Simple solar spectral model for direct and diffuse irradiance on horizontal and tilted planes at the earth's surface for cloudless atmospheres

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5986936· OSTI ID:5986936

Bird, R; Riordan, C

A new, simple model for calculating clear-sky direct and diffuse spectral irradiance on horizontal and tilted surfaces is presented. The model is based on previously reported simple algorithms and on comparisons with rigorous radiative transfer calculations and limited outdoor measurements. Equations for direct normal irradiance are outlined; and include: Raleigh scattering; aerosol scattering and absorption; water vapor absorption; and ozone and uniformly mixed gas absorption. Inputs to the model include solar zenith angle, collector tilt angle, atmospheric turbidity, amount of ozone and precipitable water vapor, surface pressure, and ground albedo. The model calculates terrestrial spectra from 0.3 to 4.0 ..mu..m with approximately 10 nm resolution. A major goal of this work is to provide researchers with the capability to calculate spectral irradiance for different atmospheric conditions and different collector geometries using microcomputers. A listing of the computer program is provided.

• Research Organization: Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• OSTI ID: 5986936
• Report Number(s): SERI/TR-215-2436; ON: DE85002933
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140100* -- Solar Energy-- Resources & Availability
ABSORPTION
AEROSOLS
ALBEDO
COHERENT SCATTERING
COLLOIDS
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
COMPUTER CODES
DIFFUSE SOLAR RADIATION
DIRECT SOLAR RADIATION
DISPERSIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
RAYLEIGH SCATTERING
REFLECTIVITY
S CODES
SCATTERING
SOLAR FLUX
SOLAR RADIATION
SOLS
STELLAR RADIATION
SURFACE PROPERTIES