Diffuse Radiation Research Articles

Development of empirical models for calculating global and diffuse erythemal weighted solar ultraviolet radiation under clear sky conditions in Thailand

This study introduced semi-empirical models for calculating hourly global and diffuse erythemal weighted ultraviolet (EUV) solar radiation under clear sky conditions in Thailand. To develop these models, global and diffuse erythemal ultraviolet data collected over a decade (2011–2020) from four solar monitoring stations situated in the main regions of Thailand were used. The data was classified into two groups. The first group (2011–2018) was used for modeling, while the second group (2019–2020) was reserved for model validation. The global and diffuse EUV radiation models revolve around semi-empirical functions. These functions express both types of EUV radiation in terms of normalized variables, specifically the total ozone column, aerosol optical depth, and air mass. To assess the accuracy of the proposed models, their outputs for hourly global and diffuse EUV radiation were calculated at the four monitoring stations. These outputs were then compared against actual measurements to validate the effectiveness of the models. The evaluation revealed a root mean square difference of 15.8% for global EUV radiation and 14.9% for diffuse EUV radiation when compared to the mean measured values.

Synchrotron-driven Instabilities in Relativistic Plasmas of Arbitrary Opacity

Recent work has shown that synchrotron emission from relativistic plasmas leads the electron distribution to form an anisotropic ring in momentum space, which can be unstable to both kinetic and hydrodynamic instabilities. Fundamental to these works was the assumption that the plasma was optically thin, allowing all emitted radiation to escape. Here, we examine the behavior of these instabilities as the plasma becomes more optically thick. To do this, we extend a recently developed Fokker–Planck operator for synchrotron emission and absorption in mildly relativistic plasmas to ultrarelativistic plasmas. For a given set of plasma parameters, photons emitted by higher-energy electrons tend to be higher frequency, and thus more easily escape the plasma. As a result, the ratio of the photon emission rate (radiative drag) to absorption rate (radiative diffusion) for a given electron is extremely energy dependent. Given this behavior, we determine the critical parameters that control the opacity, and show how the plasma gradually transitions to become more isotropic and stable at higher opacity.

Comparative validation of global and climate-specific decomposition models at high latitudes

Reliable modelling of the solar potential of urban surfaces (i.e. roofs, facades and ground) in the built environment can contribute to boost the exploitation of solar energy. Empirical and quasi-physical models are combined into model chains for this scope. Among these models, the decomposition models are used to separate the direct from the diffuse solar irradiance. Such variables are rarely measured, thus making necessary their computation. Studies in literature pointed out that Yang4 is the best-performing decomposition model globally. However, in geographically limited applications, quasi-universal decomposition models like Yang4 and Engerer4 can be outperformed by local models (i.e. models parametrized with climate-specific data) such as Skartveit3 and Starke3. This makes necessary to perform local validation studies to verify the findings from worldwide validation studies. In this study, the four best-performing decomposition models are implemented in Python and experimentally validated against 1-min solar irradiance data (i.e. direct and diffuse irradiance) of Trondheim (Lat. 63°26′N, Norway). More than 1-year long data are considered. The study confirms that the Yang4 model performed the best for high-latitude applications, but Starke3 can achieve a level of performance close to Yang4.

Simulating Nonlinear Radiation Diffusion Through Quantum Computing

The recent success of the fusion ignition experiment at Lawrence-Livermore National Laboratory has renewed excitement for inertial confinement fusion. Designing such experiments relies on computational modeling using radiation hydrodynamic codes run on massively parallel supercomputers which simulate hydrodynamic flows, radiation diffusion, and thermonuclear burn. Constructing a quantum algorithm for radiation hydrodynamics that provides a quantum speedup is of great interest. A recent quantum algorithm that solves the Navier-Stokes equations of hydrodynamics with a quadratic speedup marks a first step towards this goal. Here we take the next step and present a quantum algorithm for nonlinear radiation diffusion that also has a quadratic speedup. To verify the algorithm we consider radiation striking a cold, optically thick target that generates a Marshak wave in the target. Results of numerical simulation of the quantum algorithm are compared with those of a standard partial differential equation solver and excellent agreement is found.

