Solar Radiation Sensors Research Articles

Investigation and Estimation of the Daily UVI Behavior Based on Global Radiation over Selected Cities in Iraq

The ultraviolet Index (UVI) is a measure of the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the potential danger of sun exposure. It is a linear scale that measures the intensity of UV radiation concerning sunburn, ranging from 0 to 11 or more. A higher UVI indicates a greater potential for damage to the skin and eyes and a shorter time for harm to occur. Objective: The current study aims to investigate the (UVI) in several Iraqi cities and assess its relationship with global radiation to determine potential health risks for the population Radiation and Plant Health: Although the focus of the paper is on human health, you could argue that understanding the impact of UV radiation on plants is relevant to agriculture. High levels of UV radiation can damage some crops, reducing yield. The paper establishes a link between global radiation and UVI, and since global radiation affects plant growth, there's a very indirect connection. Materials and Methods: The UVI data were collected using an autonomous DAVIS weather station (Vantage Pro2) equipped with a Solar UV Radiation Sensor DS6490. Results: The maximum daily value in late spring and early autumn with very high levels during summer days ranged from 12.43 to 10.16, while minimum levels were found in fall and winter at 2.1 and 2.4 and it was uncovered throughout the months of December and January. In March, October, and November, UVI levels were primarily moderate. The high level of UVI which exceeds 7 UVI over shown 7 months per year, particularly during the three summer months with very high UVI values (12.43 to 9.47). The necessary measures must be taken to protect against exposure to UV rays on days when the values are high, as well as to preserve crops on these days. Conclusions: UVI levels tend to increase or decrease on a monthly period, the greatest rate of variation was 5.1 % in March and the lowest was 1.7 % in June and July respectively. The shows a correlation coefficient of-0.91 for daily values and-0.93 for monthly values. We note that UVC has been filtered into the atmosphere and does not reach the surface of the earth, and it is considered one of the most dangerous types.

Environmental conditions in equine indoor arenas: A descriptive study

Indoor arenas do not always include mechanical ventilation or stirring fans and occupancy by horses and humans can be sporadic and inconsistent, which creates a challenging space for understanding and predicting variations in temperature, moisture, and airflow. To understand the interior environment within indoor arenas, monitoring was conducted at 15 facilities within 200 kilometres of Lexington, KY. Environmental monitoring of dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature, air speeds, and solar radiation took place over 7 days in the winter and summer to examine temporal variability. Environmental data was collected every 5 minutes using the HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station with the HOBOnet Temp/RH Sensor, HOBOnet Solar Radiation (Silicon Pyranometer) Sensor, and HOBOnet Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Sensor. Clear seasonal differences and diurnal patterns were evident in all environmental conditions, but the relative humidity. The relative humidity and dew point temperatures indicated moisture could be an issue in many of the indoor arenas. High relative humidity and excess moisture can negatively impact horse and human health as well as the lifespan of the facility. Similar results to previous spatial variability indoor arena characterizations were observed during the environmental monitoring with air speeds being below the threshold for still air in livestock facilities (0.51 m s-1). Sensor technology and implementation provides a better understanding of the interior environment and how indoor arena design can impact it.

Response fitting in low-cost radiation sensors

To obtain low-cost solar radiation sensors with energy applications, small commercial photovoltaic cells have been adapted. With the purpose to evaluate the resulting thermal drifts, a temperature sensor has been connected to a small electronic circuit. The calibration curve provided by the cells supplier is not useful in this case because it is made for a constant 20ºC temperature. Besides, the additional circuit also affects the results. This work presents not only the design and implementation of the additional elements, together with the data acquisition system, but also the results of the calibration work, the fitting of new incident solar radiation functions regarding the temperature of the cell and the intensity of the resulting current, besides the validation of the results for four of these cells.

Speed sensorless Adaptive Power Control for photovoltaic-fed water pump using Extended Kalman–Bucy filter

In this study, a speed sensorless control method is proposed for a photovoltaic water-pump system operating under variable atmospheric conditions. The developed system not only continuously determines the maximum power point of the photovoltaic system but also generates a reference speed appropriate for each power value produced. The MATLAB/Simulink model of the driver system incorporates Adaptive Power Control, Direct Torque Control, a 3-phase induction motor, and the power plant. The determination of the maximum power point of the photovoltaic system and the input reference speed information for the Direct Torque Control under varying atmospheric conditions is accomplished through the application of the Adaptive Power Control algorithm. Notably, the control process operates as a closed-loop system without the requirement of a speed sensor. Instead, the Extended Kalman–Bucy estimator is employed for speed estimation. Empirical evaluation of the proposed method was conducted under constant temperature conditions and varying irradiance values. The results clearly illustrate the consistent operation of the motor, with a constant torque production aligned with each identified maximum power point corresponding to distinct irradiance levels. The control system demonstrates robust performance and operational efficiency across the entire range of operating points. The efficacy of the Kalman estimator in monitoring the reference speed, the utilization of a single solar radiation sensor, and the successful implementation of sensorless operation are significant advantages of the developed adaptive approach. The demonstrated performance of the proposed system showcases its potential for enhancing the efficient and reliable control of photovoltaic water-pump systems in real-world applications.

