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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Worldwide benchmarking of cost-effective radiometers for direct and diffuse irradiance

Solar energy projects can benefit from direct normal irradiance (DNI) and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) measurements during all project phases. Several commercial measurement systems for DNI and DHI are available. Sun trackers with pyranometers and pyrheliometers can provide highly accurate measurements but are often impractical in solar energy applications. For less expensive and more robust sensors, it is often unclear which accuracy can be expected under a project site's specific atmospheric conditions. We address this challenge through our dedicated experimental comparison of relevant sensor systems (rotating shadowband irradiometer [short RSI], Delta-T SPN1, EKO MS-90, PyranoCam, Sunto CaptPro, Kipp & Zonen CSD3) at up to six sites worldwide. The RSI systems (rRMSD 3 to 8.6%, DNI; 4.8 to 7.6%, DHI) and PyranoCam (rRMSD 2.6 to 5.2%, DNI; 4.4 to 5.8%, DHI) exhibit similar error metrics and are the most accurate systems in the test. Delta-T SPN1 and EKO MS-90 (rRMSD 6.8 to 15%, DNI; 10.6 to 20.1%, DHI) but especially Kipp & Zonen CSD3 and Sunto CaptPro show significant deviations (rRMSD 17.7 to 20%, DNI; 33 to 58%, DHI). We evaluate the influence of relevant atmospheric parameters on the sensors' accuracies by a rather unique measurement setup. MS-90's DNI errors depend on DNI itself, with overestimations for low reference DNI. The deviations of SPN1's DHI and DNI measurements increase sharply in situations with high circumsolar irradiance. Also CaptPro and CSD3's increased measurement errors are related to circumsolar irradiance. For RSI and PyranoCam, only moderate influences on the measurements are identified, indicating a general applicability of these instruments.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Evidence for the 3D Radiative Effects of Boundary-Layer Clouds From Observations of Direct and Diffuse Surface Solar Fluxes

Numerical experiments have revealed the importance of horizontal transport of light in the presence of clouds (“3D effects”), with consequences for climate, weather, and solar resource availability predictions. Yet, analysis of 3D effects from observations remain sparse because of the difficulty to isolate the effect of horizontal transport in radiation measurements. In this study, we provide observational evidence for 3D effects based on the direct-diffuse partition of surface solar fluxes. It is compared to outputs from the ecRad radiative transfer scheme run on retrieved cloud profiles. Furthermore, the direct-beam calculation takes careful account of the field-of-view of the pyrheliometer to ensure consistency between observed and modeled direct fluxes. Only the solver that accounts for 3D effects is able to reproduce the observed mean direct-diffuse partition as a function of solar zenith angle and cloud cover, in particular at large solar zenith angles where cloud sides intercept most of the direct beam.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Impact of Circumsolar Diffuse Radiation on the Numerical Computation and Forecasting of DNI

Weather Research and Forecasting model with solar extensions (WRF-Solar) uses the Fast All-sky Radiation Model for Solar applications (FARMS) to predict solar radiation from the forecasted atmospheric gases, aerosols, and clouds. The Beer-Bouguer-Lambert law utilized by FARMS as well as other radiative transfer models assumes Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) is a narrow beam only covering the sun disk. This assumption is interpreted differently in solar observations by pyrheliometers where the circumsolar diffuse radiation is accounted. This study precisely computes circumsolar diffuse radiation in all-sky conditions using a radiative transfer model based on a parameterization of precomputed cloud transmittance and reflectance. The model is implemented in WRF-Solar to provide day-ahead DNI forecast in the north America. The computation and forecasting of DNI is compared with the Beer-Bouguer-Lambert law to understand the impact of circumsolar diffuse radiation.

aerosols↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measured Long-Term Solar Irradiance for Climate Studies

