Calculate the solar constant from basic radiation heat transfer. Treat the sun as a black
body that radiates equally in all directions. Calculate the radiant heat flux on the surface
of the earth, using data from Figure 2.1 of Principles of Solar Engineering by Goswami,
Kreith, and Kreider. Note that the shape factor from a small surface 1 of area A1 to a
sphere 2 with surface area A2, illustrated below, is F12 = (h/R)2.
Next, ignoring any attenuation due to the atmosphere, find the solar constant for the same
A1 = 1.0 m2 located in Salem, OR, at latitude = 45° on June 21 (summer solstice). What
is in on December 21 (winter solstice)?
R
h
2
1
