Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
Get started with the Help page
Ask Your Question
2

How can I find the sky clearness index for ASHRAE clear sky model?

asked 2022-03-07 15:11:06 -0600

Elin's avatar

updated 2022-03-08 05:11:36 -0600

Hello, I want to use ASHRAE clear sky model in DesignBuilder(EnergyPlus) which requires sky clearness as an input. As I understood this index is the ratio of daily global radiation on horizontal surface to daily extraterrestrial radiation and it doesn't exceed 1. However, DesignBuilder help says that this index can vary between 0-1.2. Besides, the fig. 5 in chapter 33 of ASHRAE handbook 2007 shows the clearness number for the US which varies between 0.85-1.2. In other sources, this number is often between 0.5-0.8. I don't really understand why this happens. Am I missing something? I would be grateful if you could help me.

edit retag flag offensive close merge delete

1 Answer

Sort by ยป oldest newest most voted
1

answered 2022-03-16 12:08:20 -0600

Keigo's avatar

Why do you need to find sky clearness? Normally weather data (ddy file) includes sky clearness. If not, normally 0 is used for WinterDesignDay and 1 is used for SummerDesignDay as a conservative side.

I/O Reference describes under what circumstance sky clearness can exceed 1. "1.0 represents a clear sky at sea level. Values greater than 1.0 may be used for high altitude locations."

Solar radiation increases with altitude due to smaller optical depth of the atmosphere at higher altitudes.

edit flag offensive delete link more

Your Answer

Please start posting anonymously - your entry will be published after you log in or create a new account.

Add Answer

Training Workshops

Careers

Question Tools

1 follower

Stats

Asked: 2022-03-07 15:11:06 -0600

Seen: 690 times

Last updated: Mar 16 '22