Development of solar radiation measurement sensor with added value to promote wide-area solar power prediction technology

In this study, we investigated a scenario where the prediction technology for the total output of distributed photovoltaic power generation over a wide area could be more efficiently disseminated by sharing the costs with society, rather than burdening only specific companies with the costs. To achieve this goal, we not only focused on measuring the amount of solar radiation but also incorporated additional parameters into the solar radiation sensor, which is essential for improving the accuracy of the prediction technology. The fundamental configuration of the developed sensor consists of an organic thin film solar cell (OPV), and the output is utilized to transmit the output data externally. Utilizing the surplus power from the OPV, we examined and produced three types of sensors: 1) a sensor with a CO2 measurement function, 2) a sensor with a mist spray function, and 3) a sensor with a photography function using a drive recorder. As a result, all sensors met the predetermined functions and target specifications.

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.

MPPT algorithm based on Multiple Linear Regression model for Solar PV systems

Currently, there are numerous maximum power point tracking (mppt) algorithms implemented in systems powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels. These systems are indirectly affected by sudden changes in weather conditions, making them unstable and inefficient. This work presents a model to establish the optimal working point of photovoltaic panels to be used in installations sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, such as solar pumping, to obtain maximum power in any temperature and irradiance condition of the panels. The model reduces the response time of the system because it also has a control system implemented whose setpoint value is the one provided by the algorithm itself. This is possible with the help of external temperature and solar radiation sensors that provide these values in real time. The setpoint is the working voltage target for the panels (Vmpp), for which the system does not become unstable despite the oscillations allowed by the control system. The algorithm is based on a model that consists of a Multiple Linear Regression through which the entire P-V curve of any photovoltaic panel can be represented for any temperature and radiation. The characteristics of the model allow a control system design that makes the system more efficient.

Exploring smartphone-based environmental sensors through applying perovskite quantum dots

Smartphone have been applied to develop various sensors. However, because of the limitations of the Si detectors used in smartphone cameras, they can only detect visible light, which greatly restricts their functions for advanced sensor development. Herein, we extended the detection range of smartphone cameras to ultraviolet (UV) region by using perovskite quantum dots (QDs), which have excellent down-converting properties. We realized two smartphone-based environmental sensors. (1) A solar UV radiation sensor in which the perovskite QDs convert UV light to visible light that is detected by the smartphone camera. Coupled with app, this ingenious sensor can detect the solar UV index and also visualize the UV-radiation distribution. (2) A water chemical oxygen demand sensor that based on UV absorption. The sensor was realized by adding a simple attachment to the front of the smartphone camera. It can be used as an in-pocket sensor to measure water quality anytime and anywhere.

Development of a solar radiation sensor system with pyranometer

&lt;span&gt;Solar energy is a result of the nuclear fusion process in the form of a series of thermonuclear events that occur in the Sun's core. Solar radiation has a significant impact on the lives of all living things on earth. The uses, as mentioned earlier, are when the solar radiation received requires a certain amount and vice versa. As a result, a more accurate instrument of solar radiation is required. A specific instrument is typically used to measure solar radiation parameters. There are four solar radiation parameters: diffusion radiation, global radiation, direct radiation, and solar radiation duration. Thus, it needs to use many devices to measure radiation data. The paper designs to measure all four-radiation data by pyranometer with particular modification and shading device. This design results have a high correlation with a global standard with a value of R=0.73, diffusion with a value of R=0.60 and a sufficiently strong direct correlation with a value of R=0.56. It can be said that the system is much simpler, making it easier to monitor and log the various solar radiation parameters.&lt;/span&gt;

Structural, optical and electrical properties of sol-gel spin-coated Ga and F Co-doped ZnO films

Zinc oxide (ZnO) film is a promising transparent conductive material suitable for various applications including transparent electrode, piezoelectric transducers, solar radiation protection and sensors. Ga doped ZnO film has excellent electrical properties but has inferiority in terms of optical transmittance, which has prompted investigations and researches on co-doped ZnO film in order to ameliorate its optical and electrical properties. In this study, Ga and F co-doped ZnO (GFZO) film has been prepared on quartz substrates with different F doping concentrations by sol-gel spin-coating method. The structural, optical and electrical properties of GFZO films were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Hall Effect measurement system. Highly c-axis oriented GFZO films were obtained. The crystallinity of GFZO became better with increased of F content. The transmittance and conductivity were improved with increased F doping concentrations. GFZO films with 2 at.% F showed the lowest resistivity and superior transmittance.

