This set of Solar Energy Interview Questions and Answers for freshers focuses on “Empirical Equations for Estimating Solar Radiation Availability on Horizontal Surface for Cloudy Skies”.
1. What is the relationship between insolation and cloud cover in sky?
a) Inverse
b) Directly proportional
c) Square
d) Exponential
View Answer
Explanation: From ancient time, people knew the relationship between sunshine and cloud cover. There is an inverse relationship between insolation and the amount of sky covered by clouds.
2. Which of the following is a reason for inverse relationship between insolation and cloud cover in sky?
a) Sunshine duration records are caused by sun being obstructed by transparent cloud cover
b) Sunshine duration records are caused by sun being obstructed by opaque cloud cover
c) Sunshine duration records are caused by sunshine being transmitted through opaque cloud cover
d) Sunshine duration records are caused by sun being obstructed by cloud cover
View Answer
Explanation: There is an inverse relationship between insolation and cloud cover in sky. This is because of sunshine duration records are caused by sun being obstructed by transparent cloud cover.
3. Which does Angstrom-Savinov formula tell?
a) Relationship between local solar radiation and global cloudiness
b) Relationship between local solar radiation and local cloudiness
c) Relationship between global solar radiation and mean cloudiness
d) Relationship between global solar radiation and global cloudiness
View Answer
Explanation: Angstrom-Savinov formula is a relationship between global solar radiation (H) and mean cloudiness (C). It is given by mathematical relationship, H=H0[1−(1−k)C].
4. What does the constant “k” signify in the Angstrom-Savinov formula?
a) Global solar radiation
b) Mean cloudiness
c) Reflection of solar radiation within clouds
d) Transmission of solar radiation within clouds
View Answer
Explanation: The constant “k” signifies the transmission of solar radiation within clouds. It is defined to account for the partial and practical transmission of solar radiation through clouds.
5. The constant “k” in Angstrom-Savinov formula depends on ________
a) latitude of the location
b) longitude of the location
c) solar radiation
d) cloud opacity
View Answer
Explanation: The constant “k” accounts for transmission of solar radiation through clouds. It depends on the latitude of the location. It does not depend on the solar radiation and cloud capacity.
6. How does the constant “k” in Angstrom-Savinov vary in high and low latitudes?
a) Between 0.55 in high latitudes and 0.22 in low latitudes
b) Between 0.55 in high latitudes and 0.33 in low latitudes
c) Between 0.33 in high latitudes and 0.55 in low latitudes
d) Between 0 in high latitudes and 0.9 in low latitudes
View Answer
Explanation: The constant “k” in Angstrom-Savinov has a range from 0.33 to 0.55. It varies between 0.55 in high latitudes and 0.33 in low latitudes.
7. Which of the following models uses linear regression to estimate solar radiation from sunshine duration?
a) Angstrom-Savinov
b) Ertekin and Yladtz
c) Anstrom-Prescott
d) Sen
View Answer
Explanation: Anstrom-Prescott model uses linear regression to estimate solar radiation from sunshine duration. H/H0=a+b*(S/S0) is the regression equation. H is global radiation and S is the sunshine duration.
8. Akinoglu and Fcevit uses a _______ to estimate solar radiation.
a) linear model
b) power model
c) exponential model
d) quadratic model
View Answer
Explanation: Akinoglu and Fcevit uses a quadratic model to estimate solar radiation. Like Angstom-Savinov, it also estimates solar radiation from sunshine duration.
9. How is an empirical model developed?
a) From data acquired via sensors or measuring instruments
b) From theoretical analysis
c) From deep learning
d) From trial and error
View Answer
Explanation: Empirical models of any system is developed from data acquired via sensors or measuring instruments. The developers decide the variables and the output and perform various numerical analysis to formulate a relationship.
10. What does the ratio of global solar radiation (H) and estimated daily global radiation for cloudless sky (H0) indicate?
a) Solar radiation transmission ratio
b) Clearness index
c) Solar radiation reflection percentage
d) Turbidity
View Answer
Explanation: The ratio of global solar radiation (H) and estimated daily global radiation for cloudless sky (H0) indicates clearness index. It neither indicates solar radiation transmission ratio nor does it indicate turbidity. Solar radiation reflection percentage is indicated by albedo.
11. Which of the following is important during data acquisition from measuring instruments? Assume that details about data to be collected is known.
a) Type of data
b) Materials used to manufacture measuring instruments
c) Location, environment and characteristics of measuring instrument
d) Brand of measuring instruments
View Answer
Explanation: Assuming that details about the data to be collected is known, location, environment and characteristics of measuring instrument is important. This is because instruments can give different values under different conditions. Basically, data acquisition procedure should be consistent and authentic.
12. Which of the following statistical indicator is used to evaluate any type of model?
a) mean
b) median
c) error
d) root mean square error
View Answer
Explanation: Root mean square error is a commonly used statistical indicator to evaluate any type of model. It basically describes the mean error between simulated/measured/observed values and the true values.
13. Why do ground-based observers overestimate overcast cloud cover?
a) Clouds appear to fill large area of sky when near horizon
b) Clouds appear to fill large area of sky when far from horizon
c) Clouds appear to fill small area of sky when near horizon
d) Clouds appear to fill small area of sky when far from horizon
View Answer
Explanation: Ground-based observers tend to overestimate overcast cloud covers. This is because clouds with vertical extents appear to fill a greater area of sky when located near the horizon than when they are overhead.
14. Reduction of error between simulated values and the true values increases accuracy of the empirical model.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: Reduction of error between simulated values and the true values increases accuracy of the empirical model. This is because decrement in error indicates that simulated values are moving closer to true/desired values.
15. Cloud cover estimation is free from error.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: Like any other estimation, cloud cover estimation is not free from errors. For instance, a small hole in the cloud could remain open for a long period of time thereby allowing more sunlight to pass through than estimated.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Solar Energy.
To practice all areas of Solar Energy for Interviews, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.
If you find a mistake in question / option / answer, kindly take a screenshot and email to [email protected]
- Practice Chemical Engineering MCQs
- Apply for Mechanical Engineering Internship
- Apply for Chemical Engineering Internship
- Check Chemical Engineering Books
- Practice Mechanical Engineering MCQs
