Integration of wind flow effects in theoretical and experimental models for solar power generation

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has highlighted the need to optimize solar power generation systems. While solar power has been extensively studied, the influence of local wind flow on solar irradiance and power generation remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by developing a differential model that incorporates both solar irradiance and wind flow effects to enhance the prediction of solar power generation across various regions in Uganda. Key qualitative findings suggest that regions with higher wind flow significantly enhance solar power efficiency, revealing potential opportunities for optimizing solar facility locations. Numerical findings show that the northern region yielded the highest solar power generation (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$132.8 \,{\text{Wm}}<^>{-2}$$\end{document}), followed closely by the eastern (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$132.7 \, {\text{Wm}}<^>{-2}$$\end{document}), western (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$127.2 \, {\text{Wm}}<^>{-2}$$\end{document}), and central (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$119.6 \,{\text{Wm}}<^>{-2}$$\end{document}) regions. Error analysis using the RMSE indicator confirms the validity of the model with values of 0.9701, 0.8215, and 6.4186 for the northern, central, and western regions, respectively. This work proposes an integrated approach to solar power generation, considering both solar irradiance and wind flow effects, with the potential to identify optimal deployment sites for solar facilities. Consequently, the study suggests deploying solar facilities in regions with higher solar power distribution and transmitting energy to areas with sparse distribution. Further studies are needed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of solar potential in varying environmental conditions.