Estimating the evaporation over Nasser Lake in the upper
Egypt from Meteosat observations
M. A. Mosalam Shaltouta and T. El Housryb
a
b
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Egypt
The Meteorological Authority, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 6 May 1999.
Advances in Space Research, Volume 19, Issue 3, 1997, Pages 515-518
Abstract
The water loss from Nasser Lake in the South of Egypt is one of the national problems,
because the lake is the water bank of Egypt and the evaporated water range between 10 to 16
billion cubic meter every year, which represent 20 to 30% of the Egyptian income from Nile
water. Correlation analysis between tile cloudiness observed by Meteosat in the infra-red
band (10.25 – 12.5 m) and ground station measurements for atmospheric infra-red,
temperature and water vapour content has performed at the northern head of the lake near
Aswan High Dam. Models and empirical relations for estimating the evaporation over the
lake are deduced and tested. Using Meteosat infra-red window (10.5 – 12.5 m) observations
and the empirical models, we can estimate the evaporated water every day. The yearly water
loss can be determined from the integration of the daily values.
Measurements of the air pollution effects on the color
portions of solar radiation at Helwan, Egypt
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout 1, M. M. Ghonim2 and A. H. Hassan1
1
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Shebien El-Koam, Menofia University,
Menofia, Egypt
2
Available online 17 February 1999.
Renewable Energy, Volume 9, Issues 1-4, September-December 1996, Pages 1279-1282
Abstract
The paper contains examples on the distribution of the color percentage or the color portion
during very clear days and others polluted days for each season from sunrise (SR) to sunset
(SS) and the difference between them. Some important parameters such as the clearness
index (KT), diffuse fraction (KD), relative humidity (R.H) and temperature (T) effect on the
direct color portions. The monthly variation are given for the four major color bands B1 (530
nm > ), B2 (530 nm< <630 nm), B3 (630nm< <695 nm), B4 ( > 695 nm) due to the
meteorological and the environmental factors as T, R..H, and visibility. The data
measurements are carried out through two years from June 1991 to May 1993, at Helwan,
(Lat. 29° 52′ N, Long. 31° 20′ E), which is considered as the largest industrial region in
Egypt.
Author Keywords: Direct solar radiation; color portion; air pollution
Spectral measurements of visible solar direct-normal
irradiance and air pollutant attenuation coefficients at
Helwan
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout , U. Ali Rahoma and A. Fathy
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Received 7 July 1995; accepted 10 September 1995. ; Available online 19 February 1999.
Renewable Energy, Volume 7, Issue 1, January 1996, Pages 81-88
Abstract
Solar radiation spectra were measured by a ground-level pyrheliometer (Eppley NIP)
equipped with a filter wheel. Three flat, circular, Schott filters were used to define three
spectral bands. The filters were large band-pass filters of the types OG530, RG630 and
RG695. The experiment was conducted from June 1991 to May 1992 on the roof of the new
building of the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) at
Helwan. The Linke turbidity factor for the integrated radiation, and the spectral attentuation
coefficients of solar energy caused by aerosols were computed. In comparison with earlier
measurements in 1910, 1967 and 1987, it is clear that there is a continuous increase in the
turbidity factor, due to an increase of industrial waste in the Helwan atmosphere. A
correlation analysis between the turbidity factors and the total suspended particles, smoke and
sulphur dioxide was carried out. Meteorological elements and sand storms have been taken
into consideration in the correlation analysis.
The estimation of moisture over Egypt from Meteosat
satellite observations
M. A. Mosalam Shaltouta, A. H. Hassana and T. N. El-Hosaryb
a
b
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Meteorological Authority, Abbasiya, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 1 November 1999.
Advances in Space Research, Volume 18, Issue 7, 1996, Pages 41-46
Abstract
In Egypt their are 77 ground stations for recording the meteorological elements, but very rare
number of these stations cover the desert, while the desert covers 97% of the total land of
Egypt. For that, estimation of meteorological data over the desert from Meteosat observations
is very interested for the national programs for the desert development.
We selected seven ground stations, each one of them represents a specific climatic region in
Egypt, for a correlation analysis between the water vapour absorption observed by
Meteosat in the spectral band (5.7–7.1 m) and evaporation and relative humidity measured
at these seven ground stations for the period (1985–1986). The correlation coefficients are
good for the evaporation, and acceptable for the relative humidity.
Also, a correlation analysis of cloudiness observed by Meteosat in the thermal spectral band
(10.5–12.5 m) with surface infra-red measurements at Cairo and Aswan for the period
(1990–1992) was performed. The correlation coefficients are good for Cairo, but a weak for
Aswan.
