NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
A parameterized model for global insolation under partially cloudy skiesA simple and efficient parameterization of insolation under partially cloudy skies is discussed and compared with a set of exact radiative transfer results for clear skies, an empirical equation and observations. The parameterization is physically based and requires, as input variables, the ozone path length, precipitable water, Angstrom turbidity, surface air pressure and albedo, fractional cloud-cover and cloud thickness. Multiple reflection between the surface and the overlying atmosphere, and clouds are considered. The albedo of the earth-atmosphere system is also formulated and compared with a set of exact radiative transfer results. As compared to the exact radiative transfer results, the errors in the insolations are generally less than 1 percent, and in the albedo of the earth-atmosphere system less than 10 percent. The errors in the calculated insolations using climatological data are 2-3 percent when compared with many years averaged observations at Maudheim (Antarctica) and at Rockville (U.S.A.). A parametric equation for calculating directly the daily total insolation is also given.
Document ID
19830037334
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Choudhury, B.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Hydrological Sciences Branch, Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Solar Energy
Volume: 29
Issue: 6, 19
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
83A18552
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available