Recommended Citation
August 1, 2011.
Abstract
NREL’s Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL) utilizes a Prede POM-01 Photometer to collect aerosol optical depth (AOD) information, necessary for determining the performance of solar collector systems. Inconsistencies and errors exist in SRRL’s AOD data due to errors in the calibration factors as well as the data reduction algorithms. Langley plots of five of the channels were performed to calibrate the necessary constants for AOD calculations. Clear sky data was determined based on the ratio of direct to global radiation and on the scatter between morning and afternoon TWC 500 nm photometer (an NREL custom photometer) data. Plots of calculated intercept values over time indicate two filter channels have slightly degraded while five others have remained constant. Established coefficients were applied to reprocess AOD values, which were then compared with nearby Aeronet data at the BSRN-BAO Boulder site. Averages between the sites in comparison with the former AOD values indicate the new algorithm to be highly successful.
Disciplines
Atmospheric Sciences
Mentor
Daryl Myers, Afshin Andreas
Lab site
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Funding Acknowledgement
This material is based upon work supported by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0952013. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation or the National Science Foundation.
Included in
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/star/77