An analysis of climatic parameters and sky condition classification

In modelling solar radiation, of the required data daylight illuminance, lu minous efficacy, radiance and luminance sky distributions, are always analy sed under various sky types. Sky conditions are frequently categorised into overcast, partly cloudy and clear using some common climatic data includin g cloud cover (CLD), sunshine hour (SH) and solar radiation. This paper pre sents the study of these climatic parameters and their applications in the classification of sky condition. Frequency of occurrence and cumulative fre quency distribution of each sky indicator have been established to interpre t the prevailing sky conditions in Hong Kong. Special features on defining the sky clearness are highlighted and the implications for energy-efficient building designs are discussed, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.