Quantifying the effects of spectral and directional distribution of radiation on its propagation in saline water

The interactions of radiation with saline water facilitate various energy-related applications, such as radiative evaporation at the air–water interface, radiation-driven underwater vapor generation, and underwater photovoltaic systems. However, these applications require a comprehensive understanding of radiation propagation through saline water, considering both its spectral and directional characteristics, which are often inadequately explored. This study introduces a three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer model equipped with fine spectral resolution and detailed angular considerations. The model simulates the transfer of radiation from the air to the air–water interface and throughout the saline water body to thoroughly examine the effects of spectral and directional properties of incident radiation on its propagation across different depths of saline water. The findings reveal that within the solar spectrum, radiation entering the water at a 62.7-degree angle of incidence and completely diffuse radiation exhibit similar absorption effects in water layers less than 2 meters deep. In addition, the incident angle has little impact on the absorption rate of both the water surface and the water body when the angle is below 62.7°. Spectrally, radiation wavelengths longer than 1.4μm, 1.14μm, and 1μm are fully absorbed within the first 1, 8, and 50 centimeters of saline water, respectively, representing approximately 20%, 30%, and 50% of incident solar radiation. Additionally, radiation from blackbody sources below 1300 Kelvin is absorbed entirely within the top 1 centimeter of saline water. Empirical correlations are then developed to easily estimate the absorption rate based on the depth of the water and the temperature of the blackbody heat source. The findings elucidate the influence of the spectral and directional characteristics of incident radiation on its underwater propagation, offering essential guidance for the design and performance evaluation of various energy-centric applications.

Comparison and Optimization of Light Use Efficiency-Based Gross Primary Productivity Models in an Agroforestry Orchard

The light-use efficiency-based gross primary productivity (LUE-GPP) model is widely utilized for simulating terrestrial ecosystem carbon exchanges owing to its perceived simplicity and reliability. Variations in cloud cover and aerosol concentrations can affect ecosystem LUE, thereby influencing the performance of the LUE-GPP model, particularly in humid regions. In this study, the performance of six big-leaf LUE-GPP models and one two-leaf LUE-GPP model were evaluated in a humid agroforestry ecosystem from 2018–2020. All big-leaf LUE-GPP models yielded GPP values consistent with that derived from the eddy covariance system (GPPEC), with R2 ranging from 0.66–0.73 and RMSE ranging from 1.81–3.04 g C m−2 d−1. Differences in model performance were attributed to the differences in the quantification of temperature (Ts) and moisture constraints (Ws) and their combination forms in the models. The Ts and Ws algorithms in the eddy covariance-light-use efficiency (EF-LUE) model well characterized the environmental constraints on LUE. Simulation accuracy under the common limitation of Ts and Ws (Ts × Ws) was higher than the maximum limitation of Ts or Ws (Min (Ts, Ws)), and the combination of the Ts algorithm in the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) and the Ws algorithm in the EF-LUE model was optimized in combination forms, thereby constraining LUE for GPP estimates (GPPBLO, R2 = 0.76). Various big-leaf LUE-GPP models overestimated or underestimated GPP on sunny or cloudy days, respectively, while the two-leaf LUE-GPP model, which considered the transmission of diffuse radiation and the difference in photosynthetic capacity of canopy leaves, performed well (R2 = 0.72, p < 0.01). Nevertheless, the underestimation/overestimation for shaded/sunlit leaves remained under different weather conditions. Then, the clearness index (Kt) was introduced to calculate the dynamic LUE in the big-leaf and two-leaf LUE-GPP models in the form of exponential or power functions, resulting in consistent performance even in different weather conditions and an overall higher simulation accuracy. This study confirmed the potential applicability of different LUE-GPP models and emphasized the importance of dynamic LUE on model performance.

