Position Of The Sun Research Articles

A new two-axis solar tracker based on the online optimization method: Experimental investigation and neural network modeling

This article presents a new two-axis solar tracker based on an online optimization algorithm so as to track the position of the sun without using its movement model. In this research, four well-known optimization algorithms are employed to find the two unknown parameters named azimuth and zenith angles, which determine the position of the sun. The magnitude of the sunray is considered as the cost function of all algorithms. Then, several experiments are carried out to find the best optimization algorithm with optimal population size, number of iterations, and also the best initialization method. Uniform initialization leads to faster convergence compared to random initialization. The results clearly show that the particle swarm optimization algorithm with a population size of 15 and 7 iterations using uniform initialization method has better performance than the other algorithms, with a convergence time of less than 40 s. The average fitness value or voltage received by the tracker is 2.4 Volts in this method, which is higher than other methods. TLBO also performs well with a population size of 15 and 7 iterations. Afterward, the artificial neural network with one hidden layer and 20 neurons is employed to predict these two parameters in each day and moment in a year in Shiraz city according to the experimental data extracted from PSO. Number of the day from January and the time are inputs and zenith and azimuth angles are considered the output of neural network modeling. The performance of the proposed ANN model is evaluated using regression plots, demonstrating a strong correlation between predicted and target outputs. Finally, the outcomes reveal the feasibility of using online optimization algorithms and neural network modeling in an effort to bypass the complex mathematical model of mechatronic systems and predict the movement of the sun automatically.

Revisiting the cycle-rotation connection for late-type stars

Aims. We analyse the relation between the activity cycle length and the Rossby number, which serves as a ‘normalised’ rotation period and appears to be the natural parameter in any cycle relation. Methods. We collected a sample of 44 main sequence stars with well-known activity cycle periods and rotation periods. To compute the Rossby numbers from the observed rotation periods, we used the respective B − V-dependent empirical turnover-times and derived the empirical relation between the cycle length and Rossby number. Results. We found a linear behaviour in the double-logarithmic relation between the Rossby number and cycle period. The bifurcation into a long and a short period branch is clearly real but it depends, empirically, on the colour index B − V, indicating a physical dependence on effective temperature and position on the main sequence. Furthermore, there is also a correlation between cycle length and convective turnover time with the relative depth of the convection zone. Based on this, we derived empirical relations between cycle period and Rossby number individually for narrow B − V ranges, for both cycle branches, as well as a global relation for the short-period branch. For the short period cycle branch relations, we estimated a scatter of the relative deviation between 14% and 28% on the long-period cycle branch. With these relations derived purely from stellar data, we obtained a good match with the 10.3−1.0+1.1 yr period for the well known 11-year solar Schwabe cycle and a long-period branch value of 104−34+50 yr for the Gleissberg cycle of the Sun. Finally, we suggest that the cycles on the short-period branch appear to be generated in the deeper layers of the convective zone, while long-period branch cycles seem to be related to fewer deep layers in that zone. Conclusions. We show that for a broader B − V range, the Rossby number is a more suitable parameter for universal relation with cycle-rotation than just the rotation period alone. As proof, we demonstrate that our empirical stellar relations are consistent with the 11-year solar Schwabe cycle, in contrast to earlier studies using just the rotation period in their relations. Previous studies have tried to explain the cycle position of the Sun in the cycle-rotation presentation via other kinds of dynamo, however, in our study, no evidence is found that would suggest another type of dynamo for the Sun and other stars.

Design of Photovoltaic Power Generation Servo System Based on Discrete Adaptive Network Dynamic Surface Control Technology