Solar radiation is primarily measured using high-quality radiometers (e.g., pyranometers and pyrheliometers). These instruments need to be calibrated regularly (every two years at a minimum). They are also susceptible to various sources of uncertainties. Therefore, rigorous data quality assessment is required to obtain high-confidence data from these radiometers. This is especially true when the data is used to understand climatic trends and/or extreme weather events. In this study, we attempted to create a continuous and reliable dataset by correcting the underlying data which we believe contains bias due to reference pyranometers swap procedures. These biases can be significant which can be up to two percentage points thereby influencing the interpretation of climate changes and/or extreme events. This study elaborates on the biases and methods to correct those biases.

data integrity↗
DOE OSTI2026

Stratospheric aerosol forcing for CMIP7 – Part 1: optical properties for pre-industrial, historical, and scenario simulations

Stratospheric aerosols, most of which originate from explosive volcanic sulfur emissions into the stratosphere, are a key natural driver of climate variability. They are thus a forcing provided by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) Climate Forcings Task Team to climate modelling groups participating in phase 7 of CMIP. For the historical period, we provide two datasets covering 1750–2023: (i) a volcanic upper tropospheric-stratospheric sulfur emission dataset, documented in a companion paper; and (ii) a stratospheric sulfate aerosol optical property dataset, documented in this paper. For the satellite era (from 1979 onwards), stratospheric aerosol optical properties are derived from the Global Space-based Stratospheric Aerosol Climatology (GloSSAC) dataset. For the pre-satellite era (1750–1978), optical properties are derived from our volcanic SO 2 emission dataset using a new version of the reduced-complexity volcanic aerosol model Easy Volcanic Aerosol (Height) (EVA_H v2). A background, non-volcanic stratospheric aerosol climatology is derived from the 1998–2001 period with a trend over 1850–1978 accounting for increasing anthropogenic aerosols. A monthly stratospheric aerosol climatology is derived from the 1850–2021 average for both pre-industrial and scenario (future) simulations, with a 9-year ramp over 2022–2030 for scenario simulations to ensure a smooth transition from the historical period. CMIP7 simulations should use version 2.2.1 of our pre-industrial and historical datasets, and version 2.2.2 of our scenario dataset. Our methodology to produce historical aerosol optical properties significantly differs from CMIP6 for the pre-satellite era, and the resulting forcings in turn largely differ. In particular, the CMIP6 dataset was mostly based on the sparse and uncertain pyrheliometer record, which resulted in strongly underrepresented emissions from small-to-moderate magnitude eruptions. The resulting bias is addressed in CMIP7, which is entirely emission-derived in the pre-satellite era and uses more recent ice-core-based volcanic sulfur emission inventories than CMIP6. Our approach results in an overall larger volcanic aerosol forcing for CMIP7, with the 1850–2014 mean mid-visible global mean stratospheric aerosol optical depth (SAOD) in CMIP7 (0.0138) being 29 % higher than in CMIP6 (0.0107). The pre-industrial mean of the same variable is 26 % higher in CMIP7 (0.0135, derived from the historical 1850–2021) than CMIP6 (0.0107, derived from the historical 1850–2014 mean). Using a reduced-complexity climate model, we simulate a global mean surface temperature that is 0.07 °C colder for 1850–1900 when using the CMIP7 dataset instead of CMIP6, whereas 2000–2014 is 0.03 °C warmer in CMIP7. Our dataset also exhibits lower forcing for 1960–1980, resulting in temperatures 0.06 °C warmer when averaged over 1960–1990, a period for which CMIP6 climate models exhibit a cold bias. Given the large uncertainties characterizing the dataset, in particular for the pre-satellite era, we advise against treating the CMIP7 or CMIP6 dataset as uniquely superior for any specific year and highlight the need for further evaluation. We conclude the study by discussing sources of uncertainty for the dataset, future research avenues to improve it, as well as requirements to operationalize the production of the dataset, i.e. extend it and update it on an annual basis instead of every 5–7 years following CMIP cycles.

Aubry, Thomas J. [Univ. of Exeter, Devon (United K↗
NASA NTRS1971

International comparison of radiometers - Techniques and results.

