Time-Phased Solar Irradiance Simulation via Weather Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for calculating solar irradiance are limited to fixed geographical points and instants in time, do not account for weather conditions, and lack graphical representations, making them inadequate for simulating time-phased solar irradiance plots for geographic areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a computing device coupled to a weather database to calculate solar irradiance over a predetermined time period for multiple geographical points, incorporating weather data to generate models of diffuse light and atmosphere attenuation, determining solar parameters, and producing graphical time-phased simulations of solar irradiance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If known systems calculate solar irradiance for a fixed geographical point and fixed instant in time, then the calculation is simple and fast, but the system cannot provide time-phased simulation over multiple geographical points
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the geographical area into multiple discrete geographical points and the time period into multiple time intervals. This segmentation allows the system to process each point and time interval separately, enabling time-phased simulation across multiple locations while maintaining manageable calculation complexity for each individual unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static calculation at a fixed instant to dynamic calculation across multiple time intervals. By implementing time-phased simulation that updates irradiance values at different time steps, the system captures the temporal evolution of solar irradiance patterns while adapting to changing weather conditions throughout the predetermined time period.
2Device complexity
If known systems output irradiance as text-based string representation, then the data format is simple, but the system cannot provide graphical representation of solar irradiance
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates graphical representations as visual copies of the solar irradiance data. By generating images that visually depict irradiance patterns across geographical areas and time periods, the system preserves and enhances the information content rather than losing it, allowing users to visually interpret complex temporal and spatial patterns that would be difficult to discern from text alone.
3Device complexity
If known systems do not incorporate weather conditions, then the calculation process is simpler, but the solar irradiance calculation accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces weather data as an intermediary element that mediates between the geometric solar position calculations and the final irradiance values. By incorporating weather conditions such as cloud cover, atmospheric clarity, and precipitation as intermediate factors, the system refines the irradiance calculations to reflect real-world conditions that actually affect solar energy reaching the ground.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating solar irradiance over a predetermined time period for a geographical area including a plurality of geographical points is described. The method is implemented by a computing device coupled to a weather database. The method includes receiving a first identifier corresponding to a beginning of the predetermined time period and a second identifier corresponding to an ending of the predetermined time period, receiving weather data from the weather database, generating a model of diffuse light and atmosphere attenuation, based at least on the first identifier, the second identifier, and the weather data, determining solar parameters, and determining an amount of solar irradiance for each geographical point for each of a plurality of time intervals within the predetermined time period, based at least on the model and the solar parameters.