In recent years, under the development of the dual carbon goal, the energy crisis has become increasingly serious, and China has also experienced serious power rationing. However, the research on dynamic surface control technology in solar tracking systems in nonlinear control systems is mostly based on continuous-time systems, while adaptive dynamic surface control based on discrete-time nonlinear control systems can describe an actual control system more accurately in the production process. It can effectively suppress interference with extremely high stability and safety. To solve the problem of low efficiency in photovoltaic power generation, this research first built a photovoltaic power generation servo system model based on the parameter of uncertainty. Then, a discrete adaptive neural network dynamic surface (DANNDS) controller was designed to solve the problems in the design of the traditional backstepping method. Finally, based on the designed method of a dynamic surface controller, a discrete adaptive neural network quantization controller (DANNQC) for the photovoltaic power generation servo system was designed by introducing external disturbance. The control parameters and their studied ranges were as follows: The reference signals were or1=sin(0.1t) and or2=cos(0.1t). The parameters of the virtual control law and the final control law were m11=0.01, m22=0.01, m12=0.02, m13=0.02, and m23=0.02. The time constant of the low-pass filter was ζ12=ζ13=ζ22=ζ23=0.005. The parameters of the parameter regulation law were ρ12=ρ13=ρ22=ρ23=0.0005 and a12=a13=20, a22=a23=22. The research results show that the MTE, RMSTE, and 2NTE scores of the height angle servo motor of the DANNDS control method were 0.0026, 7.0279 × 10−4, and 0.3552, respectively. The scores for each index of the azimuth servo motor were 0.0028, 8.9237 × 10−4, and 0.4511, respectively. The height angle tracking error for the DANNQC control method was [−0.02,0.022]. The azimuth tracking error was [−0.03,0.03]. In summary, the photovoltaic power generation servo system based on the DANNQC has a better control performance. By controlling the height angle and azimuth angles, it can better track the position of the sun and adjust the position of the photovoltaic panel in real time. The sun’s rays illuminate the photovoltaic panel at an appropriate angle to achieve maximum power generation efficiency, which is of great practical significance for the development of solar technology.

Optimization Model for Determining Global Solar Radiation in the Northeastern States of Nigeria Using Both Meteorological and Satellite Imagery Data

This study presents an optimization model for determining global solar radiation in the northeastern region of Nigeria using a combination of meteorological data and satellite imagery. Ten recent models were chosen from the literature review and optimized to select the one that best fits the study region. Two models were developed to provide accurate solar radiation predictions, which can be used to improve the planning and implementation of a solar energy project in the region. The model integrates the Angstrom-Prescott model with various climate parameters such as Temperature (∆T), relative humidity (RH), location latitude (Φ), solar declination angle (δ), and the number of days in a year (n) with satellite image data to determine the global solar radiation. The finding of optimization models shows that the model10 performed very well with minimum error as Mean Base Error (0.028), Mean Percentage Error (-0.001), Root Mean Square Error (0.098), and coefficient of determination R2 (0.994), which suggested as the optimized model for determining of global solar radiation in northeastern Nigeria. The two models were developed, that is, proposed Model1 and proposed Model2. Proposed Model1 slightly overestimated the global solar radiation with Mean Base Error (-0.863), Mean Percentage Error (-0.039), Root Mean Square Error (2.990), and coefficient of determination R2 (0.745), while proposed Model2 performed better with Mean Base Error (-0.005), Mean Percentage Error (0.0003), Root Mean Square Error (0.02) with the coefficient of determination R2 (0.985). The proposed models were validated using the suggested optimized model10 and satellite data model, which show that the proposed model can accurately determine global solar radiation in the northeastern region of Nigeria. This study's findings will benefit the region's solar energy project developers, researchers, and policymakers.

Popular solunar tables fail to predict fishing success in North American recreational freshwater trout fisheries

The solunar theory proposes that the position of the sun and moon can be used to predict activity rates in fish and game species. Several free and premium services use this theory to provide tables predicting optimal dates and times for fishing and hunting success. The efficacy of these services was tested by comparing catch per unit effort (CPUE) in a recreational freshwater trout fishery with daily solunar values and coincidence of fishing trips with peak solunar times. CPUE was also compared to environmental variables including lunar phase, lunar illumination, and wind speed. Values predicted by each of the solunar services were strongly correlated to each other and to lunar phase, however, no significant relationship was found between CPUE and any of the solunar values tested, lunar phase, or lunar illumination. Ambient air temperature showed a positive relationship with CPUE, and was a more effective predictor of fishing success than any of the solunar tables tested.

Design Considerations for Vertical Bifacial Agrivoltaic Installations

Abstract The expected annual energy output of vertical bifacial solar panel arrays was modeled with an eye on how array design attributes affect the output. We considered module height, cell density (single- or double-high racking), inter-row spacing, and inverter connection (rows of modules wired together or separately), and the inclusion of bypass diodes. We observed that these design choices have a substantial impact on the annual energy yield on a per-module basis and per-acre basis. We modeled the instantaneous brightness and shading based on the position of the sun and adjacent rows of modules, which caused nonuniform irradiance due to inter-row shading effects. Based on the irradiance, we calculated current, voltage, and power values throughout a year for different design strategies. Double-high racking, which uses two landscape-oriented modules stacked vertically, offers noteworthy power gains per acre with only a modest increase of inter-row shading. When bypass diodes are included in the module design and improved inverter wiring is used, much of the loss due to inter-row shading is mitigated, and the total power output per acre is nearly doubled, with modules seeing an 80% power increase per acre for 20 ft row spacing, and over 90% power increase per acre for 40 ft spacing.