Description of an international comparison of radiometers made on May 10 through 14, 1971, with 24 instruments, each one representing the calibration standard of a different country or a major laboratory. All were pyranometers, viewing the sun and sky, thus bypassing the conventional method of transferring the standard from Angstrom pyrheliometers. This is the first time that pyranometers from all around the globe have been brought together in order to verify the scale on which to report solar radiation data. A highly accurate data collection system measured simultaneously the output of each instrument and that of a reference standard at 20-sec intervals. Over 300,000 radiometric signals were recorded under varying atmospheric conditions, as well as data on turbidity, temperature, and other relevant parameters. Computer programs were developed for overnight analysis of the data and distribution to participants on the following day. Among major findings are that instruments of different types and independent calibration such as those of Eppley, U. S. A., World Radiation Center, Switzerland, and Melbourne, Australia, show better agreement than anticipated, that certain national standards have to be revised by as much as 16% and that the cosine factor is highly dependent on the type of instrument.

Thekaekara, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Circumsolar radiation and the International Pyrheliometric Scale.

Issue is taken with the ascription of the 2% discrepancy in values of solar irradiance at the surface of the earth, found between the measurements performed by the absolute radiometers of Kendall and Wilson and those obtained by Eppley-Angstrom pyrheliometers, to the possibility that the two types of instruments might collect different amounts of circumsolar radiation. It is shown that this explanation is very unlikely.

Geist, J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental comparisons of the international pyrheliometric scale with the absolute radiation scale.

Solar irradiance measurements by instruments (Eppley Angstrom Pyrheliometers) reproducing the International Pyrheliometric Scale (IPS) have been compared with measurements made simultaneously by a number of JPL Active Cavity Radiometers (ACR) and the Practical Absolute Cavity Radiometer (PACRAD). The results of these tests demonstrate a systematic difference between the absolute radiation scale as defined by the ACR and PACRAD measurements and the IPS.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Active cavity radiometer.

The active cavity radiometer (ACR) is a pyrheliometer that accurately defines the absolute radiation scale. The physics of the pyrheliometric method and the ACR approach to this method are presented in detail. A mathematical abstraction of the method is generated through a quasi-equilibrium analysis of the power balance of the ACR's cavity detector. An error analysis is carried out on the quasi-equilibrium equation to determine the uncertainties of ACR measurements relative to the absolute radiation scale. The uncertainty of ACR measurements as a function of irradiance level is presented in graphical form.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Sunfall Monitor calibration plan

The initial on-site, and subsequent periodic calibration and adjustments are described for the pyrheliometer, pyranometer, equatorial mount, and the data management system.

Lollar, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Instrumentation for measurements of solar irradiance and atmospheric optical properties

The Active Cavity Radiometer (ACR), an accurate absolute pyrheliometer, has been developed for measurements of total solar irradiance. It has been used to discover a -2.2% error in the International Pyrheliometric Scale and to make measurements in balloon flight experiments yielding a solar constant value of 136.6 (+ or - 0.7) mW/sq cm. New ACRs are being developed to monitor the total output of solar optical radiation in balloon, satellite and space shuttle experiments with long-term absolute uncertainty of + or - 0.1% or less. In a separate program, instrumentation for the measurement of the scattering and extinction of solar radiation by the atmosphere is being constructed to provide data for modeling atmospheric aerosol content. The aerosol models will facilitate computation of radiative transfer effects yielding quantitative net fluxes useful in evaluating the climatological impact of aerosols.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Experimental and theoretical studies on solar energy for energy conversion

This paper presents the results of investigations made experimentally and theoretically to evaluate the various parameters that affect the amount of solar energy received on a collector surface. Measurements were made over a long period of time using both pyranometer and pyrheliometer. Computation of spectral and total irradiance at ground level have been made for a large variety of combinations of atmospheric parameters for ozone density, precipitable water vapor, turbidity-coefficients and air mass. A study of the air mass as a function of irradiance measured at GSFC, and comparison of the data with the computed values of total direct solar irradiance for various parameters indicate that turbidity changes with time of the day; atmospheric opacity is less in the afternoon than in the morning.

