SOLAR RADIATION MEASURING

INSTRUMENTS
Presented By:

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PYRANOMETER
What is Pyranometer?
It is a Solar Radiation Sensor that measures total radiation i.e.
both direct and scattered solar energy.

The name Pyranometer stems from Greek, "pyr" meaning
"fire & "ano" meaning up above".

It is a type of actinometer that measure the solar power per
unit area (W/m
2
) from a field of view of 180.

It require no tracking of sun.

It follows a cosine response.


Pyranometers Components
Thermopile A sensor consisting of thermocouples connected
in series and provided with a black coating, absorbs all solar
radiation.

Glass dome This dome restricts the spectral response from
300 to 2800 nm from a field of view of 180 degrees. This
hemispherical glass dome also shields the thermopile from
wind and rain.

Working Principle
A pyranometer measure temperature difference between a clear
surface and a dark surface.

The black coating on the thermopile sensor absorbs the solar
radiation, while the clear surface reflects it, and hence less heat is
absorbed.

This radiation is converted to heat. The thermopile measure this
temperature difference. The thermopile sensor generates a voltage
output signal that is proportional to the solar radiation.

Applications
Establishment of greenhouse locations
Designing photovoltaic systems
Meteorological studies
Measurement of solar intensity data.


PYRHELIOMETER
What is Pyreheliometer?
It measure the direct solar radiation.

It is pointed directly at the sun.

It measure the solar energy per unit time per unit area (W/m
2
).

Sunlight enters the instrument through a window and is
directed onto a thermopile which converts heat to an electrical
signal that can be recorded.

It is used with a solar tracking system to keep the instrument
aimed at the sun.


Working Principal
A thermopile is a device that uses the Seebeck effect to create
an electrical voltage based on temperature differences.

The Seebeck effect refers to the phenomenon where two
different metals at different temperatures will produce an
electrical current when connected.

In a pyrheliometer, one end of the thermopile faces the sun
while the other end remains shaded. This arrangement will
leave the two metals at different temperatures and, therefore,
will lead to a flow of current in the thermopile.
Application
Scientific meteorological and Climate observations
Scientific research
Used for placing solar panels.
Assessment of the efficiency of solar
collectors and photovoltaic devices.
Mounted on a tracking device that follows the suns
movements
SUNSHINE RECORDER
What is Sunshine Recorder?
It records the duration of bright sunshine during a day.

The solar radiation can be of both forms, direct or diffused.

It doesn't require tracking of sun, but provide approx. results.

It is comprised of a glass sphere that directs sunlight onto a
treated paper.


Working Principle
The glass sphere acts as a lens and focusses sunlight onto a
paper.

The paper is burnt whenever the beam radiation is above a
threshold value.

The length of the burned portion of the paper provide an index
of duration of sunshine.


Application
Provide information about the weather and climate of a
geographical area.

Useful in meteorology, science, agriculture, tourism, and other
fields.