101 Environmental conditions in equine indoor arenas: A descriptive study

Indoor arenas serve a unique purpose at equine facilities, yet there has been minimal research conducted examining the internal environment within them. Survey data identified dust, moisture, temperature, and air movement as concerns of indoor arena users and one-time characterizations of 37 facilities within 100 miles of Lexington, KY demonstrated air movement below the still air threshold (100 ft/min (0.51 m/s)) for livestock facilities in 87% of the indoor arenas. To better understand the environment within indoor arenas, 15 facilities selected from the 37 facilities noted above were monitored for 1 week during both the winter and summer seasons between October 2020 and February 2022. Temperature, relative humidity, dew point, solar radiation, and air speed data were collected every 5 min using the HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station with the HOBOnet Temperature/Relative Humidity Sensor, HOBOnet Solar Radiation Sensor, and HOBOnet Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Sensor. All measurements displayed a distinct diurnal pattern with clear trends for the different seasons of data collection. Conducting paired t-tests between the climate control and non-climate-controlled facilities demonstrated statistically significant differences for the winter temperature (P = 0.006), winter and summer relative humidity (P < 0.001 andP < 0.001), and winter and summer dew point temperatures (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). Temperature, relative humidity, and dew point temperatures were higher in the climate-controlled arenas likely due to the presence of heating mechanisms and insulation. Similar to the indoor arena characterization data, the air speeds observed during the environmental monitoring for all of the indoor arenas were below the threshold for still air in livestock facilities (100 ft/min (0.51 m/s)). Solar radiation for both seasons peaked around 3 p.m., but the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001) with a summer day experiencing an average of 10.77 Watts per square meter, compared with 6.46 Watts per square meter during the winter. This is consistent with changes in the position and intensity of the sun throughout the year though the opening of windows and doors may also impact the amount of sunlight entering the facilities. Sensor technology and implementation provides a better understanding of the interior environment and how indoor arena design can impact and improve these conditions.

Design of solar array with sun position tracking system employing refrigerant

Renewable energy is quickly gaining relevance as a source of energy as the price of fossil fuels changes. As the need for electricity has risen in recent years, the power sector has played an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Solar power is one of the most important renewable energy sources on the planet, and it should be collected and exploited to its full potential. The proposed system is unique in that it uses the sun instead of the earth as a guiding source. Solar panels' energy conversion efficiency is determined on the amount of sunshine they receive. As a result, a tracker device must be designed to make sure that the solar panel's direction always follows the sun's location. As a result, we're attempting to design a solar array with a sun position tracking system that can provide or consume the most solar energy while maintaining a reasonable potency. There are a variety of ways to track the sun's location, but we prefer to utilize the passive method. Instead of using external energy to detect the sun's position, passive solar tracking employs refrigerant as a source. It operates on the concept that when the temperature rises, the refrigerant's vapour pressure rises as well. The transfer of high-pressure refrigerant from one canister to another generates an imbalance in the weights on the canisters, allowing them to track the position of the sun.

LING UISTIC MEANS OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN TRANSCULTURAL PROSE OF FINLAND (PART 1)

The article discusses the features of transcultural writing on the material of the work by Ranja El-Ramly The Position of the Sun(2002). The work is written in Finnish, which, along with Arabic, is native to the writer, since El-Ramly comes from a bicultural family. The purpose of the study is to describe alliteration as a means of artistic expression. The methodological basis of the article is a transnational approach to cultural phenomena, which pays attention to movements and sociocultural existence beyond national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries in literary life. The main research method is the method of linguistic description of specific linguistic facts.The article reveals the content of the term ‘transcultural literature’ and its place in the literary space of Finland. The genre of the work The Position of the Suncan be defined as a lyrical novel, which is relatively new for Finnish literature. The work represents the flow of impressions that make up the content of the narrator’s image.The author of the article concludes that the special sound organization of words in a sentence, for example, the repetition of identical vowel sounds at the level of a phrase and even a sentence, is aimed at the emotional transmission of the mental world of the character

