Estimation of solar radiation from digital elevation model in area of rough topography. (3rd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahmoud Sabo, Lurwan; Mariun, Norman; Hizam, Hashim; Mohd Radzi, Mohd Amran; Zakaria, Azmi
• Is Part Of: World journal of engineering. Volume 13:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 460
• Publication Date: 2016-10-03
• Subjects: Estimation -- Solar radiation -- Digital elevation model -- Rough topography; Engineering -- Periodicals; 620
• DOI: 10.1108/WJE-08-2016-0063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1708-5284

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the technique for estimating solar radiation in areas of rough topography and to detect the source of error and means for improvement. Design/methodology/approach: Spatial data of the study area in the form of digital elevation model (DEM) coupled with geographic information system (GIS) were used to estimate the monthly solar radiation at locations with rough topography. The generated data were compared with measured data collected from all the selected locations using NASA data. Findings: The results show that the variation in topographic parameters has a strong influence on the amount of solar radiation received by two close locations. However, the method performed well for solar radiation estimated in the areas of rough topography. Research limitations/implications: The proposed approach overestimates the monthly solar radiation as compared with NASA data due to the impact of topographic parameters accounted for by the model which are not accounted by conventional methods of measurements. This approach can be improved by incorporating the reflected component of radiation in the model used to estimate the solar radiation implemented in the GIS. Originality/value: The approach of using GIS with DEM to estimate solar radiation enables to identify the spatial variability in solar radiation between two closest locations due to the influence of topographic parameters, and this will assist in proper energy planning and decision making for optimal areas of solar photovoltaic installation.