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solar_uv_interface [2018/09/28 16:00] – Minor edits to English tedem | solar_uv_interface [2020/03/27 09:15] – [Overview] tedem | ||
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===== Overview ===== | ===== Overview ===== | ||
- | Initially, | + | It is important to measure solar radiation because this is the primary energy source for many biophysical processes on the Earth, but this is more difficult than measuring temperature or rainfall, for example. However, it is possible |
- | Despite its simplicity, a solar radiation | + | |
- | The Solar Radiation / UV interface can also be used with commercially available pyranometers, | + | In common with many other weather stations, the WeatherDuino system uses a silicon |
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+ | On the plus side, it is worth noting that a silicon | ||
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+ | The Solar Radiation / UV interface can be used with commercially available | ||
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+ | Despite its simplicity, a solar radiation sensor based on a photovoltaic panel works well, and its readings are comparable to those from expensive silicon photodiode pyranometers. | ||
For UV index, we have chosen to use the UVM-30A UV sensor. | For UV index, we have chosen to use the UVM-30A UV sensor. | ||
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===== Solar Radiation / UV interface - What is included? ===== | ===== Solar Radiation / UV interface - What is included? ===== | ||
- | Usually the Solar Radiation / UV interface is supplied as a kit that includes the fully assembled interface, plus a tested miniature photovoltaic panel. The op amp gain is pre-calibrated for the supplied photovoltaic panel, allowing solar radiation readings up to 1500 W/ | + | Usually the Solar Radiation / UV interface is supplied as a kit that includes the fully assembled interface, plus a tested miniature photovoltaic panel. The op amp gain is pre-calibrated for the supplied photovoltaic panel, allowing solar radiation readings up to 1500 W/ |
- | Optionally it can be supplied without the photovoltaic panel.\\ | + | |
The UVM-30A UV sensor for UV Index isn't included. This sensor is easy to find, costs around 5€, and can be bought from several sellers on eBay or other sources. | The UVM-30A UV sensor for UV Index isn't included. This sensor is easy to find, costs around 5€, and can be bought from several sellers on eBay or other sources. | ||
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- | ===== Considerations on Building ===== | ||
- | The easiest way to measure solar radiation data with your weather station is by using the Solar / UV interface with a ready made pyranometer, | + | ===== Things to consider... ===== |
- | For those who like a challenge, the use of the photovoltaic panel is a cheap alternative | + | |
- | In the WeatherDuino support forum there is an extensive article on this topic which we strongly recommend you read: [[http:// | + | The easiest way to measure solar radiation data with your weather station is by using the Solar / UV interface with a ready made silicon photodiode |
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+ | The WeatherDuino silicon pyranometer uses a small photovoltaic panel instead of a silicon photodiode. This unconventional approach has the advantage of being easy to set horizontal, so angular errors are reduced. In the WeatherDuino support forum there is an extensive article on this topic which we strongly recommend you read: [[http:// | ||
<WRAP round important 75%> Installing the photovoltaic panel and the UV sensor in a suitable weatherproof housing is not straightforward.\\ | <WRAP round important 75%> Installing the photovoltaic panel and the UV sensor in a suitable weatherproof housing is not straightforward.\\ | ||
For instance, the material used to cover the sensors should not block or reduce UV radiation. You are recommended to use [[https:// | For instance, the material used to cover the sensors should not block or reduce UV radiation. You are recommended to use [[https:// | ||
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- | ===== Additional Info ===== | + | \\ |
- | … under construction … | ||
- | \\ | + | ===== Additional Information ===== |
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+ | **Calibration** | ||
+ | Accurate calibration of a pyranometer is challenging even with expensive specialist equipment so we have to be realistic about what can be achieved. Commercial solar sensors are generally supplied with a calibration traceable to a national standard, which is one reason they are so expensive. If bought as a complete unit, the sensitivity of the WeatherDuino solar sensor will have been adjusted to provide an approximate calibration. This means that under ideal conditions the solar irradiance measured by the WeatherDuino solar sensor should be similar to the theoretical maximum value, taking into account the latitude and longitude of the site, the time and the date. 'Ideal conditions' | ||
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+ | The theoretical maximum solar irradiance for any location at any day of the year can be found using the Apogee [[http:// | ||