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solar_uv_interface [2020/03/25 16:47] – [Solar Radiation / UV interface - What is included?] tedem | solar_uv_interface [2021/04/04 23:48] (current) – [Solar / UV Interface] werk_ag | ||
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- | ====== Solar / UV Interface ====== | + | {{: |
+ | ====== Solar Radiation | ||
===== Overview ===== | ===== Overview ===== | ||
- | 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 to make reasonably accurate measurements of solar radiation with relatively simple equipment, provided care is taken with the design, siting and calibration of the sensor. The WeatherDuino system is well-suited to making routine measurements of solar radiation at low cost and it also offers a platform for experimenting with more advanced solar sensors.\\ | + | 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 to make reasonably accurate measurements of solar radiation with relatively simple equipment, provided care is taken with the design, siting and calibration of the sensor. The WeatherDuino system is well-suited to making routine measurements of solar radiation at low cost and it also offers a platform for experimenting with more advanced solar sensors. |
- | In common with many other weather stations, the WeatherDuino system uses a silicon sensor to measure the Sun's radiant energy rather than a much more expensive thermopile. This means that not all the Sun's energy is measured, as silicon devices are only sensitive over the wavelength range 0.4 -1.1 micrometres (approx), whereas the energy from the Sun reaching the Earth' | + | In common with many other weather stations, the WeatherDuino system uses a silicon sensor to measure the Sun's radiant energy rather than a much more expensive thermopile. This means that not all the Sun's energy is measured, as silicon devices are only sensitive over the wavelength range 0.4 -1.1 micrometres (approx), whereas the energy from the Sun reaching the Earth' |
- | On the plus side, it is worth noting that a silicon solar sensor is uniquely suited to measuring the solar energy available to a PV solar power generation system based on silicon photovoltaic cells, so for many practical purposes the approach adopted by the WeatherDuino project has much to commend it.\\ | + | On the plus side, it is worth noting that a silicon solar sensor is uniquely suited to measuring the solar energy available to a PV solar power generation system based on silicon photovoltaic cells, so for many practical purposes the approach adopted by the WeatherDuino project has much to commend it. |
- | The Solar Radiation / UV interface can be used with commercially available silicon photodiode pyranometers, | + | The Solar Radiation / UV interface can be used with commercially available silicon photodiode pyranometers, |
- | 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.\\ | + | 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? ===== | ||
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- | ===== Additional | + | ===== Additional |
- | … under construction … | + | **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' | ||
- | \\ | + | The theoretical maximum solar irradiance for any location at any day of the year can be found using the Apogee [[http:// |