Апотропеи в инвентаре древнеегипетских детских погребений I тыс. до н. э. из Восточной Гизы: археологический контекст, типология и интерпретация

The paper analyzes the results of the work of the Russian Archaeological Mission of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences at Giza in 2013, 2017, and 2019—2020. During these seasons, the team recorded a unique double infant burial in an amphora in rock-cut tomb GE 49 (the southern section of the Russian concession) and a cemetery to the west of the rock-cut tomb of Kakherptah (the north-western section of the Russian concession). The internments are dated to the first half of the 1st millennium B. C. The infant burial in an Egyptian amphora of Dynasty XXI (1070/1069—946/945 BC) has been preserved in fragments. However, part of the accompanying inventory has survived and is represented by a beaded bracelet and a scarab amulet. Of the 29 burials in the cemetery near the tomb of Kakherptah, 11 belonged to children. They are mostly well preserved, allowing us to study the features of burial rites, which included inhumation in an extended position on the back, head to the west with some shift to the south or north. The latter is probably related to burial at different months when orientation of internments followed the solar declination. Unlike the burials of adults, which remained without grave goods, the infant burials were equipped with a significant amount of jewelry and apotropaic amulets. Their shape is typical for Dynasties XXII—XXV (946/945—664 BC), which determines the dating of the cemetery near the tomb of Kakherptah. Despite the abundance of comparative material, primarily amulets, in Egyptological literature and museum collections, the discovery of these items in situ is extremely rare. The archaeological context allows us to consider the characteristics of their use in the ancient Egyptian burial rites of the Third Intermediate Period.

Influence of the Sun on Water. Dependence on geometry of solution and its position in space

Hydrolytic reactions with the participation of water clusters are highly dependent on the geometric shape of the reaction solution and its position in space. For example, the hydrolysis of triethyl phosphite in acetonitrile occurs at different rates in three 5-mm NMR tubes directed North-South, East-West and Vertically, and this difference can be very large. The rate ratios between the tubes vary greatly during the day depending on the position of the Sun in the sky. The rate of hydrolysis in the East-West tube displays the largest daily fluctuations. This phenomenon might be well accounted for by the decomposition of water clusters by muons which are constantly generated in the upper atmosphere by the solar wind. Since the muon flux is anisotropic, its influence depends on the area of a reaction solution which is affected by muons. This phenomenon depends on variations in solar activity and the distribution of solar energy due to the rotation of the Earth around its axis and around the Sun. As a result, the rate of hydrolysis of triethyl phosphite in multidirectional tubes displays not only daily, but also large annual fluctuations. Thus, this chemical process may be used to determine solar activity at different locations on the Earth and track changes in the direction of the muon flux.

Analysis and Evaluation of Photovoltaic Cell Defects and Their Impact on Electricity Generation

Many problems arise in the operation of photovoltaic systems. Each of these problems affects the operation of photovoltaic systems by reducing the power of the entire system. Some problems can be avoided during the design of photovoltaic systems. For example, when designing photovoltaic systems, it is possible to eliminate the shading of photovoltaic panels from surrounding objects. It is also necessary to look at the shading from neighboring photovoltaic panels when designing photovoltaic systems. It is necessary to calculate the inclination of the sunlight based on the position of the sun and calculate the distance between the two panels accordingly. However, some problems appear during the operation of photovoltaic systems. These problems can be partially eliminated. The magnitude of the series resistance can be eliminated by reducing the transition resistance throughout the system. The paper describes these problems and their possible solutions in practice. In the practical part, we focused on simulations and experiments in the field of photovoltaic systems (PV). The simulations focused on both the influence of temperature and the series resistance of photovoltaic panels on the production of electricity. The experiments were focused on the influence of various faults/defects on the power and V-A characteristics of photovoltaic panels connected in strings. The paper also discusses the impact of bypass diodes on the operation of photovoltaic systems and determines the need to use bypass diodes.

