A Method for Sky-Condition Classification from Ground-Based Solar Radiation Measurements

Identification of clouds from satellite images is now a routine task. Observation of clouds from the ground, however, is still needed to acquire a complete description of cloud conditions. Among the standard meteorologicalvariables, solar radiation is the most affected by cloud cover. In this note, a method for using global and diffuse solar radiation data to classify sky conditions into several classes is suggested. A classical maximum-likelihood method is applied for clustering data. The method is applied to a series of four years of solar radiation data and human cloud observations at a site in Catalonia, Spain. With these data, the accuracy of the solar radiation method as compared with human observations is 45% when nine classes of sky conditions are to be distinguished, and it grows significantly to almost 60% when samples are classified in only five different classes. Most errors are explained by limitations in the database; therefore, further work is under way with a more suitable database

Aplicação de radiação UV artificial e solar no tratamento fotocatalítico de efluentes de curtume

Tannery effluents are very dangerous for the environment since they contain large amounts of dangerous and biorecalcitrant contaminants (organic matter and Cr(VI)). This paper reports the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis, based on the application of solar and artificial radiation, furnished by UV lamps, using TiO2 fixed on a flat plate, in the treatment of synthetic effluents. The results of COD and Cr(VI) demonstrate that the use of solar radiation is the most efficient way to perform the photocatalytic treatment of these effluents since a minimum removal of 62 and 61% was observed for Cr(VI) and organic matter, respectively.

Potencial de aplicação do processo foto-fenton/solar como pré-tratamento de efluente da indústria de laticínios

Dairy wastewater is characterized by frequent episodes of drastic increases of organic content, giving rise to bulking filamentous bacteria and compromising the biological treatment process. This study reports the reduction of organic content of such wastewater by the application of the solar photo-Fenton process. For a wastewater containing 335, 2627 or 5400 mg C L-1 between 90% and 50% of the organic carbon content were removed after 3.5 h irradiation. The results show that the solar photo-Fenton process can be a good alternative for the abatement of organic content of dairy wastewater, especially in cases of organic content fluctuation, allowing an efficient biological treatment.

Degradação do pesticida Padron® por processos fotoquímicos utilizando luz artificial e solar

Destruction of Padron® (dye and picloram) was evaluated using a photoreactor and a solar reactor. Photolysis was observed using only a germicide lamp (GL). Black light (BL) and H2O2 (172 mmol L-1) promoted a conversion of 49% and 6% of dye and picloram, respectively. Photocatalytic processes were more efficient using TiO2/GL (96%-dye; 60%-picloram) than TiO2/BL (44%-dye; 40%-picloram). Photolysis using sunlight was not observed during PadronÒ recirculation in the reactor constructed with four borosilicate tubes. Meanwhile, adding H2O2 resulted in 12% conversion of dissolved organic compounds. Finally, the most efficient mineralization (60%) was obtained using the Fenton reaction ( H2O2-176 mmol L-1; FeSO4x6H2O-90 mmol L-1) and sunlight.

Multi-Eruption Solar Energetic Particle Events Observed by SOHO/ERNE

In the last two decades of studying the Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) phenomenon, intensive emphasis has been put on how and when and where these SEPs are injected into interplanetary space. It is well known that SEPs are related to solar flares and CMEs. However, the role of each in the acceleration of SEPs has been under debate since the major role was taken from flares ascribed to CMEs step by step after the skylab mission, which started the era of CME spaceborn observations. Since then, the shock wave generated by powerful CMEs in between 2-5 solar radii is considered the major accelerator. The current paradigm interprets the prolonged proton intensity-time profile in gradual SEP events as a direct effect of accelerated SEPs by shock wave propagating in the interplanetary medium. Thus the powerful CME is thought of as a starter for the acceleration and its shock wave as a continuing accelerator to result in such an intensity-time profile. Generally it is believed that a single powerful CME which might or might not be associated with a flare is always the reason behind such gradual events.

In this work we use the Energetic and Relativistic Nucleus and Electrons ERNE instrument on board Solar and Heliospheric Observatory SOHO to present an empirical study to show the possibility of multiple accelerations in SEP events. In the beginning we found 18 double-peaked SEP events by examining 88 SEP events. The peaks in the intensity-time profile were separated by 3-24 hours. We divided the SEP events according to possible multiple acceleration into four groups and in one of these groups we find evidence for multiple acceleration in velocity dispersion and change in the abundance ratio associated at transition to the second peak. Then we explored the intensity-time profiles of all SEP events during solar cycle 23 and found that most of the SEP events are associated with multiple eruptions at the Sun and we call those events as Multi-Eruption Solar Energetic Particles (MESEP) events. We use the data available by Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronograph LASCO on board SOHO to determine the CME associated with such events and YOHKOH and GOES satellites data to determine the flare associated with such events. We found four types of MESEP according to the appearance of the peaks in the intensity-time profile in large variation of energy levels. We found that it is not possible to determine whether the peaks are related to an eruption at the Sun or not, only by examining the anisotropy flux, He/p ratio and velocity dispersion. Then we chose a rare event in which there is evidence of SEP acceleration from behind previous CME. This work resulted in a conclusion which is inconsistent with the current SEP paradigm. Then we discovered through examining another MESEP event, that energetic particles accelerated by a second CME can penetrate a previous CME-driven decelerating shock. Finally, we report the previous two MESEP events with new two events and find a common basis for second CME SEPs penetrating previous decelerating shocks. This phenomenon is reported for the first time and expected to have significant impact on modification of the current paradigm of the solar energetic particle events.

