Use of a clear-day solar radiation model to homogenize solar radiation measurements in Hawai'i

The reliability of solar irradiance measurements is dependent on the calibration of the pyranometer used to make them. Internationally recognized standards for pyranometer calibrations require resources that may not be available to all observers. To fill this gap, we propose a method of homogenizing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy 2013-05, Vol.91, p.102-110
Main Authors: LONGMAN, Ryan J, GIAMBELLUCA, Thomas W, NULLET, Michael A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Calibration
Energy
Estimates
Exact sciences and technology
Irradiance
Mathematical models
Measurement
Natural energy
Pyranometers
Solar energy
Solar radiation
Stations
Time series
Ultraviolet radiation
Volcanoes
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Summary:The reliability of solar irradiance measurements is dependent on the calibration of the pyranometer used to make them. Internationally recognized standards for pyranometer calibrations require resources that may not be available to all observers. To fill this gap, we propose a method of homogenizing hourly solar radiation time series based on comparison of clear-sky radiation observations against estimates derived from a clear-sky radiation model. Inhomogeneities in the record are identified based on shifts in pyranometer response in relation to the model estimates, and corrected to produce a homogeneous time series. This method was applied to the similar to 23 year record of hourly solar irradiance measurements recorded at three climate stations along a 870 m elevation gradient (2120-2990 m) on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, Maui, Hawai'i. Corrections resulted in changes in monthly solar radiation of as much as 6.8-7.4% among the three stations.
ISSN:0038-092X
1471-1257
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2013.02.006