Assessment of solar energy potential for Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

The world's energy consumption is being replaced by renewable energies in large part because of the depletion of fossil fuels and the acceleration of environmental change. This study reports the amount of inward solar radiation in the date range from January 2018 to December 2022 in the Gregorian Calendar for certain areas in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: 37°E and 11.6°N. On the horizontal surface of the case area, the month with the highest global radiation (monthly average daily) is March, at approximately 42.56 MJ/m2. day; June has the lowest diffuse radiation, at 16.2 MJ/m2.day. Furthermore, April had the most global radiation (monthly average hourly) on the horizontal surface, measuring 9.09MJ/m2.hour, while June had the lowest diffuse radiation, measuring 2.3MJ/m2.hour. In addition, this study predicts the beam, diffuse, and total radiation on the tilted collector using the total available horizontal radiation on a monthly and hourly basis. According to the research, the output of the radiation on the tilted surface towards the equator in the northern hemisphere, azimuth angle, γ = 0°, shows that the highest possible total radiation (monthly average daily) is 48.3 MJ/m2. day (January) and the highest possible total radiation (monthly average hourly) in February, 9.14 MJ/m2.hour at 1:00 p.m.

Two-stage estimation of hourly diffuse solar radiation across China using end-to-end gradient boosting with sequentially boosted features

Diffuse solar radiation (DR) constitutes a vital component of solar energy reaching the surface of the Earth. The demand for extensive temporal and spatial coverage of DR data has intensified in the realms of solar energy harvesting, agriculture, and climate change. However, until now, long-term DR observations have only been available from 17 stations across mainland China. Consequently, there is a pressing need to estimate spatially continuous, high-temporal-resolution DR for large-scale regions in China. The current hindrance to DR estimations stems from the scarcity of stations equipped with DR observations. This study proposes a two-stage strategy to efficiently estimate seamless DR in 2019 at a national scale, leveraging both DR and total solar radiation (TR) observations from numerous stations. In the first stage, the approach generates virtual DR at TR stations by establishing a learned relationship between DR and TR observations. Subsequently, in the second stage, these virtual DR data, in conjunction with satellite and reanalysis datasets, are utilized to estimate national-scale DR. Additionally, a novel model, End-to-end Gradient Boosting with Shortcuts and Feature selection (EGB-SF), is introduced to estimate DR over China. One advantage of this model is its consideration of the impact of sequentially boosted features and their interactions. Embedded shortcut connections fully exploit the influence of existing features on newly introduced ones during the learning process. Beyond enhancing the accuracy of DR estimation, the EGB-SF algorithm can also elucidate the relative importance levels of input features to the model. Moreover, the two-stage strategy outperforms the method of estimating national DR using only DR observations, as evidenced by its superior spatial generalization abilities. Statistical evaluation, collaborative analysis with influencing factors, and comparisons with related products confirm the accuracy and spatial continuity of the DR estimations in this study. These results furnish reliable DR data across China for research in agriculture, climate, solar radiation, and related fields.

Radiation Hydrodynamic Simulations of Massive Stars in Gas-rich Environments: Accretion of AGN Stars Suppressed by Thermal Feedback

Massive stars may form in or be captured into active galactic nuclei (AGN) disks. Recent 1D studies employing stellar-evolution codes have demonstrated the potential for rapid growth of such stars through accretion up to a few hundred solar masses. We perform 3D radiation hydrodynamic simulations of moderately massive stars’ envelopes in order to determine the rate and critical radius R crit of their accretion process in an isotropic gas-rich environment in the absence of luminosity-driven mass loss. We find that in the “fast-diffusion” regime where characteristic radiative diffusion speed c/τ is faster than the gas sound speed c s , the accretion rate is suppressed by feedback from gravitational and radiative advection energy flux, in addition to the stellar luminosity. Alternatively, in the “slow-diffusion” regime where c/τ < c s , due to adiabatic accretion, the stellar envelope expands quickly to become hydrostatic and further net accretion occurs on thermal timescales in the absence of self-gravity. When the radiation entropy of the medium is less than that of the star, however, this hydrostatic envelope can become more massive than the star itself. Within this subregime, the self-gravity of the envelope excites runaway growth. Applying our results to realistic environments, moderately massive stars (≲100M ⊙) embedded in AGN disks typically accrete in the fast-diffusion regime, leading to a reduction of steady-state accretion rate 1–2 orders of magnitudes lower than expected by previous 1D calculations and R crit smaller than the disk scale height, except in the opacity window at temperature T ∼ 2000 K. Accretion in slow diffusion regime occurs in regions with very high density ρ ≳ 10−9 g cm−3, and needs to be treated with caution in 1D long-term calculations.

