertise.

When you work with us, we’ll get to know you and your site’s specific needs. Then, after application, we’ll track the results. This will give you definitive proof that your solar or wind farm dust control program is working for you, to save money and reduce risks.

THE PROBLEM: HOW DUST SUCKS THE PROFIT OUT OF YOUR SOLAR OR WIND FARM

Dust can have an extreme effect on your operations. Constant reapplication of water or other short-term palliatives rack up product, equipment and labor costs. Dust particles can cause damage to equipment and vehicles and create health issues for employees. And failing to meet strict environmental, health and safety regulations can bring heavy fines and operational interruption.

Watering programs cost more and are less effective than most realize
Constant reapplication can use up to 100,000 gallons per year. Labor and equipment are poorly allocated and utilized.
Dust particles create health and safety risks to your people – from respiratory illnesses to visibility challenges
Pain, difficulty breathing, aggravated asthma, bronchitis and even cardiovascular problems can arise from excessive airborne particles.1 [1] Health risks: https://www.ourair.org/wp-content/uploads/facts-ag-dust.pdf
Dust particles cause wear and tear on vehicles
Necessitates costly maintenance and replacement/repair.
Excessive watering erodes particulate matter from road surfaces
Erosion of fines leaves loose aggregate. This causes rutting, potholes and eventually the complete breakdown of the road. Requires regular re-blading and material replacement.
Temporary palliatives, like chlorides, are short-lived and can cause other problems
Chlorides cause corrosion to metal and, like many other palliative products, are harmful to the environment. Regular reapplication also increases product, equipment and labor costs.
Out-of-control dust violates various environmental, health and safety regulations
Results in heavy fines and interruption of operations.

Add up the extra costs – then find out how Midwest can save you money.

We know the costs of bad solar or wind farm dust control. It hurts your profit margin, damages your assets and threatens the health of your people. Work with Midwest, the leader in long-term, effective dust control, to improve the economics of your wind or solar farm – and literally see the benefits for years to come.

(To learn more about solar or wind farm dust control, check out this article.)

DUST REDUCES THE ENERGY YOUR TURBINES AND PANELS CAN HARNESS

On top of all the other costs you are now on the watch for, dust can literally steal the very product you sell: energy. Dust has a disabling effect on wind turbines and solar panels, reducing the amount of energy they can produce. Regular cleaning can help, but especially on wind turbines, cleaning and maintenance is expensive.

IMPACT OF POOR WIND FARM DUST CONTROL

Two academic studies have found that dust particles can have a dramatic effect on the functionality and longevity of wind turbine blades. Particulate matter can gouge the surface of the blades, causing coating erosion and corrosion damage. It also creates a rougher surface on the blade, damaging the aerodynamic shape. This results in the blade becoming less effective at harnessing energy.2,3

Midwest can significantly reduce both the particulate matter causing these damages (by up to 90%) and the instances where expensive repairs are needed, achieving effective wind farm dust control.

[2] Fiore, G., & Selig, M. S. (2015). Simulation of Damage for Wind Turbine Blades Due to Airborne Particles. Wind Engineering, Vol. 39(4), pp. 399-418.
[3] Koliub, A. M., & Khalfallah, M. G. (2007). Effect of dust on the performance of wind turbines. Desalination, Vol. 209, pp. 209-220.
IMPACT OF POOR SOLAR FARM DUST CONTROL

When dust particles get on the surface of your solar panels, they block sunlight from reaching the solar cells. This may not seem like it would have a big impact, but according to the National Renewable Energy laboratory, power loss can be as high as 25% in some areas. Dealers have even reported losses as high as 30% for customers who never cleaned their panels.4

Midwest can significantly reduce your power loss with effective solar farm dust control. Our customized solutions have been proven to eliminate as much as 90% of dust. Not only will this provide you more power per unit, it will also reduce your cleaning efforts and costs.

[4] Dust on solar panels: http://www.solar-facts-and-advice.com/solar-panel-cleaning.html
THE MIDWEST PROCESS: A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SOLAR AND WIND FARM DUST CONTROL

At Midwest we combine cutting-edge chemistry with expert application for results that you can track – on your roads and your bottom line. Our four-step process ensures data-driven, cost-effective solar and wind farm dust control.

Step 1: Investigate

Our technicians, soil experts and chemists investigate your site to get to know your soil type, site layout and traffic flows and any other relevant data. Meanwhile, we learn about your business, gaining an understanding for your specific needs and objectives.

Step 2: Formulate

After gathering all relevant information, we work with you to formulate a plan that takes into consideration all of the specific details of your site. This includes product and application rate recommendations as well as establishing a multi-stage budget. Your site plan can stretch over the next three to five years; this allows your investment to be allocated in a cost-effective manner.

Step 3: Application

This is the application stage. We can handle the application ourselves, or, if you prefer to use your own equipment and people, we will supply the product.

Step 4: Track

Finally, we record and track everything. We’ll keep an eye on performance metrics over the course of your program to ensure everything is going according to plan. We’ll be able to demonstrate progress, showcase cost-savings and justify your investment.

WANT MORE COST-EFFECTIVE ENERGY PRODUCTION WITH LESS DUST? FILL OUT THE FORM TO BEGIN THE PROCESS