ПОРІВНЯННЯ СУПУТНИКОВИХ ТА НАЗЕМНИХ ДАНИХ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕНЬ ТРИВАЛОСТІ СОНЯЧНОГО СЯЙВА НА ПРИКЛАДІ ТЕРИТОРІЇ УКРАЇНИ

In this article, a comparison of satellite and terrestrial data on the sunshine duration is determined on the example of the territory of Ukraine for the period of the calendar summer of 2011-2019. In particular, it was established that the value of the correlation coefficient of satellite and terrestrial ancient of sunshine duration is within 0.50 – 0.80, which corresponds to a moderate and significant correlation, and therefore a sufficiently large dependence between these types of obtaining meteorological and actinometric information of the studied parameter. Attention is also focused on the possibilities of improving the accuracy of ground data using universal multi-purpose solar radiation sensors, for example BF5 type sensors; and high accuracy of satellite data is confirmed. The average total error of the sunshine duration was determined based on satellite data and data from terrestrial weather stations. The obtained results indicate that ground weather stations have several times lower accuracy of measurements, in contrast to satellite data. After all, the average maximum total error of the sunshine duration of terrestrial data is four times higher than the average maximum total error of satellite data of the studied quantity. This, in turn, allows us to use satellite data for a qualitative assessment of the sunshine duration on the territory of Ukraine and allows us to assert that, in addition to ground data, it is possible to use satellite data of the sunshine duration as a studied quantity, as well as satellite data of any quantity in general. In addition, the influence of weather and climate anomalies on the obtained comparison results was investigated. As a result of the research, it was noted that mostly the months with the best correlation correspond to a more homogeneous anomaly of air temperature and precipitation, and the months with the minimum correlation are merked by significant heterogeneity in the space of anomalies of the fields of these meteorological quantities. On a territorial scale, when analyzing data on the sunshine duration, it is necessary to detail meteorological values that depend on the studied parameter by region or individual areas.

Performance of agro-environmental monitoring for optimum water and crop management: A case study for East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Due to advancements in Information Technology (IT) infrastructure in Indonesia, including in remote areas, IT field monitoring is possibly used in the agriculture sector to make effective and efficient water and crop management. This study evaluates the performance of agro-environmental monitoring (AEM) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, Indonesia. The developed technology consisting of environmental parameter sensors and telemetry adopted the Internet of Things (IoT) concept. It consisted of three main parts, i.e., FieldRouter (FR) or ZL6, data logger, and the sensors. Some environmental parameter sensors were used such as solar radiation, air temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture sensors. The system was evaluated based on one planting season experiment in two different fields. In the field, there were two irrigation treatments, i.e., intermittent (II) with the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and flooded irrigations (FL). As a result, the developed AEM system showed good performance and reliability as indicated by well data collection and management from the fields. The real field situation was well monitored in terms of numerical and graphical as well as image data. We found that intermittent irrigation is more efficient in water used. It can be saved 12% water used compared to flooded irrigation.

Ionic Hydrogels Based Wearable Sensors to Monitor the Solar Radiation Dose for Vitamin D Production and Sunburn Prevention.

Wearable solar radiation sensors based on ionic hydrogels are facilely prepared to simultaneously monitor the radiation dose for the production of vitamin D and the prevention of sunburn. Tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) is neutralized with acrylic acid (AA) to obtain tetramethylethylenediamine acrylate (TEMEDA), which is further polymerized with acrylamide by a free radical reaction. By simply adding MB or NR during the polymerization, the final obtained ionic hydrogels can indicate solar radiation. Due to the extent of discoloration, the discoloration speed of MB and NR is correlated to the radiation dose. This wearable sensor can indicate the solar radiation dose required by the human body to synthesize vitamin D through the discoloration of the ionized hydrogel of MB, whereas those with NR are able to illustrate the threshold of radiation dose that causes potential skin hurt. Therefore, the benefit and drawback of solar radiation can be well balanced by optimizing the exposure time to solar irradiation. In addition, polyurethane cross-linked with a thermoresponsive coating is used as band for this wearable sensor. Due to the hydrophilicity below its transition temperature, the cross-linked band possesses the easy cleaning capability of stains after the daily wear. Such type of wearable sensor can be broadly used for monitoring the solar radiation, especially in outdoor activities.