The infra-red measured from ground by Eppley Precision Infrared Radiometers for the period
(1990–1992) have excellent correlation with the air temperature at Cairo and Aswan. Also,
there is a good correlation with water vapour at Cairo, but a weak correlation for Aswan.
Similar we found a good correlation with cloudiness observed from ground at Cairo, and
weak for the observations at Aswan.
Models and empirical relations for estimating the moisture over Egypt from Meteosat
observations are deduced and tested.
Statistical analysis for solar proton events measured by
goes spacecraft during the period (1976–1990)
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout *, S. Yousef** and O. M. El-Saied*
*
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Astronomy and Meteorology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza,
Cairo, Egypt
**
Available online 12 April 2000.
Advances in Space Research, Volume 17, Issues 4-5, 1996, Pages 171-175
Abstract
During the period from January 1976 to January 1990 there were 81 solar proton flares
affecting the solar-terrestrial environment, the events measured by GOES spacecraft at
Geosynchronous orbit.
Proton fluxes are integral 5-minute averages for energies > 10 MeV, given in particle flux
unit (pfu) where 1 pfu = 1p/cm2s−1sr−1. The data are published in the comprehensive reports
of "Solar-Geophysical Data" by NOAA, Boulder - Colorado, USA.
Statistical analysis was carried out for 81 solar proton events and their associated solar flares
and active regions. The proton flux classified to seven levels from 10 to > 100.000 pfu. The
delay time between the maximum flaring on the sun and the maximum proton flux of the
event recorded by GOES has been taken into consideration.
Also, the correlation between the proton flux and X-ray and radio bursts, and optical
importance of the associated flare was performed.
V-trough concentrator on a photovoltaic full tracking
system in a hot desert climate
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout, A. Ghettas and M. Sabry
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 5 April 2000.
Renewable Energy, Volume 6, Issues 5-6, July-September 1995, Pages 527-532
Abstract
A V-trough concentrator with a two-axis tracker system to increase the performance of
photovoltaics was designed by the authors and installed on the roof-top of the building of the
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics at Helwan in South Cairo. The Vtrough concentrator system comprises two flat mirrors with dimensions 50 cm × 18 cm. They
are fixed with the reflecting surfaces facing each other with a separation of about 11 cm, on
a wooden table of 50 cm axis length. A sample of polycrystalline and amorphous silicon
solar cells were fixed into the system, and similar solar cells of each type were fixed separate
to the system, to estimate the electrical gain. The measurements were performed daily at
different air masses for one complete year. The temperature of the solar cells in and out of the
system were measured for comparison. Also, measurements for beam and global solar
radiation and other meteorological conditions were recorded. The optical losses of the system
were analyzed and details of collectable energy calculations are presented. The energy gain
from the isolated contribution of the V-trough concentrators is also evaluated.
Photovoltaic performance under real desert conditions
near Cairo
M. A. Mosalam Shaltouta, A. M. Mahrousb, A. E. Ghettasa and Y. A. Fattaha
a
b
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 5 April 2000.
Renewable Energy, Volume 6, Issues 5-6, July-September 1995, Pages 533-536
Abstract
A photovoltaic panel of polycrystalline silicon solar cells from Solarex was installed with
a tilt angle of 30°. The temperatures of the centre and side of the panel were measured by
two thermocouples, in addition to the global radiation and ambient temperature
measurements. The measurements were analyzed to determine empirical models for the
temperature effect and the resultant power. It was found that there is a drop in the voltage
and power of the photovoltaic panel at noon during the spring and summer seasons.
Ultraviolt solar radiation over Egypt
M. A. Mosalam Shaltouta, M. M. Ghonimb, A. A. Trabeac and H. Allamd
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan —, Cairo —, Egypt
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Menofia University, Shebien El-Koom, Egypt
c
Department of Physics, Faculty of Education, Swiss Canal University, El-Arish, Egypt
d
Egyptian Meteorlogical Authority, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
a
b
Available online 2 July 2003.
Renewable Energy, Volume 5, Issues 5-8, August 1994, Pages 1506-1508
Abstract
Measurements were carried out at Cairo and Aswan in Egypt for three years (1990–1992)
using Eppley Ultraviolet Radiometers by the Egyptian Meteorological Authority. Also, the
global solar radiation was recorded for the same three years at Cairo and Aswan using Eppley
pyranometers. All the meteorological conditions of the two cities are collected, and the
stratospheric ozone is measured by Dobson spectrophotometers. The ratio of the ultraviolet to
the global radiation (UV/G) range between 2.7% (in winter) to 3.4% (in summer) for Cairo
(lat. 30°). Aswan in the south of Egypt (lat. 23.5°) shows the inverse, where the ratio of
ultraviolet to global solar radiation (UV/G) range between 3.9% (in winter) to 3.5% (in
summer).
