Sunshine Levels Research Articles

Optimizing solar panel tilt angles across diverse Algerian terrain

Purpose. To optimize the efficiency and performance of a solar system by maximizing the capture of solar radiation through determining the most optimal solar panel tilt angle. Methodology. Stochastic techniques are presently utilized for estimating, optimizing, and predicting various solar energy systems. The authors have developed an algorithm that simulates the echolocation behavior of bats. Findings. To attain this objective, we evaluated different angles of inclination for the incident energy surface that will maximize the sunlight. Next, we compared the intensity of incident solar energy from a horizontal surface and the same surface tilted at the optimum angle. As a result, we determined the optimal tilt angles for other Algerian cities not covered by this study, based on two factors: geometry and climate, using multiple linear regression analysis. The results obtained reflect average monthly and annual values for solar panel tilt angles. These results depend on the latitude and sunshine levels of the locations studied. Originality. The present study introduces a computational algorithm that utilizes the echolocation behavior of bats to determine the most advantageous tilt angle for a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Practical value. Optimizing solar panel angles across various terrains in Algeria is crucial for maximizing the energy efficiency of photovoltaic installations. The optimization algorithm based on the echolocation behavior of bats allows for the determination of optimal angles by taking into account regional, climatic, and seasonal variations, thereby increasing energy production. This innovative approach offers an effective solution for improving the profitability of solar systems while contributing to sustainable development.

Association Between Serum 25(OH)D Concentration and Clinical and Biological Complications in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

In addition to its role in phosphocalcic and bone metabolism, vitamin D also plays a global role in health. Despite high levels of sunshine, vitamin D deficiency remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, where sickle cell disease predominates. This study aimed to investigate an association between serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the occurrence of clinical and biological complications. The study was carried out in children with SS sickle cell disease aged 1 to 17 years (75 patients) matched to 17 AA controls. Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was obtained by immunoassay. The clinical complications studied were caso-occlusive crisis, osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, acute chest syndrome, and priapism. Biological parameters included blood count, ionized calcium, and phosphorus. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio 4.1.2 software. The significance threshold was 5%. Our study revealed a high prevalence of vaso-occlusive crisis (97%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 4% of patients (3 SS patients) and 36% (27 SS patients) had a plasma concentration between 10 and 30 ng/ml. The association study revealed a negative association between vitamin D and the number of vaso-occlusive crises (r = -0.51; p < 0.001). We noted a positive association between vitamin D and blood calcium (r = 0.347; p < 0.002), phosphatemia (r = 0.347; p < 0.002), and hemoglobin (r = 0.243; p < 0.035). Vitamin D is correlated with certain clinical and biological complications. Vitamin D supplementation in children with sickle cell disease (SS) would therefore be relevant for better management of this disease.

Exceptional atmospheric conditions in June 2023 generated a northwest European marine heatwave which contributed to breaking land temperature records

The Northwest European shelf experienced unprecedented surface temperature anomalies in June 2023 (anomalies up to 5 °C locally, north of Ireland). Here, we show the shelf average underwent its longest recorded category II marine heatwave (16 days). With state-of-the-art observation and modelling capabilities, we show the marine heatwave developed quickly due to strong atmospheric forcing (high level of sunshine, weak winds, tropical air) and weak wave activity under anticyclonic weather regimes. Once formed, this shallow marine heatwave fed back on the weather: over the sea it reduced cloud cover and over land it contributed to breaking June mean temperature records and to enhanced convective rainfall through stronger, warmer and moister sea breezes. This marine heatwave was intensified by the last 20-year warming trend in sea surface temperatures. Such sea surface temperatures are projected to become commonplace by the middle of the century under a high greenhouse gas emission scenario.

The Impact of Temperature, Humidity, and Sunshine on Internet Search Volumes Related to Psoriasis.

We examined internet searches on psoriasis in Germany and found that in weeks with high search volume, mean temperature and humidity were lower and sunshine level was higher compared to weeks with low search volume.

Assessment of Damage Caused by the Reduction of Daylight Lighting Duration of Residential Constructions in the Conditions of the Republicof Moldova

Abstract This paper examines the material damage caused to the owner of the property as a result of the violation of the design rules. This phenomenon was observed by the authors participating in the period 2018-2021 in the assessment of over 500 construction projects of residential blocks on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. In about 50% was found a violation of lighting regulations. Through this study, we aimed to investigate the ways to assess the extent of the damage caused by the reduction of the level of daylight lighting in residential buildings in the specific conditions of the real estate market in the Republic of Moldova. This paper aims to: Identify the legislative and normative framework that regulates the process of ascertaining the damage caused to the owner of the residential real estate following the reduction of the level of sunshine and natural lighting; Determine the consequences of reducing the level of sunshine and natural lighting for residential buildings; Propose methods for estimating the material damage caused to the owner of the damaged real estate under the conditions of the Republic of Moldova.

