A

PROPOSAL

On

ESTIMATION OF GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION USING RADEST 3.0 AT

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

For M.Sc. dissertation (Phy 699)

Submitted to

Patan Multiple Campus

Department of Physics, Tribhuvan University

Lalitpur, Nepal

By

NABIN DAWADI

Roll no: 41/072

Supervisor Supervisor
…………………… ………………………
Prof. Dr. Indra Bahadur Karki Dr. Khem Poudyal
Patan Multiple Campus Department of Engineering Science & Humanities
Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur Institute of Engineering Pulchok Campus TU
DATE
Introduction

The energy which can be gained again and again is called renewable source of energy. Not only
for particular place where radiation data is collected but for the whole world, renewable energy
sources are considered as a key source as it has many more advantages as compared to fossil
fuels. Among various possible alternative sources of energy, Solar energy is the most important
source. It is the energy provided by the sun. Solar energy is one of the free energy sources
which has not harmful effects. Solar radiation available on earth is the direct form of abundant
permanent solar energy resource formed due to nuclear fusion on Sun. At the earth surface,
earth surface is receiving about one hundred thousand TW of renewable energy of solar power
at each moment. The main reason of decreasing this available power on the earth surface are
mainly due to clouds, gases, pollution (including aerosol) and other factors which reduces the
energy density of solar radiations reaching the earth surface and thus, earth surface gets about
800times less solar energy from the sun at each moment [1]. For fulfilling the demand of solar
energy in earth’s population for one year, only 71 minutes of solar energy is good enough. As a
matter of fact, about one thousand watts per square meters of solar energy reaches at
landmass of earth [2].

It is known that higher the altitude greater the solar radiation under the clear and intermediate
sky conditions, but under the overcast days the solar radiation is very low in comparison with
sunny days [3]. The purpose of study of solar radiation are required in the study of climate
change, environmental pollution and also in agriculture, hydrology, food industry and other
developmental programs [4]. So, the accurate knowledge of GSR is fundamental for solar
energy system design at a particular geographical location such as in the design of water supply
storage reservoirs and irrigation systems [13].

Global Solar Radiation helps in the prediction, study and design of economic variability of
systems and gives the knowledge of not only the locality but also for wider world community
[5]. For the purpose of manufacturing of solar equipment, development of solar energy
technology and other worldwide marketing, it is necessary. Measured data is the best form of
getting knowledge and researching in different fields but unfortunately for many developing
countries, the numbers of stations are very insufficient and are limited for use [6]. There are
few meteorological stations that measures global solar radiation and are not easily available
due to cost, equipment and their maintenance. These developing countries cannot afford the
measurement, equipment and the techniques involved. Therefore, it is important to estimate
solar radiations based on different models. For such context, different meteorological
parameters can be used to estimate global solar radiation [7-8].

Energy used for heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, industrial production, transportation etc., is
in fact the lifeblood of economics around the world and global economics growth depends
upon adequate, reliable and affordable supplies of energy [9-10].
Nepal is located in suitable latitude (26 N to 29 N) and receives ample solar radiation
throughout the country. Nepal receives abundant solar energy. The average global solar
radiation varies from 3.6-6.2 KWh/ sqm/day, and sun shines for about 300days in a year. The
national average sunshine hours and isolation are 6.8/day and 4.7 KWh/sqm day respectively
[11]. Solar radiation plays an important role in many other applications like health, agriculture,
construction etc. In a developing country like Nepal where there is environmental degradation
that country is facing, solar energy is considered to be most effective and economic alternative
resources. Especially to the rural areas, the study of solar energy is an urgent need. Due to
rapid growth in population, burning of wood for fuel purpose is showing negative
environmental impact. This is the source of soil erosion and landslides.

The distribution of energy consumption by various fuel types in 2008/09 reveals the share of
fuel types in total energy demand system of the country. Fuelwood is the largest energy
resources in Nepal providing about 77% of the total energy demand in the year 2008/09. Other
sources of biomasses are agricultural residues and animal dung which contribute about 4% and
6% respectively. Share of petroleum fuels in the total energy system is about 8%. This share is
somehow similar with the past few years. Other sources of commercial energy are coal and
electricity both of which contributes about 4% in the total energy supply [12].

The best method to get actual amount of GSR is to install pyranometers at many locations.
However, it is very costly for developing countries like Nepal. So, it is necessary to develop data
base for modeling also for investigating the solar energy applications which could be the
milestone for communications, educations, modern agriculture etc., [13].
Fig:

Review of literature

RadEst3.0 software [13,14] is used to estimate the daily global solar radiation.

Objective
The main objective of this study is to find the global solar radiation at the Kathmandu Valley.

Besides this, the objective about this research are: -

1. To estimate solar radiation at Kathmandu Valley.

2. To find the affecting factors of solar radiation at Kathmandu.
3. To outline the research areas which will be helpful for energy generation, storage and
distribution.

Methodology

This empirical model will be based on different data and meteorological parameters on
Kathmandu valley, which is provided by department of Hydrology and Meteorology(DHM)
taken from Kathmandu district. All the process of calculation, data analysis, thesis writing,
documentation will be done by using origin 8.0, excel and radEst3.0 software.

Source;

Fig: Global Solar Radiation Estimate-RadEst3.00

Expected Outcomes

After the completion of my result, it is expected to achieve the aforementioned objectives. This
research work will be able to find information about;

 The total solar energy at Kathmandu Valley,

 Major causes of most affecting factor of solar radiation at Kathmandu Valley and
 It will help to outcome the energy crisis in Kathmandu District.
Time Schedules

The estimated tentative time schedule for completion of my research is presented under
following headings:

S. N Work Schedule Expected periods

1. Literature review, familiarization with software Three months

and further studies

2. Data collection, field visit research One months

3. Data analysis and interpretation Four months

4. Thesis writing, submission and defense Four months

Acknowledgements

I want to express my gratitude to my supervisors Prof. Dr. Indra Bahadur Karki and Dr. Khem
Poudyal for their encouragement, suggestions and guidance for my research work to develop
an understanding of the subject. I am thankful to Associate prof. Prakash man Shrestha, co
Ordinator of M.Sc. physics program Patan Multiple Campus, and all the Patan Multiple Campus
family. Also, I am thankful to all my thesis enrolled friends and seniors for their valuable
support and informative discussion we had.