A Selectively Relaxed Splitting Preconditioning Strategy for the Flux-Limited Multi-Group Radiation Diffusion Equations in Three Dimensions

A Selectively Relaxed Splitting Preconditioning Strategy for the Flux-Limited Multi-Group Radiation Diffusion Equations in Three Dimensions

Variation in the Quanta-to-Energy Ratio of Photosynthetically Active Radiation under the Cloudless Atmosphere

The quanta-to-energy ratio plays a crucial role in converting energy units to quantum units in the context of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Despite its widespread use, the effects of atmospheric particles and solar zenith angle (SZA) on the quanta-to-energy ratio remain unclear. In this study, both simulation and observation data revealed that the principal wavelength, which can be transformed into the quanta-to-energy ratio using a constant, exhibits a slow initial growth, followed by a rapid increase beyond 60° solar zenith angles and a subsequent dramatic decrease after reaching its maximum value. The measured quanta-to-energy ratio demonstrates a variable range of less than 3% for SZA under 70° in a cloudless atmosphere, with significant changes only occurring at zenith angles above 80°. Simulation data indicate that ozone, wind speed, surface-level pressure, surface air temperature, and relative humidity have negligible effects on the quanta-to-energy ratio. The Ångstrom exponent exerts a minor influence on the quanta-to-energy ratio by affecting diffuse radiation. Visibility, however, is found to have a substantial impact on the quanta-to-energy ratio. As a result, two relationships are established, linking the principal wavelength to visibility and the diffuse fraction of PAR. The principal wavelength serves as an effective measure of solar spectrum variability, remaining unaffected by radiation energy. This implies that atmospheric parameters which do not alter the solar spectrum will not influence the principal wavelength. The strong correlations between the principal wavelength, visibility, and the diffuse fraction of PAR suggest a broader range of applications for the principal wavelength in various research domains, opening up new avenues for exploration and potential contributions to numerous fields.

The impact of coupled 3D shortwave radiative transfer on surface radiation and cumulus clouds over land

Abstract. Radiative transfer is a 3D process, but most atmospheric models consider radiation only in the vertical direction for computational efficiency. This results in inaccurate surface radiation fields, as the horizontal transport of radiation is neglected. Previous work on 3D radiative effects mainly used 3D radiative transfer uncoupled from the flow solver. In contrast, our current work uses 3D radiative transfer coupled to the flow solver to study its impact on the development of clouds and the resulting impact on the domain-averaged surface solar irradiance. To this end, we performed a series of realistic large-eddy simulations with MicroHH. To improve the level of realism of our radiation, we first included the direct effect of aerosols using aerosol data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) global reanalysis. Next, we performed simulations with 1D radiative transfer and with a coupled ray tracer for 12 d on which shallow cumulus clouds formed over Cabauw, the Netherlands. In general, simulations with the coupled ray tracer have a higher domain-averaged liquid water path, larger clouds, and similar cloud cover compared to simulations with 1D radiative transfer. Furthermore, the domain-averaged direct radiation is decreased with 3D radiative transfer, and the diffuse radiation is increased. However, the average difference in global radiation is less than 1 W m−2, as the increase in global radiation from uncoupled 3D radiative transfer is counterbalanced by a decrease in global radiation caused by changes in cloud properties.