Performance Ratio and Loss Analysis for a Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic System: Case of the 7MW Plant in Malbaza, Niger

The use of solar energy in sunny countries is an efficient way to overcome the energy shortage. The interest of this energy is not only economic but also environmental, as it emits few greenhouse gases. Niger, a vast landlocked country in the Sahel, is characterized by an average sunshine duration of 8.5 hours per day and an estimated average level of sunshine of around 5 to 7 kW/m2 per day. However, the rate of access to electricity in Niger remains very low. To address this problem, a 7MW solar photovoltaic power plant has been built by the State of Niger in the town of Malbaza. It is composed of monocrystalline photovoltaic panels and injects its energy into the national grid. The objective of this study is to compare the performance ratio determined by measurements with that obtained by simulation under PVsyst in order to evaluate its efficiency. The study is based on annual energy production data, recorded at the site, from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The annual average values of the global irradiation of the site, the energy produced by the system and the energy injected into the grid are respectively 249.86kWh/m², 1225.25MWh and 972.62MWh; those of the ambient temperature and the performance ratio (PR) are respectively 29.78°C and 0.795. The global losses caused by meteorological phenomena and those linked to the technologies of the various components of the system are evaluated at 20.10%.

IMPACT OF ACCESS TO SUNLIGHT ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUES: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE HOUSING MARKET IN SHANGHAI

As an important environmental amenity, sunlight brings us a large number of benefits and improves the quality of our daily lives, and its welfare measurement depends on concrete living conditions. The purpose of this article is to empirically document the non-marketed value of sunlight in light of the view orientation of an apartment in the context of the housing market. Using a hedonic pricing model estimated with the real estate transaction data over 40,000 housing units in 2019–2021 in Shanghai, it is found that: (1) homeowners, on average, are willing to pay an extra 7.2% to choose the apartments with a high level of sunshine (facing south), relative to those with no direct access to sunlight (facing north); (2) the value of sunlight shrinks with pollution and becomes larger if living in a higher apartment; (3) residents living in higher units have a larger willingness to pay for the sunlight and environmental quality improvement. These empirical findings shed light on the welfare measurement of sunlight and have profound implications for the capitalization of environmental amenities reflected in housing prices.

Representations of solar photovoltaic triple-diode models using artificial hummingbird optimizer

ABSTRACT The true modeling of the solar photovoltaic units can boost their performances. However, on account of the lack of accurate solar cell parameters, cell modeling is erroneous. This is because the required parameters for modeling a trustworthy solar photovoltaic cell are not given in the manufacturer’s data sheets. As a consequence, it is significant to accurately estimate the essential parameters of solar photovoltaic triple-diode models. Diverse optimization techniques have addressed this problem; nevertheless, due to premature convergence and local minima, most of the techniques obtain suboptimal results. Accordingly, artificial hummingbird technique (AHBT) is attempted for estimating SPV uncertain parameters in this current effort. Furthermore, the AHBT approach improves quality of solution by preserving a history of past locations that may be compared to the present ones. To demonstrate the competency of the AHBT, its performance is compared to other well-known frameworks and newly developed techniques (e.g. African vulture’s optimization technique, Tuna swarm technique, and teaching learning studying-based technique) that are applied for the first time in this article. Some actual results of the minimum values of the errors in measured and estimated currents by employed ABHT method are 1.6945 mA for STM6-40/36 module, 0.5144 mA for mSi cell, and 0.4447 mA for KC200GT module. The solar photovoltaic modules are tested with varying temperature and irradiance sunshine levels. In addition to this, the calculated parameters are compared to experimental findings, including statistical analysis to validate the presentation of the AHBT. At last stage of this current effort, the principal performance of triple-diode models is investigated under varied operating temperatures and varied sun irradiances as well. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the AHBT are effective at estimating solar photovoltaic models. The performance of a solar photovoltaic generating unit might be improved by precise modeling.

