MODELING OF COOLING DEGREE-DAYS FOR SOUTHERN NIGERIA USING BETA DISTRIBUTION

O. J. Adigun; J. A. Olorunmaiye

O. J. Adigun Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
J. A. Olorunmaiye University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Keywords: beta distribution, cooling degree-days, cumulative distribution function, dry-bulb temperature, model, probability density function

Abstract

The concept of “degree-day” is used to estimate the energy requirement and cost of cooling at a particular location at a specific period in a year. It is also used to quantify the duration and severity of hotness or coldness of a climate. The probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) models that are required in developing cooling degree-days model were developed from long term weather data for Ilorin and ikeja using beta distribution. The values of cooling degree-days were computed using a computer program written in C++ language. The PDF and CDF models developed from non-symmetrical beta distribution agreed better with PDF and CDF computed from weather data than the symmetric distribution models developed by earlier workers. There was good agreement between cooling degree-days predicted using the models developed and cooling degree-days computed from weather data for Ilorin, Ikeja and several other towns in southern Nigeria. The models developed from long term weather data for Ilorin and Ikeja were found to be applicable to other towns in southern Nigeria.

Author Biographies

O. J. Adigun, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical Engineering

J. A. Olorunmaiye, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical Engineering