Thomas, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Rocket calibration of the Nimbus 6 solar constant measurements

A sounding rocket experiment was performed in June 1976, in which the solar constant was observed simultaneously outside the earth's atmosphere by three types of absolute cavity radiometers (the Primary Absolute Cavity Radiometer and two Active Cavity Radiometers, Type IV) and duplicates of Nimbus 6 ERB/ESP (Earth Radiation Budget/Eclectic Satellite Pyrheliometer) solar channels. The preliminary average solar constant result from the cavity radiometers is 1367 W/sq m with an uncertainty of less than plus or minus 0.5% in SI units. The duplicate ERB channel 3 on the rocket gave a value of 1389 W/sq m, which agreed exactly with the Nimbus 6 ERB channel 3 measurement made simultaneously with the rocket flight.

Duncan, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

U.S. terrestrial solar cell calibration and measurement procedures

An outline is presented of changes in measurement procedures concerning solar cells. Outdoor measurements of cell performance based on pyranometer or pyrheliometer determination of intensity are discouraged. The absolute scale of irradiance is to be adopted as soon as possible. The standard atmosphere conditions are 1000 W/sq m irradiance, temperature 28 C, air mass 1.5, and precipitable water vapor content of 2 cm. The allowable light sources for solar simulation are short arc xenon lamps, pulsed xenon lamps, and dichroic filtered tungsten lamps. Key considerations in the design of a reference cell are considered and approaches for the matching of a reference cell to a test cell or modules are discussed.

Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Current pyrheliometry for total solar irradiance observations

A Type IV active cavity radiometer (ACR IV) was developed at JPL in 1975-76 as part of the NASA Weather and Climate Program. It is capable of defining the absolute radiation scale with an uncertainty near 0.1% and a resolution of 0.02% at the nominal solar 'constant' level. The ACR IV is the first pyrheliometer capable of measurements at the 0.1% level, which is the threshold of solar 'constant' variability of significance for climatological modeling. A prototype has been tested, and a flight instrument was flown in a 1976 sounding rocket experiment which determined a solar 'constant' value of 1368 W/sq m. A three-detector version of the ACR IV is being developed to monitor the solar 'constant' during 1979-80 as part of NASA's Solar Maximum Mission. Another ACR IV will measure the solar 'constant' as part of the Spacelab I mission in 1980.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Active cavity radiometer type IV

A new cavity pyrheliometer, the active cavity radiometer type IV (ACR IV), has been developed for the measurement of total solar optical irradiance. Analysis predicts its ability to measure at the solar constant level with 0.1% uncertainty in SI units. In comparison tests ACR IVs have consistently demonstrated 0.3% higher results than the World Radiometric Reference scale. A prototype has been tested, and a flight instrument has been developed and flown in a sounding rocket experiment to determine the solar constant. ACR IV instrumentation is being developed for flight experiments on the Spacelab I and Solar Maximum missions to monitor the total solar output of optical radiation as part of a long-term program to detect variations of climatological significance.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Active cavity radiometer type V

The paper deals with a new type of cavity sensor geometry used in the most recent of a series of solar flux pyrheliometers, known as the active cavity radiometer (ACR). The new Type V sensor design incorporates a modification of its predecessor, the ACR IV sensor. This modification decreases the uncertainty within which cavity absorptance can be predicted by more than a factor of 10.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Solar variability indications from Nimbus 7 satellite data

The cavity pyrheliometer sensor of the Nimbus 7 Earth Radiation Experiment indicated low-level variability of the total solar irradiance. The variability appears to be inversely correlated with common solar activity indicators in an event sense. the limitations of the measuring system and available data sets are described.

Hickey, J. R.↗