Author Keywords: Ultraviolt solar radiation; stratospheric and surface ozone; biological
effects
Solar energy distribution over Egypt using cloudiness
from Meteosat photos
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout and A. H. Hassen
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan-Cairo-, Egypt
Available online 10 June 2004.
Solar Energy, Volume 45, Issue 6, 1990, Pages 345-351Abstract
In Egypt, there are 10 ground stations for measuring the global solar radiation, and five
stations for measuring the diffuse solar radiation. Every day at noon, the Meteorological
Authority in Cairo receives three photographs of cloudiness over Egypt from the Meteosat
satellite, one in the visible, and two in the infra-red bands (10.5–12.5 m) and (5.7–7.1 m).
The monthly average cloudiness for 24 sites over Egypt are measured and calculated from
Meteosat observations during the period 1985–1986.
Correlation analysis between the cloudiness observed by Meteosat and global solar radiation
measured from the ground stations is carried out. It is found that, the correlation coefficients
are about 0.90 for the simple linear regression, and increase for the second and third degree
regressions. Also, the correlation coefficients for the cloudiness with the diffuse solar
radiation are about 0.80 for the simple linear regression, and increase for the second and third
degree regression. Models and empirical relations for estimating the global and diffuse solar
radiation from Meteosat cloudiness data over Egypt are deduced and tested. Seasonal maps
for the global and diffuse radiation over Egypt are carried out.
Effect of Hanning and Parzen windows and Kalman filter
on the spectral analysis of solar constant and solar
activities
M. T. Y. Tadros and M. A. Mosalam Shaltout
Faculty of Science, Physics Department, Mansoura University, Egypt
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 7 August 2003.
Solar Energy, Volume 43, Issue 6, 1989, Pages 331-338
Abstract
A comparison was made between the effect of Hanning window (HW) and Parzen window
(PW) on the power spectrum analysis of solar constant and solar activities (sunspot and
facula). It was found that, the power spectrum density (PSD) using HW was greater than that
when PW was used. HW was favorable for the identification of more frequencies which may
help in determination of different cycles.
Kalman filter was used and the power spectra were determined before and after filtering to
identify the real frequencies.
Solar net radiation over a bare wet field at Giza,
estimated on the basis of its close relationship with global
radiation
M. H. Omara and M. A. Mosalam Shaltout
b
a
b
Former Chairman, Board of Directors of the Meteorological Authority, Cairo, Egypt
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Received 25 April 1987; accepted 23 October 1987. ; Available online 24 February 2003.
Solar & Wind Technology, Volume 5, Issue 2, 1988, Pages 185-189
Abstract
A comparison was made between daytime, night-time and daily net radiation measured in
different seasons over a bare wet field at Giza, and the corresponding values of net
radiation over irrigated short vegetation and global radiation. Close linear relationships were
obtained in all cases.
The relations with daytime and daily global radiation were applied to monthly averages of
daily global radiation for a 10-year period, to obtain monthly averages of daily and daytime
net radiation over the bare wet field. The annual variations of these variables, together with
night-time net radiation obtained as the difference between these values, are described.
Seasonal and annual values of these parameters, together with monthly, seasonal and annual
values of the ratios of net radiation over the wet field to global radiation, and of net radiation
over the same field to net radiation over irrigated short vegetation were also given. The
corresponding values of the ratio daytime/daily net radiation over the wet field were also
obtained to give an idea of the diurnal variation of net radiation in the different seasons. Brief
information was also given about the highest and lowest values of net radiation during the
day, and their times of occurence.
Solar net radiation over water in a class " A "
evaporation pan at Giza, estimated on the base of its close
relationship with global radiation
M. H. Omar* and M. A. Mosalam Shaltout
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 8 August 2003.
Solar Energy, Volume 41, Issue 3, 1988, Pages 247-253
Abstract
Measurements of net radiation over water in a class " A " pan at Giza during daytime,
nighttime, and daily periods for different seasons were compared with the corresponding
simultaneous values over short vegetation and to the global radiation. Close linear
relationships were obtained in all cases.
The close linear relationships between daytime and daily net radiation and global radiation
were applied to monthly averages of daily global radiation for a 10-year period to estimate
average monthly values of daily and daytime net radiation over pan water. The annual
variations of these values were described. Seasonal and annual values of these and other
relevant items were given. An idea of the diurnal variation of net radiation over pan water in
the different seasons was given by the seasonal variation of the ratio daytime/daily net
radiation, as well as by information on the highest and lowest values of net radiation and their
times of occurrence, depending on the hourly measurements.
