Analysis of Typical Meteorological Year for Seeb/Muscat, Oman

In this study the Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data for the Seeb/ Muscat area of the Sultanate of Oman is presented and analyzed. The analysis shows that diurnal variations in dry-bulb temperature are relatively small. However, seasonal variation indicates two distinct seasons: the hot season covering the months of April through to October (ambient temperature exceeds 30(circle)C for most of the hours) and the relatively cool season covering the months of November through to March (ambient temperature less than 27(circle)C for most of the time). Air conditioning (AC) is required over the seven-month hot season period. During the cool season the outdoor conditions are favourable for natural ventilation. The outdoor design temperature for the hot season may be deduced from the cumulative probability distribution calculated for the season. It is around 40(circle)C based on 2.5% summer frequency level. The high level of solar radiation flux available in Seeb (exceeding 500 W/m(2) for March through October) makes it attractive for solar energy based technologies. The information presented in this paper is essential for designers, architects, planners and contractors for proper design and selection of energy systems and application of energy-related projects in the most populated region in the Sultanate of Oman.