Fuzzy logic algorithms for atmospheric transmittances of use in solar energy estimation

Two models for solar radiation attenuation in the atmosphere are presented. The novelty consists in using fuzzy logic algorithms for evaluating atmospheric transmittances associated to the main attenuators: Rayleigh scattering, aerosol extinction, ozone, water vapor and trace gas absorption. The first model encompasses self-dependent fuzzy modeling of each characteristic transmittance, while the second is a proper fuzzy logic model for beam and diffuse atmospheric transmittances. The assembly of our results leads to the conclusion that developing parametric models along the ways of fuzzy logic is a viable alternative to classical parameterization. Due to the heuristic nature of the fuzzy model input–output map, it leads to more flexibility in adapting to local meteo-climatic conditions.