Empirical Model for the Estimation of Global Solar Radiation in Yola, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Empirical Model for the Estimation of Global Solar Radiation in Yola, Nigeria

Ogbaka, D.T^1*, Vandi, T^{2
1, 2}Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Faculty of Science, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author

Abstract: Solar radiation measurement for particular location plays vital role for solar system design. This work proposes the coefficients for Angstrom – Prescott type of model for the estimation of global solar radiation in Yola, Nigeria using relative sunshine duration alongside the measured global solar radiation data (2014 – 2018). The model constants a and b obtained in this investigation for Yola are 0.267 and 0.461 respectively. The correlation coefficient of 85% (P=0.00) between the clear sky index and relative sunshine duration, as well as the coefficient of determination, R2 of 87.9 obtained shows that this model fits the data very well. Consequently, the developed model in this work can be used with confidence for Yola and other locations with similar climate conditions.

Keywords: Global solar radiation; Angstrom – Prescott model; Clearness Index

I.INTRODUCTION

For the improvement of quality of life of human being as well as economic and social development, energy is an essential factor. Solar energy reaches to the earth for the every year is 160 times the world’s proven fossil fuel reserves, it is expected that the recent worldwide research and development on solar energy will help to reduce the energy crisis of the world [9], [10]. Solar radiation data are fundamental input for solar energy utilization such as photovoltaic and solar thermal system design. For optimization and performance evaluation of solar technology for any particular location, the solar radiation data should be easily and readily available[8].

Solar radiation at the earth’s surface is essential for the development and utilization of solar energy. It is needed for designing collectors for solar heaters and other photovoltaic equipment that depend on solar energy. Incoming solar radiation has a significant role in hydrological and crop growth modelling. For instance, it is a key input for estimating potential evapotranspiration which play a major role in the design of water supply storage reservoirs and irrigation systems. In spite of the importance of global solar radiation data, its measurements are not frequently available especially in developing countries [3].

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