Dosimetria esporular: Bacillus subtilis TKJ6312 como biossensor de radiação solar biologicamente ativa

Since 2000, spore dosimetry and spectral photometry have been performed in parallel at the Southern Space Observatory, São Martinho da Serra (Southern Brazil). A comparative study involving data from Punta Arenas - Chile (53.2º S), São Martinho da Serra (29.5º S), Padang - Indonesia (0.9ºS), Brussels - Belgium (50.9º N) and Kiyotake - Japan (31.9º N) from 2000 to 2006 is presented. The Spore Inactivation Doses presented the higher values in summer (973 ± 73 for Punta Arenas and 4,369 ± 202 for São Martinho da Serra, as well 1,402 ± 170 and 3,400 ± 1,674 for Brussels and Kiyotake, respectively). The simplicity, robustness and high resistance of bacterial spores makes the biosensor an potential biological tool for UV-B monitoring.

TiO2 photocatalytic inactivation under simulated solar light of bacterial consortia in domestic wastewaters previously treated by UASB, duckweed and facultative ponds

In this work, TiO2 photocatalysis was used to disinfect domestic wastewaters previously treated by different biological treatment systems: Upward-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB), facultative pond, and duckweed pond. The microorganisms monitored were E. coli, total coliforms, Shigella species, and Salmonella species. Photocatalytic experiments were carried out using two light sources: a solar simulator (UV intensity: 68-70 W m-2) and black-light lamps (BLL UV intensity: 17-20 W m-2). Samples were taken after each treatment stage. Results indicate that bacterial photocatalytic inactivation is affected by characteristics of the effluent, including turbidity, concentration of organic matter, and bacterial concentration, which depend of the type of biological pretreatment previously used.

Materiais híbridos orgânico-inorgânicos (ormosil) obtidos por sol-gel com potencial uso como filtro solar

This work aimed at the synthesis and characterization of particles of modified silica containing the organic filter dibenzoylmethane (DBM) by the hydrolytic sol-gel method, with modifications to the Stöber route. The structures of the resulting Xerogels were characterized by diffuse reflectance UV-VIS spectroscopy in the solid state, infrared absorption spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and 29Si Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (29Si NRM). The results showed favorable formation of hybrid organic-inorganic nanoparticles with efficient absorption/reflectance of radiation in the UV / VIS range, which enables their potential use as sunscreen.

UTILIZAÇÃO DO COMPÓSITO NANOESTRUTURADO SIO2/TIO2NA FOTODEGRADAÇÃO DE CORANTES TÊXTEIS COM LUZ SOLAR NATURAL

SiO2/TiO2 nanostructured composites with three different ratios of Si:Ti were prepared using the sol-gel method. These materials were characterized using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, Raman with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the specific surface area. The band gaps of materials were determined by diffuse reflectance spectra, and the values of 3.20 ± 0.01, 2.92 ± 0.02, and 2.85 ± 0.01 eV were obtained as a result of the proportional increases in the amount of Ti within the composite. The materials exhibit only the anatase (TiO2) crystalline phase and have crystalline domains ranging from 4 to 5 nm. The photodegradation process of methylene blue, royal blue GRL, and golden yellow GL dyes were studied with respect to their contact times, pH variations within the solution, and the variations in the dye concentration of the solution in response to only sunlight. The maximum amount of time for the mineralization of dyes was 90 min. The kinetics of the process follows an apparently first order model, in which the obtained rate constant values were 5.72 × 10-2 min-1 for methylene blue, 6.44 × 10-2min-1 for royal blue GRL, and 1.07 × 10-1min-1 for golden yellow.

Tratamento térmico solar da água para controle de fitopatógenos

Alguns microrganismos fitopatogênicos podem ser transportados pela água, que se constitui em importante e eficiente forma de disseminação. O controle de fitopatógenos pelo tratamento térmico da água infestada, utilizando a energia solar, constituiu o objetivo do trabalho. Quantificou-se a eficiência de um sistema automatizado de aquecimento solar desenvolvido para esta finalidade, baseado em processo misto de aquecimento da água em circuito fechado, com coletores planos e transmissão de calor por convecção natural e forçada. A automatização e a equalização da temperatura foram obtidas por termostatos localizados em diferentes pontos. Verificou-se boa eficiência do equipamento, trabalhando na temperatura de 60 ºC, tanto em rendimento de água processada como na eliminação do inóculo de fitopatógenos de importância econômica, como Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum spp., Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Verticillium dahliae e Rhizoctonia solani. À exceção de F. oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli, os patógenos testados não sobreviveram ao tratamento térmico a temperaturas acima de 55 0C. A técnica mostrou-se promissora como uma opção na desinfestação da água para uso em irrigação de viveiros, casas de vegetação e diversas finalidades em pequenas ou médias propriedades agrícolas.