A new gas absorption optical depth parameterisation for RTTOV version 13

Abstract. This paper describes a new gas optical depth parameterisation implemented in the most recent release, version 13, of the radiative transfer model RTTOV (Radiative Transfer for TOVS). RTTOV is a fast, one-dimensional radiative transfer model for simulating top-of-atmosphere visible, infrared, and microwave radiances observed by downward-viewing space-borne passive sensors. A key component of the model is the fast parameterisation of absorption by the various gases in the atmosphere. The existing parameterisation in RTTOV has been extended over many years to allow for additional variable gases in RTTOV simulations and to account for solar radiation and better support geostationary sensors by extending the validity to higher zenith angles. However, there are limitations inherent in the current approach which make it difficult to develop it further, for example by adding new variable gases. We describe a new parameterisation that can be applied across the whole spectrum, that allows for a wide range of zenith angles in support of solar radiation and geostationary sensors, and for which it will be easier to add new variable gases in support of user requirements. Comparisons against line-by-line radiative transfer simulations and against observations in the ECMWF operational system yield promising results, suggesting that the new parameterisation generally compares well with the old one in terms of accuracy. Further validation is planned, including testing in operational numerical weather prediction data assimilation systems.

Fluid dynamics analysis and experimental study for solar radiation error correction of sounding humidity sensor.

In order to correct the solar radiation error of relative humidity, the mainstream capacitive sounding humidity sensor HC103M2 is selected and investigated by simulation analysis and experimental verification. First, the basic theories for solar radiation error and sensor error itself are elaborated, and simulational and experimental platforms are introduced. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is utilized to theoretically investigate the dry error of the humidity sensor caused by solar radiation heating, which is related to radiation intensity, altitude, and solar elevation angle as well as reflectivity, thickness, and shape of the shield. Then, in order to verify the accuracy of the simulation, an experimental platform including a humidity sensor and two temperature sensors to measure the solar radiation heating is built to analyze the relative error of humidity obtained by the CFD simulation and experiment. It is found that their maximum deviation is 3.30% and the average error is 1.94%, which indicates that the calculation using the CFD method is accurate and feasible. In order to easily and operationally predict the solar radiation heating of the humidity sensor, a back propagation (BP) neural network fusion algorithm based on three inputs of radiation intensity, air pressure, and solar elevation angle is proposed. Compared with the solar radiation heating obtained by CFD simulation, the maximum absolute error is about 0.2K, and the relative error of humidity is about ±1.30%. Finally, a case of vertical humidity profile correction considering the temperature-sensitive error of HC103M2 is analyzed. The response time of sensor measurement and the airflow into the shield are discussed as well. The corrected results after taking solar radiation heating into account are more similar to those measured by RS92 and cryogenic frost point hygrometer (CFH). This result shows that the prediction model is accurate, which may be applied to correct the dry error and further improve the accuracy of humidity measurement.

Optimization of sensor model for solar radiation measurement with a pyranometer

Solar energy is electromagnetic energy produced in a thermonuclear process by the Sun from the nuclear fusion of the Sun’s core. This process produces solar radiation. In the lives of living beings on this Earth, solar radiation plays a significant role. As mentioned earlier, the uses are when there is a certain level required for the solar radiation received and vice versa. A more specific measurement of solar radiation is, therefore, needed. Unfortunately, until now, measurement equipment for solar radiation was limited to a few parameters that could be observed. On the other hand, conventional mechanisms and communication media are still used in the current measurement monitoring system, so that the monitoring and analysis process is ineffective. Therefore, this paper provides a solar radiation sensor model that uses only a sensor but can produce four parameters. The system contains a Pyranometer and a realtime controller that can generate all of the solar radiation measurements needed. The proposed model system is hoped that this sensor system will work more accessible and more efficiently.

Effect of encased concrete on section temperature gradient of corrugated steel web box girder

Thirty-two temperature sensors, a solar radiation sensor, wind speed, and direction sensor were installed on the bridge for the field monitoring of structural temperature, solar radiation, and wind. The frequency was set at 60 min for 211 days. Empirical equations were used to predict the maximum vertical and lateral temperature gradients, and the daily maximum and minimum mean temperatures of the corrugated steel web box girder. The results showed that the temperature gradient of the corrugated steel web box girder was closely related to the temperature gradient of air. The vertical maximum temperature gradient occurred at 4 pm. The height of the box girder had a significant effect on the accuracy of the predicted vertical maximum temperature gradient. Compared with the section without encased concrete, the maximum temperature gradient of the encased concrete section was reduced by 10.48%. Encased concrete showed minimal effect on both the vertical and lateral temperature gradient of the top plate part, however, the effect on the vertical temperature gradient of the haunch reduced by 17.19%. The maximum temperature gradient of corrugated steel with a composite encased concrete section was 4.12°C, which was less than that of the section without encased concrete at 5.06°C. The encased concrete had a significant effect on the maximum temperature gradient of corrugated steel web with a 26.99% deviation.

