Generation of Typical Meteorological Year Data for a City in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Weather data is essential in determination of the performance of energy systems such as HVAC and solar energy systems. Weather data therefore, can be employed in designing more energy-efficient systems. This work focuses on the generation of a Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) Data for Abeokuta (7°7′1″ N, 3°22′13″E), a state in South-Western Nigeria by the use of a modified Sandia method. It makes use of seven weather parameters obtained over 29 years (1984 - 2012) in the construction of the TMY. Sandia method is highly affected by solar radiation even if its weight is reduced by half. The weights of other parameters such as temperature, wind, and relative humidity have less impact on the selection of TMY. The results of this study show that the weather pattern of Abeokuta follows the general diurnal variation of dry/harmattan season and wet/rainy season, typical to Nigeria. In this work also, the effect of general rise in temperature and solar radiation, indicative of global warming, is highlighted. Higher solar radiation values are majorly typical of a low cloud cover, and high clearness index. Suggestions were also made as to the preferable type of sustainable energy system to make use of in this location, as well as in the development of energy systems and data collection in Nigeria. The relevance of this work is that it would help to strengthen building energy standards, understand the local climate of Abeokuta and hence facilitate building energy system performance.