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A new parabolic function for I-V curves’ analysis has been proposed. The new “analytical tool” provides a simple way to describe photophysical processes at an approximately monolayer surface of a dye-sensitized solar cell. It may now be possible to estimate factors such as hole–electron recombination, surface defects, and electron diffusion at the semiconductor layer. The theoretical approach that was previously reported by our group for predicting the photovoltaic performance of potential dye sensitizers has also been validated. The experimental photovoltaic and DFT/TD-DFT data of apigenin and those of the highly rated black dyes were used for the validation.

This study presents preliminary test case of a Simple Meteorological Preprocessor (SIMETPRO) that is coupled from boundary layer scaling relationships for estimating deterministic surface layer parameters. The SIMETPRO is intended for teaching hands-on basics of meteorological preprocessing in limited data scenarios of West African sub-region and its subsequent application in air pollution dispersion models. A two-year dataset of routine meteorological parameters obtained from near-surface gradient measurement around a characteristic scrap-iron smelting industry in Ile-Ife, southern West Africa was used to test run the preprocessor. An independent field experiment of Eddy Covariance (EC) system complimented with profile measurement of air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed was used to validate sensible heat flux and friction velocity estimates from the SIMETPRO. Diurnal trend of the SIMETPRO outputs were realistic in representing diurnal changes of atmospheric dynamics. Time variation analyses of daytime (07:00-18:00 GMT+1) minimum-1 maximum values were; friction velocity (FRV) 0.05-0.65 ms , mixing height (MH), 200-3100 m, sensible-2 o heat flux (SHF) 25-135 Wm , potential temperature gradient (PTG)-0.4-(-0.01) C/m, convective velocity-1 (COV) 0.2-1.5 ms. Nighttime (19:00-06:00 GMT+1) values were less variant with MH mostly below 500m, o-2 VPG between 0-0.6 C/m and SHF below 5 Wm. Inter-annual trend level shows varied degree of values between seasons and years, mostly with peak values occurring in dry seasons. Preliminary limitations of the SIMETPRO validation were highlighted and future refinement direction pointed out. In summary, a handy meteorological tool for stepwise understanding of basic parameters required for running dispersion models was proposed and tested. Though further refinement is required, the SIMETPRO is nonetheless efficient in delivering the targeted objective.