Relações entre intensidade da doença, refletância da radiação solar e rendimento de grãos no patossistema ferrugem da folha de trigo Embrapa 16

Em experimentos com o cultivar de trigo Embrapa 16 conduzidos em Passo Fundo e Não-Me-Toque nas safras de 1999 e 2000 houve uma relação inversa entre a incidência foliar da ferrugem da folha do trigo, a severidade, o número de pústulas por centímetro quadrado e a área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença com o rendimento de grãos, e uma relação direta entre a refletância da radiação solar, na faixa de 810 nm, com o rendimento de grãos. A refletância da radiação solar na faixa permitiu estimar o rendimento de grãos do trigo, a severidade da doença e o número de pústulas cm-2. As equações da função de dano com maior R² obtidas pela análise de regressão permitem o cálculo do limiar de dano econômico (LDE) em diferentes estádios fenológicos da cultura. O LDE pode servir de critério indicador do momento para o controle da ferrugem da folha do trigo. Os danos causados pela doença atingiram um máximo de 43%, com uma média de 40 %.

Estudo da aplicação do processo foto-Fenton solar na degradação de efluentes de indústria de tintas

Neste trabalho estudou-se a aplicabilidade do processo foto-Fenton utilizando irradiação solar no tratamento de dois efluentes (A e B) de uma indústria de tintas. Foi avaliada a influência da concentração inicial de peróxido de hidrogênio e ferro na remoção de carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD). Nos primeiros minutos de irradiação foi observada a descoloração e a remoção de odores. Para o efluente A, atingiu-se 75 % de remoção de COD durante 60 minutos de irradiação. Para o efluente B, adições múltiplas de peróxido de hidrogênio foram necessárias para aumentar a remoção de COD, 43 % em 60 minutos de irradiação. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o processo foto-Fenton solar pode ser aplicado ao tratamento dos efluentes gerados na indústria de tintas.

Exposição e proteção solar dos estudantes de medicina de Curitiba (PR)

Trata-se de estudo observacional de corte transversal que teve como objetivo analisar a exposição e proteção solar de estudantes de Medicina de Curitiba (PR), através de questionário autoaplicado, comparando os resultados entre alunos de ambos os sexos que tiveram ou não intervenção da disciplina de Dermatologia. Análise estatística pelo Teste Exato de Fisher e Qui-Quadrado. Amostra composta de 398 estudantes com perfil sociodemográfico caracterizado principalmente por mulheres (54,9%), brancas, predominando a média de 23,8 anos. A maioria cursou a disciplina de Dermatologia (72,1%) e possui conhecimentos básicos sobre fotoproteção (65,3%). Quanto às práticas de exposição solar, os horários preferidos foram após 16 horas (55%) e entre 10-16 horas (23,3%), com uso diário de protetor solar (36,5%) e fator de proteção 30 ou superior (65,5%). Em relação aos riscos individuais para carcinomas cutâneos, 61,2% se enquadraram nos fototipos II e III de Fitzpatrick. Histórico familiar de câncer de pele ocorreu em 24,6% nos avós e/ou pais. Entre as mulheres que cursaram a disciplina de Dermatologia, verificou-se aplicação diária de fotoprotetor mais vezes ao dia e com fator de proteção solar mais alto.

RF disturbances produced by high-power photovoltaic solar plants

In this thesis, analysis of electromagnetic compatibility of high-power photovoltaic solar plant is made. Current standards suitable for photovoltaic applications are given. Measurements of antenna factor for experimental setup are shown. Also, measurements of common mode disturbance voltages in high-power solar plant are given. Importance of DC-side filter is shown. In the last part of the work, electromagnetic simulations are made. These simulations show influence of several factors to EMC of power plant. Based on these simulations and measurements recommendations are given.

Variação estacional da radiação solar em ambiente externo e no interior de floresta semidecídua

Medições diárias de radiação solar global foram feitas, durante o período de junho de 2000 a janeiro de 2001, no interior de mata semidecídua e no ambiente exterior, tendo sido registrados valores médios de 1,1 e 19,3 MJ/m²/d, respectivamente. A transmissão de radiação solar para o interior da mata foi influenciada pela época do ano e variou de 3,3 a 8,2%, para o verão e o inverno. Equações de regressão, para estações do ano, foram desenvolvidas para estimar a radiação solar no interior da mata, em função de valores obtidos no ambiente externo.