Identification and Measurement of Multidimensional Relative Poverty of Chinese Rural Adults Considering Climate Factors

The climate conditions in different regions of China are different, resulting in uneven climate resources owned by residents. It is important to design a comprehensive evaluation method to measure the multidimensional relative poverty (MRP) status and differences in rural areas considering climate factors from the micro-level. With adults as the research object, imitating multidimensional poverty index (MPI) and other indexes, and referring to the relative poverty lines in Britain, Australia, and other countries, this study considers the housing sunshine level and air quality of the living environment, which can reflect the superposition of economy and climate, in the dimension of human settlements environment, and establishes an indicator system of MRP in rural China. Using the Chinese General Social Survey data in 2018 and the A-F method to measure the indicator poverty rate, multidimensional relative poverty index (MRPI), and indicator contribution rate, this study evaluates the MRP in rural China including climate factors. The results show that the poverty rate of sunshine level and air quality indicator in North China is the highest in China, and the MRPI is the lowest. In North China, the sunshine level and air quality indicator poverty rate are 17.47% and 53.01%, respectively. MRPI under K = 1 standard is 0.1182. It shows that the indicator system can identify the typical phenomenon that highly industrialized economic development may negatively affect the environment. MRP alleviation should focus on coordinated governance of the economy, education, health, and the human settlements, we should establish a climate emergency plan for joint prevention and control with the meteorological department, set afforestation protection areas, set climate-related building standards such as sunshine times of rural houses, and improve and upgrade the energy use in rural areas to achieve the harmonious development of the society, economy, and environment and the high-quality life pursued by rural residents.

The effect of moisture on the thermal property of a reed thatch roof during the UK heating season

The hygrothermal performance of a replacement reed thatch roof with an insulation upgrade on Roadside cottage, a heated timber framed building in the UK, has been investigated over the winter months November 2020 to April 2021. The moisture content distribution in the roof has been determined empirically by moisture probe measurement three times a week. The in-situ measurements indicated the great importance of moisture in a reed thatched roof and the relationship with rainfall and sunshine levels. The rapid movement of moisture in and out of the outer layers of reed thatch demonstrated its excellent breathability.The thermal conductivity of a specimen of reed thatch from the roof, as a function of moisture content, has also been measured in the laboratory. The results demonstrated the sensitivity of the thermal conductivity of thatch to moisture. Based on these steady state measurements for the existing reed thatch, the thermal performance during the heating season under complex environmental conditions has been evaluated. Uncertainties associated with thermal conductivity measurement and in-situ time variability of temperature are up to ±5%.The mean moisture content and its subsequent effect on the thermal conductivity of reed thatch has been determined and a suggested average seasonal moisture content of 10% by wt derived. Under these conditions the U value of the 300 mm thick thatch, including insulation upgrade, meets modern insulation standards in the UK. Many thatch roofs are substantially thicker and it is possible that in some cases an insulation upgrade may not be necessary to meet the current UK requirements for replacement roofs insulated at rafter level.

What drives the solar energy transition? The effect of policies, incentives and behavior in a cross-country comparison

The development of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Southern Europe has been boosted by favourable sunshine levels but also by the policies implemented. Europe's ambitious plans for a green transition require new power to be installed but also new consumption habits that tend to be more responsible. The transformation of cities goes through the emergence of prosumers and the percentage of self-consumption is the variable that determines the profitability of PV systems. This work is based on an online energy survey conducted in two southern European countries (i.e. Italy and Spain), in which both expectations and behaviour of consumers with regards to solar energy are compared between countries. Among other things, interviewees were asked to quantify the introduction of a subsidy for self-consumption. Interestingly, results show an average of 4 cent€/kWh and 3 cent€/kWh for Italy and Spain, respectively. Additionally, the survey allowed eliciting the price subjects believe one ought to pay for both fossil fuel-based and renewable energy, resulting in a green premium of 10 cent€/kWh and 8 cent€/kWh for Italy and Spain, respectively. Finally, the crucial role played by policies in shaping consumers’ perceptions emerged as decisive in fostering the development of PV systems in European countries.

In the mood to consume: Effect of sunshine on credit card spending

Using a large, representative sample of high-frequency credit card transactions in the United States, this paper examines the causal effect of sunshine-induced mood on contemporaneous household credit card spending. We document a 0.3 percent increase in credit card spending in response to a one-unit increase in the same-day local abnormal sunshine. The spending response is stronger for consumers with higher credit card debt, lower FICO score, and shorter tenure with the bank. The effect manifests in long-term, durable goods spending, and is not driven by other weather conditions, complementarity between sunshine and consumption, or intentional choice of consumption time. We document similar responses of spending on seasonal and non-seasonal goods and during times with high and low sunshine levels. Finally, the sunshine effect occurs among consumers with various characteristics.

