Different strategies for maximum solar radiation collection on Mars surface

This paper deals with the optimum slope and orientation of a surface receiving solar radiation on the Mars surface (Northern hemisphere). A model to evaluate direct, diffuse and global irradiance on arbitrary tilted surfaces is developed. Also, the model estimates direct, diffuse and global irradiations on different time intervals, such as a day, a season or a year. Any of these irradiances/irradiations is a maximum for a certain optimum tilt angle. Most part of the primary data is based on Viking Landers measurements. The recommended strategies to collect the maximum amount of solar radiation depend on the dust content in the atmosphere. During the "clear" days the best strategy is to keep the receiving surface perpendicular on Sun's rays. This strategy allows to collect the maximum direct solar radiation and it is recommended in the case of solar concentrators. A simpler procedure is to use a South oriented surface whose tilt angle is continuously adjusted in order to collect the maximum global irradiance. During the dust storms the dependence of the incident irradiance upon surface's tilt and orientation becomes less important and simpler strategies are more convenient:(e.g. a horizontal receiving surface or a once-per-day adjustment of the tilt angle). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.