Workbook for approximate calibration of solar radiation sensors
Abstract
A method of calculating solar radiation from such determinable parameters as zenith angle of the sun, ground reflectivity, turbidity, and precipitable water is presented. Since correction factors for turbidity and precipitable water vapor are potential sources of error, methods for determining or estimating the amount of error are provided. Values of solar radiation calculated for a given station can be compared with actual values obtained by instruments at that station, and the instruments can thus be calibrated. The method is accurate to within 5% to 10% of the world standard for prescribed conditions. Since the procedure calculates direct and global radiation under clear skies, the predicted values may also be used for applications other than calibration, such as evaluation of data from instruments of undetermined accuracy, provided that the procedure's limitations are appreciated.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- August 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978STIN...7917204M
- Keywords:
-
- Calibrating;
- Radiation Detectors;
- Solar Radiation;
- Computation;
- Manuals;
- Reflectance;
- Sky Brightness;
- Turbidity;
- Water Vapor;
- Instrumentation and Photography