Postharvest Quality Parameters Evolution in ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Gala’ and ‘Starking’ Apple

Portugal has the ideal conditions for the production of apples. The climate of the region is highly favorable for the biochemical processes of maturation. The high levels of sunshine ensure maximum photosynthetic activity and a better color of the fruits, while the warm temperature is ideal for ripening processes, facilitating the development of strong organoleptic elements. In this work, the Golden Delicious, Gala and Starking varieties, cultivated by different producers in the region of Viseu, were harvested during commercial maturation and analyzed in the postharvest phase. In the second phase of this work, the varieties were kept in normal atmosphere (NA) and analyzed weekly. The evolution parameters related to quality are based on the determination of firmness; the determination of Brix; and the determination of the presence of starch. The study suggests that the Gala variety, is the only variety where firmness is not significantly influenced throughout the storage. With regards to sugar content, the Golden Delicious strain is the only variety that is not influenced by storage. Finally, during storage, Starking develops the highest starch values.
 Keywords: Apples, postharvest, varieties, storage, normal atmosphere

Stabilizing a DC Motor Speed of Photovoltaic Pumping System Using a Super Capacitor and Fuzzy Logic Controller

In this paper, two issues are discussed in a PV pumping system. Firstly, an evaluation of super capacitor is studied to reassure the storage of electrical energy and solve the intermittence problem of photovoltaic energy production in dark periods. Secondly, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is proposed to stabilize, on the one hand, the DC motor speed around a preferred level by the control of duty cycle of DC buck boost converter. On the other hand, FLC serves to control the charge and discharge of super capacitor according to the sunlight levels and its state of charge. In this framework, a complete photovoltaic pumping system model is simulated in MATLAB Simulink to discuss the run results at different levels of sunshine.

Development of Coconut Dehusker Machine for Small Scale Industry

West Sumatra-Indonesia has potential to plant coconut due to the coastal location, sunshine level with average temperature 27oC. Coconut is a very productive plant. Coconut dehusking is one of the process that takes a lot of time and energy. Most of the farmer still using human manual labour with the help of tools made of iron or wooden crowbar that is mounted standing vertically with the blade facing upward about 80 cm from the ground. To increase the number of coconut products, it is designed the coconut dehusker machine. The main component of the machine were two rollers that rotate each other in opposite directions with each roller embedded iron-shaped nails that work to tear the coconut husk. Each roller has a different rotational speed. This machine has dimensions of 98 cm x 51 cm x 95 cm. Roller length is 50 cm and diameter 4 inches. The power source of the machine is a 2 HP electric motor, the speed was reduced by using 2 speeds reducer with the ratio of 1:20 and 1:30 respectively. From the performance test of this machine can dehusk 100 coconuts per hour. The operational basic cost of the machine equal to Rp 129.89 per coconut (about 1 cent) and Break Event Point is 12.387 coconut per year from the result of the performance test. From the economic analysis machine can be concluded that the use of this machine is better when compared to human labour which has limitation to duration and capacity.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in rheumatic female patients in southeast Spain: The paradigm of daily optimal sunshine levels and inadequate vitamin D status

BackgroundAlmeria is a region in southeast Spain with optimal sunlight levels, along with low pluvial and pollution rates. If exposure to sunlight is sufficient to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D (25OHD), this population should display high serum levels. ObjectivesTo describe 25OHD serum status in women from Almeria and evaluate the impact of long sunlight exposure along the seasons on 25OHD. MethodsCross-sectional study, performed in women consecutively recruited from an outpatient rheumatology clinic. Serum levels of 25OHD were assessed in all patients and evaluated according to age (<48 yrs, 48–53 yrs, 54–60 yrs and >60 yrs), season, and presence or absence of menopause. Clinical and laboratory variables that could affect status of vitamin D were also considered. ResultsThe sample included 319 Caucasian female patients. Mean 25OHD were 30.2ng/ml with 195 (61.1%) exhibiting 25OHD inadequate serum levels. Season had a significant effect on 25OHD levels, with autumn being the season in which 25OHD serum levels remained well above 30ng/ml in all age bands, and winter the season with more levels of insufficiency. Menopause did not modify 25OH serum levels. Women whose age was below 48 and over 60 had inadequate levels of 25OHD during summer. ConclusionsOptimal levels of sunlight could not overcome the problem of inadequate 25OHD serum levels, particularly in elderly and young female population. Vitamin D supplementation may be recommended predominantly in winter and summer in this population.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in rheumatic female patients in southeast Spain: The paradigm of daily optimal sunshine levels and inadequate vitamin D status

