Weather Monitoring 19 Sunshine Pyranometer for PV Applications
Photovoltaic developers and triallists find the SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer from Delta-T Devices (UK) to be a valuable tool for research and for performance validation. When making PV investments, and it is important to identify the best sites, an SPN1 can be used to quantify the available global and diffuse radiation. After an installation has been completed and is in operation, the SPN1 can help monitor the short and long term efficiency of the panels, and the results can be fed back into improved PV panel design.
The key advantage of the Sunshine Pyranometer type SPN1 is that it measures global (total) and diffuse radiation, and sunshine state – all in one instrument ! It is easy to use and needs no routine adjustment or polar alignment. The SPN1 is a meteorological class instrument designed for long-term outdoor exposure, and is an affordable alternative to traditional shade-ring pyranometers, the Campbell-Stokes and other sunshine recorders. It also provides some of the functionality of expensive pyrheliometers.
The unique design of the Sunshine Pyranometer uses a patented array of thermopile sensors and a computer-generated shading
pattern to measure the direct and diffuse components of incident solar radiation. The shading pattern and thermopiles are arranged so that at least one thermopile is always fully exposed to the solar beam, and at least one is fully shaded from it, regardless of the position of the sun in the sky. A microprocessor derives the global and diffuse radiation values, which allows an estimate of the direct beam, and hence sunshine hours, to be calculated. The Sunshine Pyranometer is protected by patents EP 1012633 & US 6417500.
Reader Reply Card no 53 New UV Index Sensor Launched
Skye (UK) have been designing and manufacturing quality, fully calibrated light sensors since 1983. The range has included UVA and UVB sensors since 1992 and has now been further expanded with the addition of the UV Index sensor.
This sensor has a response closely matching the Erythemal Action Curve, the portion of the solar radiation spectrum usually associated with sunburn and skin cancer.
The UV Index measurement given by the sensor ranges from zero showing low risk
of sunburn, to high risk values of 15+.The sensor is calibrated against a reference traceable to National Standards under full sunlight conditions, and so is ideal for long term datalogging on meteorological stations. It is fully waterproof and the output is compatible with most dataloggers and controllers. Each sensor is provided with a radiation response curve and Calibration.
Reader Reply Card no 54
Vaisala Grant a Prestigious Meteorological Research Award
A group of US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists* were awarded with the prestigious Professor Dr. Vilho Vaisala Award on September 1st in Helsinki, Finland.
The award was established in 1986 to encourage and stimulate interest in research in the field of environmental measurement instruments and methods of observation. It is administrated by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which selects the winners on a biennial basis. The award is granted in conjunction with the CIMO/TECO/Meteorex event, this year hosted in Helsinki.
The awarded research paper in 2010 is titled "Rapid Sampling of Severe Storms by the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar". It describes a study that demonstrated the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar’s capability for adaptable, high temporal resolution scanning of quickly developing features in deep convective storms.
The award consists of a medal, diploma and a cash prize of USD 10,000. The award
sponsor Vaisala (Finland) is represented in the event by Martti Husu, Director of Vaisala’s Meteorology business.
Reader Reply Card no 57
New MetPak II Combined Weather Station Launched
Gill Instruments launch the next generation Combined Weather Station, the MetPak II. Based on the popular MetPak, it has new, improved features including RS232, 422, 485 digital outputs plus additional weather monitoring features such as Barometric pressure and Dew point measurement.
The MetPak II is a compact and lightweight multi-sensor instrument that measures a wide range of weather parameters. Gill ultrasonic technology, as used in the proven WindSonic instrument, measures wind speed and direction. Temperature and humidity are measured using industry standard probes housed in a naturally aspirated radiation shield. Barometric pressure is measured within a vented enclosure. A serial data output is provided to interface to industry standard data loggers.
The MetPak II has no moving parts so requires little maintenance, has a robust, proven design and is very easy to install using a rugged U-bolt mounting clamp that attaches to any vertical pipe up to 50mm. Low power consumption enables this weather station to be used in remote locations where power is at a premium.
Gill Instruments are the world leaders in ultrasonic meteorological sensors with more than 20 years experience in the field. For more information on the New MetPak II or any of Gill’s extensive range please visit
www.gill.co.uk
Reader Reply Card no 55
Barometric Pressure Sensor is Accurate and Low Cost
The Model 61302 Barometric Pressure Sensor from R. M. Young Company (USA) provides remarkable accuracy of ± 0.3 hPa over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. 0-5 VDC and 4-20 mA current output versions are available. Serial output is standard with either option. High accuracy, wide range and low power make this sensor ideal for a broad range of applications.
Reader Reply Card no 56
For immediate information on products featured in this issue Please email us today!
info@iet-pub.com Reader Reply Card no 58 November/December 2010 IET
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