1. What is Irradiation?

Irradiation is the radiation flux incident on a surface from all directions. It represents the amount of radiant energy received by a surface per unit area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Irradiation formula:

Where:

• \( H \) — Irradiation (W/m²)
• \( L_p \) — Power (Watt)
• \( A \) — Surface Area (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates irradiation by dividing the total power by the surface area over which the radiation is distributed.

3. Importance of Irradiation Calculation

Details: Accurate irradiation calculation is crucial for determining the amount of light energy absorbed, reflected, or transmitted by surfaces in various applications including solar energy systems, optical systems, and thermal analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and surface area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units are used for irradiation?
A: Irradiation is typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).

Q2: How does surface area affect irradiation?
A: For a given power, larger surface areas result in lower irradiation values as the energy is distributed over a larger area.

Q3: What's the difference between irradiation and irradiance?
A: While often used interchangeably, irradiation typically refers to the total radiation received over time, though in this context it represents the radiation flux.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for solar radiation calculations?
A: Yes, this formula can be used to calculate solar irradiation when you know the total solar power and the area it strikes.

Q5: What are typical irradiation values for sunlight?
A: Solar irradiation at Earth's surface is approximately 1000 W/m² under optimal conditions (clear sky, sun at zenith).