Abstract
Problem statement: This study examined in detail some aspects of radia tion climatology for Terengganu state in Malaysia. The geographical co-ordinates of the site are 5°10'N latitude 103°06'E longitude and 5.2 m altitude. Approach: The data used in the present study were taken from a recording data station installed at site by the M alaysian Meteorology Department (2004). In addition to this, wind speed, solar radiation and air temper ature data taken from University Malaysia Terengganu Renewable Energy Station were also analyzed. The averaged solar radiation year for Terengganu is generated from mid-term daily global solar radiation data. The averaged data of the daily global solar radiation for the locations cons idered are presented in a tabular form for a comple te year. Results: The highest daily and monthly mean global solar irr adiation values were 7560 and 6566 Wh m -2 day -1 , respectively. The highest hourly average solar ir radiance intensity was 1139 W m -2 during this study period. Yearly average daily sol ar energy was 18.92 MJ m -2 day -1 . Besides the global solar radiation, the clearness indexes, wind speed and air temperature variation are discussed. Conclusion/Recommendations: The results in this study will fill the gap that c omplete and detailed reference solar radiation and climatologically data , which are not available for Terengganu state of Malaysia and will be useful to the designers of sol ar energy conversion and utilization devices.
Highlights
Energy is essential to economic and social development and improved quality of life of human being
The highest daily solar irradiation of 8089.30 W m−2 day−1 was recorded on March 5, 2007
It is clear that the monthly average clearness index over the course of the year is higher for Kuala Terengganu, though in few months Kota Kinabalu and Bayan Leps cities have higher monthly mean clearness index values
Summary
Energy is essential to economic and social development and improved quality of life of human being. Solar energy is being seriously considered for satisfying a significant part of energy demand in Malaysia, as is in the world. With the increase in energy demand, the issue of energy shortage becomes increasingly serious. An accurate knowledge of the solar radiation data at a particular geographical location is of vital importance for the development of solar energy devices and for estimates of their performances (Duffie and Beckman, 2006). In this respect, the importance of solar radiation data for design and efficient operation of solar energy systems has been acknowledged. The clearness index of the area, in addition to other meteorological information such as wind speed and air temperature for a specific period, is extremely important to assess the feasibility of a solar-driven project
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
