Intercomparison of the parameterized Linke turbidity factor in deriving global horizontal irradiance

This study presents a comparative assessment of nine parameterized methods to estimate Linke turbidity (TL) in the five Ko center dot ppen-Geiger climate zones. The evaluation is intensified by simulating all TL values into a global horizontal irradiance (GHI) model, called the Hammer model. The results found that atmospheric turbidity on the Korean Peninsula varies per season. The atmosphere tends to be more transparent in fall and winter, with lower turbidity. Meanwhile, the turbidity consistently rises in spring and peaks and summer, indicating a significant decline in atmospheric transparency.All nine TL methods generated varied degrees of accuracy according to their Ko center dot ppen-Geiger climate zones. In terms of relative root mean square error (rRMSE) and relative mean bias error (rMBE), TLValko1, TLValko2, and TLCapdrou consistently perform poorly. Further, these three methods can only classify the atmospheric turbidity into two types: least and fully turbid. This study recommends the following methods for evaluating atmospheric turbidity in various climate types: TLRemund, TLDogniaux1, TLDogniaux2, TLIneichen, TLMolineaux, and TLGreiner. This study concludes that none of the six methods can be considered the most superior due to minor differences in rRMSE and rMBE values.

Automated summary

This study assessed the ability of nine parameterized methods to estimate Linke turbidity (TL) in the five Ko center dot ppen-Geiger climate zones. By simulating all TL values into a global horizontal irradiance (GHI) model, called the Hammer model, the evaluation was strengthened. The results showed that atmospheric turbidity on the Korean Peninsula varies across seasons, with higher turbidity in spring and summer and lower turbidity in fall and winter. Among the nine TL methods, TLValko1, TLValko2, and TLCapdrou consistently performed poorly in terms of relative root mean square error (rRMSE) and relative mean bias error (rMBE). TLRemund, TLDogniaux1, TLDogniaux2, TLIneichen, TLMolineaux, and TLGreiner were recommended for evaluating atmospheric turbidity in different climate types. Minor differences in rRMSE and rMBE values make it difficult to identify the most superior method.