The relationships between pan evaporation and potential evapotranspiration, and between net
radiation over pan water and pan evaporation were also obtained.
The close relationship of radiation and other parameters could be explained by Linacre's
formula[1], the energy budget equation, and the characteristics of the surfaces concerned.
Such relationships could be applied to other desert climates like Egypt.
Solar energy characteristics and some photovoltaic testing
results in Jeddah
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout
*
Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 9028, Jeddah 21413, Saudi Arabia
Received 20 September 1985; accepted 14 November 1985. ; Available online 6 March
2003.
Solar & Wind Technology, Volume 3, Issue 3, 1986, Pages 173-187
Abstract
The characteristics of the solar energy input over Jeddah were investigated. Global and direct
solar radiation were detected daily and recorded from sunrise to sunset. The instruments used
were a pyranometer and two pyrheliometers (of the Epply type) positioned over the old
building of the Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University. The observations began at the
start of 1984 with observations of integrated radiation and, from October 1984, direct
radiation observations were obtained, in different spectral bands, by using glass filters (OG
530 (orange), RG 630 (red), and RG 695 (deep-red)).
The data for global radiation were analysed to investigate the correlation with climatological
factors. The profiles of the direct radiation for days with clear skies were selected for
analysis, the variations of the direct radiation with the air mass were discussed and the
extinction coefficients were determined. It was found that there are seasonal variations in the
values of these coefficients. Also, they varied from one spectral band to another. The
reddening effect of the air mass was estimated for the integrated and filtered radiation at the
different spectral bands investigated. The extinction coefficients showed correlations with the
meteorological and air pollution factors.
Also, solar cell module testing under Jeddah climatic conditions were initiated in 1984–1985.
The goal of this work was to study the performance and reliability of a commerciallyavailable module in outdoor conditions in order to obtain information on solar cell system
design, and to observe the influence of our specific climate conditions on module energy
output.
The experiment was set up on the rooftop of the old building of the Faculty of Science. One
module, of the Arco Solar type, containing 35 solar cells, and a single solar cell of the
Solarex type were used.
To conclude, solar energy input and module output offer prospects for large-scale
applications of solar cells in Jeddah, and the results of this study can be used for precise
system sizing.
*
Present address: Helwan Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt.
Estimation of the different components of the solar
radiation over egypt from the meteorological data
M. A. Mosalam Shaltout
*
Helwan Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt†
Received 1 December 1983; accepted 28 February 1984. ; Available online 6 March 2003.
Solar & Wind Technology, Volume 1, Issue 3, 1984, Pages 175-185
Abstract
The method of Paltridge and Proctor for computing the direct radiation on Australia [6], and
the method of Kreider and Kreith for computing the diffuse radiation on the United States of
America [4], were both developed to fit the solar radiation observations at Egypt. Both
methods contain constant parameters in the equations of computing the direct and diffuse
radiation. It is noticed that these parameters must be subject to regional and monthly
variations at Egypt.
An attrition method was designed in a computer programme and applied to determine the
regional and monthly variations in the parameters. Four equations which correlate the
parameters with the relative humidity and months are estimated. The development was
checked by comparing the estimated and observed radiation on Egypt, and the deviation
found to be ±5% from the observed value.
*
†
Member of the International Solar Energy Society.
Present address: Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 9028, Jeddah
21413, Saudi Arabia.
High energetic solar proton flares on the declining phase
of solar cycle 22
M. A. M. Shaltout
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Available online 26 June 2000.
Abstract
During the declining phase of the solar cycle 22, in June 1991, energetic flares were produced
by active regions NOAA/USAF 6659. The associated solar proton events affected the earth
environment. An evaluation of the solar activity during the first half of June 1991 was made,
leading to a possible method for high energetic solar flares prediction. The method depend
on cumulative summation curves of the H-alpha flares, and x-ray bursts, in the active region
6659 during the rotation when the energetic solar flares of June 1991 have occurred. It is
shown that a steep trend of increased activity begins several tens of hours prior to the
occurrence of the energetic flare.
Typical solar radiation year for Egypt
M. A. Mosalam Shaltouta and M. T. Y. Tadrosb
a
b
National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Received 27 April 1993; accepted 16 December 1993. ; Available online 2 July 2003.
Renewable Energy, Volume 4, Issue 4, June 1994, Pages 387-393
Abstract
The Typical Solar Radiation Year (TSRY) for Egypt is generated by using daily data of
global solar radiation obtained by measurements at 10 stations for long periods. Also, the
hourly values of different components of solar radiation (direct, diffuse and global) over these
10 stations are estimated for the typical day (midday) of each month by applying empirical
models and using the standard meteorological data for each station.