Morehead State University
Solar Radiation Measurements for Eastern Kentucky
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Hans Chapman
Abstract
The need for reliable region-specific solar irradiance data has become urgent as solar energy technology gains attention. Agencies such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provide general solar radiation resources for the United States. However, there is only a limited amount of solar resource data specific for the Eastern Kentucky region that will assist developers engaged in the installation of green technologies. This research seeks to characterize measurements of solar radiation in the region, using Morehead State University (MSU) as a test site. Initial survey was done using live meteorological data from the Kentucky Mesonet Station at the Morehead State University Derrickson Agricultural Complex at Morehead, KY. In addition, a solar irradiance meter was used to collect solar irradiance data at selected locations at the MSU campus. Preliminary analysis of the data showed that the solar intensity was influenced by atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover, humidity, and ambient temperature, while the location showed no impact. For the second stage of this work, a designed experiment approach will be employed to analyze the data collected to compare them with those based on calculations. This research is supported by the MSU Undergraduate Research Fellowship and a grant provided by the MSU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Solar Radiation Measurements for Eastern Kentucky
The need for reliable region-specific solar irradiance data has become urgent as solar energy technology gains attention. Agencies such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provide general solar radiation resources for the United States. However, there is only a limited amount of solar resource data specific for the Eastern Kentucky region that will assist developers engaged in the installation of green technologies. This research seeks to characterize measurements of solar radiation in the region, using Morehead State University (MSU) as a test site. Initial survey was done using live meteorological data from the Kentucky Mesonet Station at the Morehead State University Derrickson Agricultural Complex at Morehead, KY. In addition, a solar irradiance meter was used to collect solar irradiance data at selected locations at the MSU campus. Preliminary analysis of the data showed that the solar intensity was influenced by atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover, humidity, and ambient temperature, while the location showed no impact. For the second stage of this work, a designed experiment approach will be employed to analyze the data collected to compare them with those based on calculations. This research is supported by the MSU Undergraduate Research Fellowship and a grant provided by the MSU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.