Bioelectrochemical performance on constructed wetland-microbial fuel cells operated under diffuse and direct solar radiation using root exudates as endogenous substrate to feed an electroactive biofilm

Exploiting fossil fuels through conventional technologies focused on energy production has led to severe environmental adversities, mainly affecting global warming and climate change. Constructed wetland-microbial fuel cells (CW-MFC) have emerged as an innovative technology that could mitigate these effects. One of the main limitations of the CW-MFC system is the low power density generated. This study evaluated the impact of diffuse (CW-MFC1) and direct (CW-MFC2) solar radiation intensity to enhance bioelectrochemical performance. To do this, the CW-MFC was inoculated with the Geobacter sulfurreducens bacteria as a bioelectrocatalyst, which was fed with the root exudates of the macrophyte Juncus effusus. The change from diffuse to direct solar radiation increased the electroactivity of the system by 43% in terms of power density, cathodic potential, anodic potential, and internal resistance, resulting in a maximum performance of 128.7 mW/m2, 172 mV, −290 mV, and 204 Ω respectively. This was obtained from a concentration of 35.3 mg/L of root exudates (total organic carbon). The analysis of results determined that solar radiation is a predominant factor that directly affects the photosynthetic efficiency and coulombic efficiency of CW-MFC by controlling the rhizodeposition process of the macrophytes, where the amount of bioelectricity produced depends on the amount of exudates discharged by the root system towards the rhizosphere.

Theory and Measurement of Heat Transport in Solids: How Rigidity and Spectral Properties Govern Behavior.

Models of heat transport in solids, being based on idealized elastic collisions of gas molecules, are flawed because heat and mass diffuse independently in solids but together in gas. To better understand heat transfer, an analytical, theoretical approach is combined with data from laser flash analysis, which is the most accurate method available. Dimensional analysis of Fourier's heat equation shows that thermal diffusivity (D) depends on length-scale, which has been confirmed experimentally for metallic, semiconducting, and electrically insulating solids. A radiative diffusion model reproduces measured thermal conductivity (K = DρcP = D × density × specific heat) for thick solids from ~0 to >1200 K using idealized spectra represented by 2-4 parameters. Heat diffusion at laboratory temperatures (conduction) proceeds by absorption and re-emission of infrared light, which explains why heat flows into, through, and out of a material. Because heat added to matter performs work, thermal expansivity is proportional to ρcP/Young's modulus (i.e., rigidity or strength), which is confirmed experimentally over wide temperature ranges. Greater uptake of applied heat (e.g., cP generally increasing with T or at certain phase transitions) reduces the amount of heat that can flow through the solid, but because K = DρcP, the rate (D) must decrease to compensate. Laser flash analysis data confirm this proposal. Transport properties thus depend on heat uptake, which is controlled by the interaction of light with the material under the conditions of interest. This new finding supports a radiative diffusion mechanism for heat transport and explains behavior from ~0 K to above melting.

Estimation of Diffuse Solar Radiation in the City of Natal – RN Based on the KT Index

Objective: This study aimed to validate and compare three models for estimating diffuse solar radiation in the city of Natal - RN, using data from the SONDA Project, with a focus on developing and validating the Ubial model. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on solar radiation concepts, which are essential for optimizing photovoltaic systems. Accurate models for estimating diffuse radiation are necessary for the efficient performance of these systems, especially in locations like Natal - RN. Method: The methodology adopted a quantitative and comparative approach, analyzing the Erbs, Bourges, and Ubial models. Data from the SONDA Project were used, and the statistical analysis included evaluating the Mean Bias Error (MBE) and correlating the data with the clearness index (Kt). Results and Discussion: The Ubial model showed superior performance, with a negative MBE, indicating greater accuracy without overestimating the data. These results were discussed in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the suitability of the Ubial model for the climatic conditions of Natal - RN. Research Implications: The implications of this research include the potential application of the Ubial model in other regions with similar climatic characteristics, contributing to the optimization of photovoltaic systems. Originality/Value: This study introduces an innovative model that incorporates additional variables, resulting in more accurate estimates of diffuse solar radiation, with a direct impact on the solar energy field.

