Pyranometer: An Ideal Instrument for Measuring Total Solar Radiation

Product Introduction of pyranometer:

The Total Radiation pyranometer is mainly used to measure the total solar radiation in the wavelength range of 0.3 to 3 μm. When placed horizontally facing downwards, it can measure reflected radiation; when placed on an inclined surface, it can measure the solar radiation incident on the surface; with the addition of a scattering shading ring, it can measure scattered radiation.

Basic Principle of pyranometer:

The TBQ Pyranometer consists of a double-layer quartz glass enclosure, sensing elements, shading plate, housing, desiccant, etc. The sensing element is the core component of the meter, consisting of a thermopile with rapid response and wire-electroplated construction. The sensing surface is coated with 3M non-reflective black paint, and it serves as the hot junction. When sunlight shines on it, the temperature increases, creating a temperature difference potential with the cold junction on the other side. This potential is directly proportional to the solar radiation intensity.

The double-layer glass enclosure is designed to minimize the influence of air convection on the radiation meter. The inner enclosure is meant to block the infrared radiation emitted by the outer enclosure itself.

Technical Specifications of pyranometer:

Sensitivity: 7-14 μV/W.m-2

Spectral Range: 0.3-3 μm

Measurement Range: 0-2000 W/m2

Power Supply: 

□ DC 5V

□ DC 12V

□ DC 24V

Output Options:

□ Current: 4-20 mA

□ Voltage: 0-2.5 V

□ Voltage: 0-5 V

□ Voltage: 0-20 mV

□ RS485

Response Time: ≤35 seconds (99%)

Internal Resistance: Approximately 350 Ω

Annual Stability: ≤±2%

Cosine Response: ≤7% (when solar elevation angle is 10°)

Azimuth Response Error: ≤5% (when solar elevation angle is 10°)

Temperature Characteristics: ±2% (-10°C to +40°C)

Operating Environment Temperature: -40°C to +50°C

Nonlinearity: ≤2%

Weight: 2.5 kg

Pyranometer Installation and Usage:

Pyranometer: An Ideal Instrument for Measuring Total Solar Radiation.The meter should be installed in an open area with no obstacles above the sensing surface. Then align the cable plug of the pyranometer with the north direction, adjust it to the horizontal position, securely fix it, and connect the output cable of the total radiation meter to the data recorder. It is recommended to firmly secure the cable to the installation bracket to reduce the risk of cable breakage or intermittent interruption on windy days.

Pyranometer Precautions:

1. The pyranometer is the most commonly used instrument for radiation observation in meteorological stations. The installation site conditions should be considered first. The upper half of the glass hemisphere cover should have no obstruction so that the radiation from the entire hemisphere comes from the sky. Ensure that no obstacles obstruct direct solar radiation. Therefore, the observing conditions should be favorable in the east and west directions of the instrument.

2. Install the radiation meter horizontally on the observation platform, with the output plug facing north. Adjust it to the horizontal position and fix it securely, then connect the meter output cable to the data recorder.

3. Observation should be stopped during hailstorms and the protective cover should be put on. To ensure accurate data, the observer should regularly wipe off dust on the glass cover. If the color of the desiccant silica gel particles changes, it should be replaced promptly.

4. Keep the glass cover clean and frequently wipe it with a soft cloth or fur. It should not be disassembled or loosened to avoid affecting measurement accuracy. Replace the desiccant periodically to prevent internal condensation.

Applications of Pyranometer:

★ Accurate measurement of solar radiation data in the meteorological industry

★ Monitoring of solar radiation in solar thermal and photovoltaic power plants

★ Study of energy balance on the Earth's surface related to solar radiation

★ Monitoring of solar radiation in solar thermal and photovoltaic power plants

★ Outdoor testing of materials

★ Crop growth monitoring

★ Solar radiation research in universities and research institutions

★ Research on ecological environment in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries

★ Study of radiation energy balance in environmental science

★ Climate research in polar regions, oceans, and glaciers

★ Weather and climate research

★ Study of building physics and measurement of solar radiation energy

Pyranometer Solar Radiation Sensors data sheet

NBL-W-HPRS-Solar-Radiation-Sensor-Instruction-Manual-V3.0.pdf

NBL-W-SRS-Solar-radiation-sensor-instruction-manual-V4.0.pdf