Prediction of solar ultraviolet intensity by using Fuzzy Logic in the north-west of Iran

Abstract

<strong>Introduction</strong>: Solar energy is one of the free sources, clean and environmentally friendly energy. Sun is the most important source of natural ultraviolet radiation that has a major role in the life of living beings. Industrial and medical applications of ultraviolet radiation have been clearly proven, like the production of vitamin D or treatment of many diseases, and also harmful effects such as diseases related to skin and eyes. Therefore, prediction of UV exposure reaching the surface of the earth is an important subject in health, ecosystem and economy related concerns, which can affect efficiency, and increase the use of renewable energy sources. In this study fuzzy logic has been used to predict the amount of UV exposure in Tabriz. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Intensity of solar UV radiation type A, B and C have been measured for a whole year from sunrise to sunset in Tabriz during 2016-2017. These data then were given to fuzzy logic model, along with sunny hours of day and moths of the year, as input to simulate and predict the solar UV exposure. Two statistical indexes, RMSE and R2, have been used to evaluate the presented model. <strong>Results:</strong> Considering the results of the proposed model with the experimental data, this model can predict the solar exposure accurately. Average errors obtained for simulation was RMSE=0.001 with R2=0.99. <strong>Conclusion:</strong>