Validation of a 3D Local-Scale Adaptive Solar Radiation Model by Using Pyranometer Measurements and a High-Resolution...

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy
• Atmospheric Science
• Geographic Information Systems

Background:

• Accurate solar radiation modeling is crucial for efficient solar energy deployment.
• Existing models often struggle with complex terrain and urban shading.
• High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) are needed for detailed solar resource assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the validation of the MAPsol, a 3D local-scale adaptive solar radiation model.
• To assess the model's capability in estimating direct, diffuse, and reflected irradiance under clear sky conditions.
• To highlight the model's effectiveness in complex orography and urban environments with shading.

Main Methods:

• Developed MAPsol, incorporating mesh adaptation for complex terrain/albedo and shadow casting from terrain/buildings.
• Generated a high-resolution DEM using LiDAR data, offering double the accuracy of public DEMs.
• Validated the model using pyranometer data from an urban area with significant building-induced shading.

Main Results:

• MAPsol accurately estimates solar irradiance, including direct, diffuse, and reflected components.
• The model effectively accounts for shadows cast by terrain and buildings.
• High-resolution DEM significantly improves the accuracy of solar resource assessment in complex areas.

Conclusions:

• MAPsol provides an efficient protocol for solar resource study, especially in challenging environments.
• The model's accuracy in shaded urban areas enhances the potential for solar energy deployment.
• Accurate solar radiation modeling with high-resolution DEMs is key to optimizing solar energy efficiency.