Thermal radiation, Soret and Dufour effects on MHD mixed convective Maxwell hybrid nanofluid flow under porous medium: a numerical study

PurposeScientists have been conducting trials to find ways to reduce fuel consumption and enhance heat transfer rates to make heating systems more efficient and cheaper. Adding solid nanoparticles to conventional liquids may greatly improve their thermal conductivity, according to the available evidence. This study aims to examine the influence of external magnetic flux on the flow of a mixed convective Maxwell hybrid non-Newtonian nanofluid over a linearly extending porous flat plate. The investigation considers the effects of thermal radiation, Dufour and Soret.Design/methodology/approachThe mathematical model is formulated based on the fundamental assumptions of mass, energy and momentum conservation. The implicit models are epitomized by a set of interconnected nonlinear partial differential equations, which include a suitable and comparable adjustment. The numerical solution to these equations is assessed for approximate convergence by the Runge−Kutta−Fehlberg method based on the shooting technique embedded with the MATLAB software.FindingsThe findings are presented through graphical representations, offering a visual exploration of the effects of various dynamic parameters on the flow field. These parameters encompass a wide range of factors, including radiation, thermal and Brownian diffusion parameters, Eckert, Lewis and Soret numbers, magnetic parameters, Maxwell fluid parameters, Darcy numbers, thermal and solutal buoyancy factors, Dufour and Prandtl numbers. Notably, the authors observed that nanoparticles with a spherical shape exerted a significant influence on the stream function, highlighting the importance of nanoparticle geometry in fluid dynamics. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that temperature profiles of nanomaterials were notably affected by their shape factor, while concentration profiles exhibited an opposite trend, providing valuable insights into the behavior of nanofluids in porous media.Originality/valueA distinctive aspect of the research lies in its novel exploration of the impact of external magnetic flux on the flow of a mixed convective Maxwell hybrid non-Newtonian nanofluid over a linearly extending porous flat plate. By considering variables such as solar radiation, external magnetic flux, thermal and Brownian diffusion parameters and nanoparticle shape factor, the authors ventured into uncharted territory within the realm of fluid dynamics. These variables, despite their significant relevance, have not been extensively studied in previous research, thus underscoring the originality and value of the authors’ contribution to the field.

Evaluation of on-site calibration procedures for SKYNET Prede POM sun–sky photometers

Abstract. To retrieve columnar intensive aerosol properties from sun–sky photometers, both irradiance and radiance calibration factors are needed. For the irradiance the solar calibration constant, V0, which denotes the instrument counts for a direct normal solar flux extrapolated to the top of the atmosphere, must be determined. The solid view angle, SVA, is a measure of the field of view of the instrument, and it is important for obtaining the radiance from sky diffuse irradiance measurements. Each of the three sun-photometer networks considered in the present study (SKYNET, AERONET, WMO GAW) adopts different protocols of calibration, and we evaluate the performance of the on-site calibration procedures, applicable to every kind of sun–sky photometer but tested in this analysis only on SKYNET Prede POM01 instruments, during intercomparison campaigns and laboratory calibrations held in the framework of the Metrology for Aerosol Optical Properties (MAPP) European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR) project. The on-site calibration, performed as frequently as possible (ideally monthly) to monitor changes in the device conditions, allows operators to track and evaluate the calibration status on a continuous basis, considerably reducing the data gaps incurred by the periodic shipments for performing centralized calibrations. The performance of the on-site calibration procedures for V0 was very good at sites with low turbidity, showing agreement with a reference calibration between 0.5 % and 1.5 % depending on wavelengths. In the urban area, the agreement decreases between 1.7 % and 2.5 %. For the SVA the difference varied from a minimum of 0.03 % to a maximum of 3.46 %.