Analisis Historisitas Gerhana Di Desa Bissoloro Kec. Bungaya Kab. Gowa Perspektif Sains dan Ilmu Falak

Irfan, Nur Aisyah, Nila Sastrawati, Muh. Rasywan Syarif. Myths that develop in Indonesia society, especially in Bissoloro Village, Bungaya District, Gowa Regency, some people have their own beliefs in responding to the occurrence of the eclipse phenomenon by not doing activities outside the home, forbidding children to play outside the house, fearing they will get sick, and not being allowed to see the incident, the eclipse that occurs at night, it is believed that when the eclipse takes place, it is very suitable to uproot the lolo rupa plant to be used as a beauty potion for everyday use. This research is classified as a descriptive qualitative research field. The views of the people of Bissoloro Village in responding to the eclipse phenomenon still follow the beliefs of their ancestors. The development of science changes people’s assumptions, people who take education no longer think that eclipses are something to be afraid of, in fact the eclipse phenomenon is considered a beautiful and extraordinary phenomenon and interesting to observe using astronomical tools. From a scientific perspective, eclipses occur because the positions of the sun, moon, and earth are in a straigh line natural phenomenon occur naturally and can be scientifically From the perspective of astronomy, in the historical study of solar eclipses, it occurred at the time of the Prophet Muhammad. through the hadith clearly states that eclipses do not result in the death or birth of a person.Keywords: Eclipses, Science Perspective, and Astrology.

Single-Motor and Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System for Micro Photovoltaic Power Plants

Abstract Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert solar radiation into electrical energy in a clean and cost-effective way. PV panels are positioned against the Sun using fixed or solar tracking systems to generate electricity at maximum efficiency. Although solar tracking systems work with higher power efficiency than fixed solar systems, they do not attract commercial attention due to their high investment and maintenance costs. In this study, a single-motor and dual-axis solar tracking system called asymmetric solar tracker (AST) was designed. The most significant innovation of AST is the adjustable asymmetrical stand that carries the PV panels. Thanks to its asymmetrical stand, AST does not need concrete or heavy metal construction to carry PV panels, as in traditional solar tracking systems. In addition, AST can track the Sun on the dual axis by moving on a single axis owing to its asymmetrical stand. These features make AST approximately as cost-effective as fixed solar systems and as efficient as dual-axis solar tracking systems. As an experimental study, an AST for two PV panels was fabricated and compared with a fixed solar system under different weather conditions. A microcontroller was employed to control the AST and light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors were used to track the instant position of the Sun. Experimental results reveal that, depending on the weather conditions, AST increases the daily electrical energy produced by PV panels between 25% and 38% compared to the fixed solar system.

Ionospheric Currents in the Equatorial and Low Latitudes of Africa

The magnetometer data obtained for 2008 from geomagnetic stations installed across Africa by magnetic data acquisition set (MAGDAS) have been used to study the ionospheric Sq current system in the equatorial and lowlatitudes of Africa. The aim of this work is to separate the quiet-day feld variations obtained in the equatorial and low latitude regions of Africa into their external and internal feld contributions and then to use the paired external and internal coeffcients of the SHAto determine the source current and induced currents. The method used involved a spherical harmonic analysis (SHA). This was applied in the separation of the internal and external field/current contribution to the Sq variations. The result shows that the variation in the currents is seen to be a dawn-to-dusk phenomenon with the variation in the external currents different from that of the internal currents both in amplitude and in phase. Furthermore, the seasonal variation in the external current maximizes during the March equinox and minimizes during the December solstice. The maximum current observed in AAB and ILR is due to the Equatorial Electrojet Current present in the AAB and ILR stations. Seasonal variation was observed in the geomagnetic component variations as well as in the currents. This is attributed to the position of the sun with respect to the earth at different months of the year. The equinoctial maximum is observed in external current intensity which occurred mostly during the March Equinox.

Performance analysis of n-type PERT bifacial solar PV module under diverse albedo conditions

The additional gain in the energy yield of a bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) module is mainly due to its ability to absorb the ground reflected irradiance (Albedo) through the rear surface of the module. Albedo is the critical characteristic that depends on the surface of the ground, the position of the sun, module clearance, module spacing, tilt angle, etc. The higher the value of albedo, the more is the bifacial gain and so the energy yield. This work investigates the performance of the ELAN series N-type passivated emitter rear totally diffused (PERT) bifacial PV module installed at latitude 9.673° N and longitude 77.964° E under diverse albedo conditions. The ground surface under the module is covered with different reflective materials and the performance parameters like albedo, bifacial gain, and the peak power output are calculated and compared. For aluminum reflective surface, the value of albedo is high and in the range of 0.50–0.57, with an average bifacial gain of 21.4%. The white reflective surface stands next with the value of albedo between 0.37 and 0.42, and an average bifacial gain of 18.9% followed by the reflective surfaces of cement, sand, and grass with an average bifacial gain of 12.8%, 7.8%, and 4.8% respectively. Depending upon the albedo and the bifacial gain, the bifacial solar PV produces the additional power gain. Overall, from the experimental results, it is observed that different reflective materials with different albedos produce different bifacial gain and peak output power depending on the operation conditions.

