Solar Radiation Measurement

SOLAR RADIATION MEASUREMENT

sensor specifications:
ISO classification	second class
Spectral range	305 - 2800 nm
Sensitivity (nominal)	15 μV/ W.m-2
Temperature range	-40 - +80 °C
Range	0 to 2000 W.m-2
Temperature dependence	< 0.1%/°C
Calibration traceability	WRR

Sensor can be applied for most common solar radiation observations. It complies with the latest ISO and WMO standards. The scientific name of this instrument is pyranometer. LP02 is a modern alternative for the so-called "star" or "black and white" pyranometers overcoming the problem of poor stability of the white reflective paint.

Sensor serves to measure the solar radiation flux that is incident on a plane surface in W/m² from a 180 degrees field of view (also called "global" solar radiation). Working completely passive, using a thermopile sensor, LP02 generates a small output voltage proportional to this flux. Contrary to photodiode-based- and "black and white" instruments LP02 has a spectrally flat response across the full solar spectrum.

Using the LP02 pyranometer is easy. For readout one only needs an accurate voltmeter that works in the millivolt range. To calculate the radiation level the voltage must be divided by the sensitivity; a constant that is supplied with each individual instrument. LP02 can directly be connected to most commonly used datalogging systems.

Sensor can be used for general meteorological observations, building physics, climate- and solar collector testing. A common application is for outdoor solar radiation measurements as part of a meteorological station. This application requires horizontal levelling; levelling feet (7) and a level (11) are included. The LP02 cable can easily be installed or replaced by the user.

Applicable standards are ISO 9060 and 9847, WMO (World Meteorological Organisation), and ASTM E824-94. LP02 can also be used for stability estimations according to EPA ( EPA-454/R-99-005).

Options

Additional cable length x metres (add to 5m)
AMF 01 Albedometer Fixture (used with 2 x LP02)
AC100/AC420 amplifiers, LI19 hand held readout
Also available with programmable output: LP02-tr

SOLAR RADIATION HANDHELD METER

specifications:
Compatibility	pyranometers, heat flux sensors, Gardon Schmidt Boelter gauges
Display functions	actual values
Programming functions	sensor settings logger settings
A/D resolution	1 or 10 μV
A/D sample rate	1/second
power supply	2 AA-type batteries Alkaline
Compatibility	Windows 2000, XP, Vista
Battery life	> 25 days
Memory capacity	3500 samples min / max/ average over set interval

Figure 1 LI19 connected to a solar radiation sensor or a heat flux plate. (sensors are not part of the delivery). Other sensors with millivolt outputs such as Gardon gauges and Schmidt Boelter gauges, can be connected as well; please consult Hukseflux. The USB connector (5) is located at the bottom of the LI19. Settings are accessible by PC through a USB interface box, which is part of the delivery.