Effect of the dimensions (width and radius) of the shading ring on the measurement of diffuse solar irradiance with the MEO shading ring measurement method

Diffuse irradiance was monitored by the Melo–Escobedo–Oliveira shading ring measurement method (MEO method) and requires the application of two corrections: one geometric and one atmospheric. The latter occurs from the interaction of radiation with atmospheric constituents and is known as circumsolar radiation, which is also obstructed by the ring. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify if geometrical aspects of the shading ring, such as width and radius, interfere in the quantification of these atmospheric corrections. Two Kipp &amp; Zonen pyranometers were used to monitor the diffuse irradiance, one with 10/40 cm (width/radius) and one with 5/20 cm (width/radius). The values measured by the rings were compared with the diffuse irradiance obtained by the difference method. Studies were carried out under all atmospheric sky cover conditions: cloudy sky, partially cloudy sky, and clear sky. The results showed the highest atmospheric corrections were obtained for the clear sky coverage. Despite the two assemblies having the same width/radius ratio of 0.250, the assembly with the largest radius showed the lowest atmospheric correction. The application of atmospheric corrections is conditioned to the geometrical aspects of the ring, mainly the radius, to guarantee the quality of measurements carried out by the shading ring method.

Turbulent Diffuse Molecular Media with Nonideal Magnetohydrodynamics and Consistent Thermochemistry: Numerical Simulations and Dynamic Characteristics

Turbulent diffuse molecular clouds can exhibit complicated morphologies caused by the interactions among radiation, chemistry, fluids, and fields. We performed full 3D simulations for turbulent diffuse molecular interstellar media, featuring time-dependent nonequilibrium thermochemistry coevolved with magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Simulation results exhibit the relative abundances of key chemical species (e.g., C, CO, OH) vary by more than one order of magnitude for the “premature” epoch of chemical evolution (t ≲ 2 × 105 yr). Various simulations are also conducted to study the impacts of physical parameters. Nonideal MHD effects are essential in shaping the behavior of gases, and strong magnetic fields (∼10 μG) tend to inhibit vigorous compressions and thus reduce the fraction of warm gases (T ≳ 102 K). Thermodynamical and chemical conditions of the gas are sensitive to modulation by dynamic conditions, especially the energy injection by turbulence. Chemical features, including ionization (cosmic ray and diffuse interstellar radiation), would not directly affect the turbulence power spectra. Nonetheless, their effects are prominent in the distribution profiles of temperatures and gas densities. Comprehensive observations are necessary and useful to eliminate the degeneracies of physical parameters and constrain the properties of diffuse molecular clouds with confidence.

Design and modeling of PV-integrated Double Skin Facades and application to retrofit buildings

Double Skin Façade (DSF) system comprises two glazing layers with a ventilated cavity. Integrating photovoltaic (PV) modules within the outer layer of DSFs offers an efficient method for electricity generation. Current tools for modeling and analyzing DSF systems are complex and resource-intensive, lacking the capability to evaluate the performance of innovative PV-DSF systems during the early design stage. This study develops a mathematical model to evaluate the electrical and thermal performance of PV-DSF systems, considering architectural design elements such as PV color and relative orientation. Based on an energy balance approach, the model is particularly suited for designing PV-DSF systems in heritage buildings, which often have color and relative orientation constraints. The model is applied to assess the performance of PV-DSF systems with conventional clear glass PV and colored front glass PV modules under the climatic conditions of Montreal, Canada. Results indicated that conventional clear glass PV module exhibit higher PV cell temperature than colored PV modules due to greater transmissivity, with peak temperature differences at noon of 5.5 °C, 6.2 °C, and 6.5 °C for orange, blue, and gray PV modules, respectively. On the contrary, the influence of PV's color front glass on room air temperature is non-significant. Furthermore, the optimal orientation for maximum energy yield is not always south-facing; it depends on the hourly distribution of the beam, diffuse solar irradiation, and ambient air temperature. For Montreal, west-facing DSFs produce more electrical and thermal energy on a summer design day because the hourly distribution of beam radiation is skewed towards afternoon hours.