Simulation of Solar Radiation Conditions for Northern and Southern Polar Zones

N. Nijegorodov and P. Monowe (Botswana)

Keywords

Simulation, solar radiation, polar zones.

Abstract

In this paper preliminary investigation of availability of solar radiation in Arctic and Antarctic zones is conducted. To do this, special algorithm and software are developed. The software allows simulating all solar radiation parameters: hourly direct beam, beam normal, diffuse and global, daily and mean monthly components, clearness and anisotropy indices. It also allows simulating daily and mean monthly optimum slopes. The simulations are conducted for different dates and latitudes for average summer meteorological conditions. The simulations results are interesting; for example, at the South Pole the hourly direct beam radiation, Ibn, can be as high as 1200 W m-2 . Daily direct beam radiation, Hbn, could be as high as 109 MJ/m2 . However, for the North Pole this parameter is much lower, Hbn = 73.5 MJ/m2 . At the same time diffuse components are low. For the South Pole, Id = 43 W/m2 , and North Pole, Id = 74 W/m2 . This is understandable, because at the South Pole, altitude is high, humidity is low and the atmosphere is clear and less polluted. Another interesting result is that the total direct beam normal intercepted during summer time at the South Pole could be much bigger than at the Equator. It is proposed that the polar zones have good prospects for utilising solar energy with PV-arrays.

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