Solar Thermal Conversion
Solar Thermal Conversion
Solar Radiation
Sun Positions with respect to Earth
Sun Positions with respect to Earth
The Solar Constant
The solar constant Gsc is the energy from the sun per unit
time received on a unit area of surface perpendicular to the
direction of propagation of radiation at mean earth-sun
distance outside the atmosphere
Variation of Extraterrestrial Radiation
Definitions
Beam Radiation The solar radiation received from the sun without
having been scattered by the atmosphere.
Diffuse Radiation The solar radiation received from the sun after its
direction has been changed by scattering by the atmosphere. (Diffuse
radiation is referred to in some meteorological literature as sky radiation
or solar sky radiation)
Total Solar Radiation The sum of the beam and the diffuse solar
radiation on a surface. Also, known as Global radiation on surface.
Irradiance, W/m2 The rate at which radiant energy is incident on a
surface per unit area of surface. The symbol G is used for solar irradiance,
with appropriate subscripts for beam, diffuse, or spectral radiation.
Irradiation or Radiant Exposure, J/m2 The incident energy per unit
area on a surface, found by integration of irradiance over a specified time,
usually an hour or a day.
Insolation is a term applying specifically to solar energy irradiation.
Definitions
Air Mass m The ratio of the mass of atmosphere through which
beam radiation passes to the mass it would pass through if the sun
were at the zenith (i.e., directly overhead). Thus at sea level m = 1
when the sun is at the zenith and m = 2 for a zenith angle θz of 60°.
For zenith angles from 0° to 70° at sea level, to a close approximation
Solar Time
Time based on the apparent angular motion of the sun across the sky with
solar noon the time the sun crosses the meridian of the observer.
where
Angles’ Definitions
Fig. 1.6.1
Angles’ Definitions and Sign Convention
Angles’ Definitions and Sign Convention
Declination Angle
or
Declination Angle
Recommended average days for months and values of n by
month
Beam Radiation on Horizontal and Tilted Surfaces
Relationship b/n the Angles
The angle of incidence of beam radiation on a surface can be
given by,
Northern
Southern
Beam Radiation on Horizontal and Tilted
Surfaces
Recall