A Novel Evaluation Method of Tunnel Access Zone Luminance Based on Measured Meteorological Data

As the design basis of the tunnel lighting system, tunnel access zone luminance (TAZL) directly affects the energy efficiency of the tunnel lighting system and the driving safety of drivers. Affected by the relative position of the sun, weather conditions and other factors, the TAZL dynamically changes over time, but the existing tunnel mostly uses a fixed luminance value for the design and operation of the tunnel lighting system, which lacks a simplified method to obtain the real-time luminance. In this study, the L20(S) (the average luminance observed by the driver at 20° field of view) at the tunnel stopping sight distance is split, and the sky luminance is calculated by using the sky luminance model. While a segmented prediction model of the ground scenery luminance is established with the maximum sun height angle as the inflection point, the solar irradiance outside the tunnel is adopted as the input parameter. This new proposed L20(S) evaluation model is verified within the error of 5.41%, which provides a convenient and accurate method for the real-time measurement of TAZL.

Solar Panel Tracker System Using GPS Technology

This article provides a solution to the problem of not improving three-dimensional systems with light sensors in tracker systems for solar panels, due to the inefficiency of operation in cloudy weather, with an increase in precipitation and contamination of photodetectors. The paper shows the calculation of the position angle of the tracker system relative to the changing position of the sun. The GPS system is able to automatically determine the location of the solar panel (latitude, longitude), then the microcontroller with the developed program performs a mathematical calculation, and the system automatically adjusts the solar panel to the sun. Thus, the need to use a photo sensor is eliminated, since the system automatically determines the optimal angle between the sun and the solar panel.

EPISTEMIC CONTESTATION IN DETERMINING THE POSITION OF THE SUN DURING FAJR IN INDONESIA

Epistemic contestation in determining the position of the sun at fajr (dawn) in Indonesia occurred between Muhammadiyah and the Ministry of Religion as government representatives supported by Nahdlatul Ulama. This contestation pattern is in the form of a correction by Muhammadiyah to morning twilight criteria set by the Ministry of Religion. The government stipulated that the height of the sun at dawn is -20o while Muhammadiyah stated that the height of the sun should be 18o. Muhammadiyah's correction was based on research by the Muhammadiyah research team. Then the Ministry of Religion formed a research team that found that the sun's height at dawn is -20o. The Muhammadiyah research team falsified the findings of the Ministry of Religion team because the data is considered manipulative. The Ministry of Religion then responded with follow-up research elsewhere. Nahdlatul Ulama took part in this contest by forming a research team whose results contradicted the results of the Muhammadiyah yet strengthened the Ministry of Religion's decision regarding the morning twilight criteria. The contestation does not lead to an epistemic meeting point. Although both parties used the same method, namely empirical observations in the field, the pre-assumptions at the time of the research led to different conclusions.

HDR Map Reconstruction From a Single LDR Sky Panoramic Image for Outdoor Illumination Estimation

Outdoor low dynamic range (LDR) panoramic images that contain the sun and sky are generally over-saturated because the sun is 10,000 times brighter than the regions that surround it. Because the luminance information in the region that contains the sun in these images is lost, it is difficult to identify the sun’s position and generate high dynamic range (HDR) environment maps that can be used to realistically relight virtual objects. Previous methods to reconstruct HDR maps did not consider that the sun covers a small area in an image but contains extremely high luminance values. These methods are therefore insufficient for estimating scene illumination. We propose a multi-faceted approach to reconstructing HDR maps from a single LDR sky panoramic image that considers the sun and sky regions separately. We encode an input image and transfer a multi-dimensional latent representation to two decoders, which reconstruct the luminance information in the sky and sun regions separately. To plausibly model sun illumination, we introduce two networks (Sunpose-net and Sunrad-net) that estimate the position and radiance of the sun. The generated sun radiance map is then merged with the output of the decoder that is responsible for sun regions. We demonstrated that the proposed method more plausibly reconstructs HDR maps than previous methods using the HDR-VDP-2.2 which measures the visual quality of reconstructed HDR maps against ground truth. The accuracy of the overall sun and sky illumination distribution in HDR maps reconstructed using the proposed method was evaluated using histogram distance measures.