Evaluation of some mathematical models of solar radiation received by a ground collector

Abstract

Purpose Using modeling approaches, this paper aims to propose different mathematical models for estimating the different components of the solar radiation as well as the received solar energy by a collector. Design/methodology/approach In this article, the authors consider three mathematical models to estimate the solar radiation captured at ground level by a solar collector. These models are Capderou model, Liu & Jordan model and R.sun model. In the context of the design of experiments, we performed measurements of solar radiation received by a collector using a pyranometer. The obtained measurements were compared with the three mathematical models. Findings The comparison enabled the subsequent evaluation to determine the most appropriate model that best fit for our region. As a result, the Capderou model reveals to be the most suitable for our region. Originality/value Estimation of solar radiation at ground level (received by a collector) is of paramount importance for the design and optimization of solar energy systems. Nevertheless, many factors influence the amount of energy received by a collector situated at a ground, such as the longitude of the location, latitude, altitude, tilt collector orientation, temperature and humidity of the environment, wind speed, etc. Because of the complex influence of these parameters, the received solar radiation by the collector is a dynamical and a random process.