Comparison of shadow-ring correction models for diffuse solar irradiance

Abstract

Reliable and accurate measurements of diffuse solar irradiance are needed in order to partition global irradiance into its direct and diffuse components. Diffuse irradiance is commonly measured using sun tracking systems or shadow rings. Data obtained using a shadow ring must be corrected for the portion of diffuse irradiance blocked by the ring. In this paper we have examined and evaluated six of the most widely used correction models. Approaches that account for radiation anisotropy perform notably better than those using only geometric corrections. Our results also argue for the need to adjust empirical models to local conditions. Empirical approaches developed by LeBaron et al. (1990) and by Batlles et al. (1995) perform best when compared with the more theoretical models. Copyright 2012 by the American Geophysical Union.