Summary climatic data for solar technology development in Oman

Major climatic data that are of direct relevance to the development of solar energy thermal conversion devices are ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, sunshine hours and solar radiation. These meteorological data are linked directly to design optimisation and performance prediction. From a single meteorological station in 1942, there are now about 20 stations in Oman, that monitor the above parameters in addition to atmospheric pressure, rainfall and evaporation. In this study data from twelve stations for the years 1987 to 1992 are compiled and analysed for ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, sunshine hours and solar radiation. The data is presented as summary statistics that will provide handy reference for engineers and scientists involved in solar technology development in Oman. The mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values of the parameters are presented for the whole country, the twelve stations and the months of the year over the six year period. The data have been subjected to rigorous statistical analysis to determine general weather patterns, and similarities and dissimilarities between the stations. Use of the data in a solar technology development is discussed. Summaries for stations over months can be obtained from the authors.