Developing IT infrastructure of evaporative irrigation by adopting IOT technology

The primary key to the modernization of irrigation is the effectiveness of agricultural water use that should be supported by good infrastructure, including information technology (IT). The objective was to evaluate the performance of IT infrastructure in collecting weather data for evaporative irrigation. The system was set up under a natural environment since 10 July 2020 in the Kinjiro Farm, Bogor. The system consisted of three parts, i.e., integrated sensors suite (ISS), console (data logger), and the server, including the dashboard system. The ISS involved several sensors, namely: Pyr solar radiation, rain gauge, air temperature, and humidity sensors, together with wind speed and direction. All data were collected through the console and data logger and then transferred into a local computer server to the dashboard system using an internet connection. The users can access all data from the dashboard system as numerical and graphical data. The system showed a reliable performance, as all data were well properly sent to the server every 30 minutes. The weather parameters, including rain events, were correctly monitored every 30 minutes. All observed data were found to directly affect the reference evapotranspiration, a parameter that will be used for further consideration in determining irrigation scheduling.

Evaluation of Thermal Comfort and Energy Consumption of Water Flow Glazing as a Radiant Heating and Cooling System: A Case Study of an Office Space

Large glass areas, even high-performance glazing with Low-E coating, could lead to discomfort if exposed to solar radiation due to radiant asymmetry. In addition, air-to-air cooling systems affect the thermal environment indoors. Water-Flow Glazing (WFG) is a disruptive technology that enables architects and engineers to design transparent and translucent facades with new features, such as energy management. Water modifies the thermal behavior of glass envelopes, the spectral distribution of solar radiation, the non-uniform nature of radiation absorption, and the diffusion of heat by conduction across the glass pane. The main goal of this article was to assess energy consumption and comfort conditions in office spaces with a large glass area by using WFG as a radiant heating and cooling system. This article evaluates the design and operation of an energy management system coupled with WFG throughout a year in an actual office space. Temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation sensors were connected to a control unit that actuated the different devices to keep comfortable conditions with minimum energy consumption. The results in summer conditions revealed that if the mean radiant temperature ranged from 19.3 to 23 °C, it helped reduce the operative temperature to comfortable levels when the indoor air temperature was between 25 and 27.5 °C. The Predicted Mean Vote in summer conditions was between 0 and −0.5 in working hours, within the recommended values of ASHRAE-55 standard.

ROLE OF EARTH OBSERVATION DATA AND HYDROLOGICAL MODELING IN SUPPORTING UN SDGs IN NORTH WEST HIMALAYA

Abstract. The sustainable usage and accurate assessment of water resources in North West Himalaya (NWH) is very important for respective policy makers. NWH receives precipitation from both southwest and northeast monsoon system. The detailed assessment of current and future water resources and hydrological cycle component for NWH river basins using earth observation (EO) satellites and hydrological models is very critical for attaining United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) namely, climate action, affordable and clean energy, clean water and sanitation and building resilient infrastructure. Present work highlights the role of various EO sensors and hydrological models and ground based instruments for improved assessment of water resources of NWH river basins. The complete inventory of NWH surface water (including glacier lakes of UK, HP), snow cover, delta SWE and glaciers database was accomplished with Remote Sensing (RS) datasets. Similarly, glacier velocity was estimated for all major glaciers of NWH using feature tracking and differential interferometry (DInSAR) methods. Fully distributed grid based hydrological model was setup for entire NWH and model calibration/validation was done for Beas, Satluj, Upper Ganga and Jhelum river basins. Quantification of relative contribution of snowmelt, glacier melt and rainfall-runoff was estimated for Bhagirathi basin upto Uttarkashi. An extensive network of automatic weather stations (AWS), 27 nos, 10 snow depth sensors, 04 digital water level recorders, two snow pack analysers and 06 long wave solar radiation sensors were installed in various sites of HP and UK for hydro-meteorological data collection, model simulation and validation. A future climate change simulations were done for Beas and Jhelum basins using CORDEX 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios from 2006–2100. Number of flood peaks were found to be increasing in number as well as decrease in total snow fall.