BackgroundAlmeria is a region in southeast Spain with optimal sunlight levels, along with low pluvial and pollution rates. If exposure to sunlight is sufficient to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D (25OHD), this population should display high serum levels. ObjectivesTo describe 25OHD serum status in women from Almeria and evaluate the impact of long sunlight exposure along the seasons on 25OHD. MethodsCross-sectional study, performed in women consecutively recruited from an outpatient rheumatology clinic. Serum levels of 25OHD were assessed in all patients and evaluated according to age (<48 yrs, 48–53 yrs, 54–60 yrs and >60 yrs), season, and presence or absence of menopause. Clinical and laboratory variables that could affect status of vitamin D were also considered. ResultsThe sample included 319 Caucasian female patients. Mean 25OHD were 30.2ng/ml with 195 (61.1%) exhibiting 25OHD inadequate serum levels. Season had a significant effect on 25OHD levels, with autumn being the season in which 25OHD serum levels remained well above 30ng/ml in all age bands, and winter the season with more levels of insufficiency. Menopause did not modify 25OH serum levels. Women whose age was below 48 and over 60 had inadequate levels of 25OHD during summer. ConclusionsOptimal levels of sunlight could not overcome the problem of inadequate 25OHD serum levels, particularly in elderly and young female population. Vitamin D supplementation may be recommended predominantly in winter and summer in this population.

Do People Consume More on Sunny Days? Evidence from Credit Card Spending Data

Using a large, representative sample of high-frequency credit card transactions in the United States, this paper examines the causal effect of sunshine-induced mood on contemporaneous household credit card spending. We document a 0.3 percent increase in credit card spending in response to a one-unit increase in the same-day local abnormal sunshine. The spending response is stronger for consumers with higher credit card debt, lower FICO score, and shorter tenure with the bank. The effect manifests in long-term, durable goods spending, and is not driven by other weather conditions, complementarity between sunshine and consumption, or intentional choice of consumption time. We document similar responses of spending on seasonal and non-seasonal goods and during times with high and low sunshine levels. Finally, the sunshine effect occurs among consumers with various characteristics.

Elephant's breast milk contains large amounts of glucosamine.

Hand-reared elephant calves that are nursed with milk substitutes sometimes suffer bone fractures, probably due to problems associated with nutrition, exercise, sunshine levels and/or genetic factors. As we were expecting the birth of an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), we analyzed elephant’s breast milk to improve the milk substitutes for elephant calves. Although there were few nutritional differences between conventional substitutes and elephant’s breast milk, we found a large unknown peak in the breast milk during high-performance liquid chromatography-based amino acid analysis and determined that it was glucosamine (GlcN) using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We detected the following GlcN concentrations [mean ± SD] (mg/100 g) in milk hydrolysates produced by treating samples with 6M HCl for 24 hr at 110°C: four elephant’s breast milk samples: 516 ± 42, three cow’s milk mixtures: 4.0 ± 2.2, three mare’s milk samples: 12 ± 1.2 and two human milk samples: 38. The GlcN content of the elephant’s milk was 128, 43 and 14 times greater than those of the cow’s, mare’s and human milk, respectively. Then, we examined the degradation of GlcN during 0–24 hr hydrolyzation with HCl. We estimated that elephant’s milk contains >880 mg/100 g GlcN, which is similar to the levels of major amino acids in elephant’s milk. We concluded that a novel GlcN-containing milk substitute should be developed for elephant calves. The efficacy of GlcN supplements is disputed, and free GlcN is rare in bodily fluids; thus, the optimal molecular form of GlcN requires a further study.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attributable to sunshine: a nationwide, retrospective, observational study.

To investigate the population attributable risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) from non-optimal sunshine duration and the relative contribution of daily sunshine hours. National registry data of all cases of OHCA occurred between 2005 and 2014 in the 47 Japanese prefectures were obtained. We examined the relationship between daily duration of sunshine and OHCA risk for each prefecture in Japan using a Poisson regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model, adjusting for confounding factors. The estimated associations for each prefecture were pooled at the nationwide level using a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 658742 cases of OHCA of presumed cardiac origin met our inclusion criteria. The minimum morbidity sunshine duration varied from the 21st percentile in Okayama to the 99th percentile in Hokkaido, Gifu, and Hyogo. Overall, 5.78% [95% empirical confidence interval (eCI): 3.57-7.16] of the OHCA cases were attributable to daily sunshine duration. The attributable fraction for short sunshine duration (below the minimum morbidity sunshine duration) was 4.18% (95% eCI: 2.64-5.38), whereas that for long sunshine duration (above the minimum morbidity sunshine duration) was 1.59% (95% eCI: 0.81-2.21). Daily sunshine duration was responsible for OHCA burden, and a greater number of OHCA cases occurred in patients who were only exposed to sunshine for short periods of time each day. Our findings suggest that public health efforts to reduce OHCA burden should take sunshine level into account.