Solar Irradiance Measurements Using Smart Devices: A Cost-Effective Technique for Estimation of Solar Irradiance for Sustainable Energy Systems

Abstract

Solar irradiance measurement is a key component in estimating solar irradiation, which is necessary and essential to design sustainable energy systems such as photovoltaic (PV) systems. The measurement is typically done with sophisticated devices designed for this purpose. In this paper we propose a smartphone-aided setup to estimate the solar irradiance in a certain location. The setup is accessible, easy to use and cost-effective. The method we propose does not have the accuracy of an irradiance meter of high precision but has the advantage of being readily accessible on any smartphone. It could serve as a quick tool to estimate irradiance measurements in the preliminary stages of PV systems design. Furthermore, it could act as a cost-effective educational tool in sustainable energy courses where understanding solar radiation variations is an important aspect.

Effects of Receiver Parameters on Solar Flux Distribution for Triangle Cavity Receiver in the Fixed Linear-Focus Fresnel Lens Solar Concentrator

“…In most operational conditions, direct solar radiation is not incidentally perpendicular to the surface of the linear Fresnel lens. Therefore, the incidence angle θ of direct solar radiation on the single-axis tracking array with a polar north-south-orientated, fixed linear-focus Fresnel lens solar concentrator, as shown in Figure 1, is obtained by the following formula [20,21]: The key component, linear Fresnel lens is fabricated using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) through molding or extrusion with a clear texture. The digital photograph of FLFLSC shown is assembled from five small Fresnel lenses of length, width and thickness of 320, 400 and 2 mm, respectively.…”

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“…with the use of "smart" devices, in which combined use of new engineering solutions, small scale computers, sensors and software allows for a significant reduction in power, time and resources needed for operations [1,2]. An important aspect of "smart" devices is improved comfort and freedom of the user.…”