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Sensors - Solar 1
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Sensors - Solar 1
Sensor Measurement & Specification
The Solar 1 Weather Station incorporates the sensors in a compact, all-in-one sensor module, in addition to panel temperature and solar radiation sensors connected directly to the Weather MicroServer. Click to expand for specific sensor and measurement details.
Both wind speed and direction are measured using an advanced ultrasonic sensor. The sensor uses ultrasound to determine horizontal wind speed and direction. The array of three equally spaced ultrasonic transducers on a horizontal plane is an ideal design which ensures accurate wind measurement from all wind directions, without blind angles or corrupted readings.
The wind sensor has no moving parts, which makes it maintenance free. The measurement range for wind speed is from 0 to 134 mph (0 to 60 m/s) and for wind direction from 0 to 360°.
Barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements are combined in an advanced sensor module utilizing capacitive measurement method for each parameter.
Barometric pressure is measured using a silicon-based sensor. The sensor has minimal hysteresis and excellent repeatability, as well as outstanding temperature and long-term stability. The measurement range is from 17.72 to 32.48 in. Hg (600 to 1100 millibars)
Temperature measurement is based on a ceramic sensor. The measurement range is from -61.6 to 140 °F (-52 to +60 °C).
Humidity measurement is based on a capacitive technology. The sensor is highly accurate and it offers excellent long-term stability in a wide range of environments with negligible hysteresis. The measurement range for humidity is 0 to 100% RH.
This tri-sensor module is mounted in a specially designed radiation shield and is easily replaceable and available as a spare component.
The shield protects the sensors form both scattered and direct solar radiation and precipitation. The plastic material in the plates offers excellent thermal characteristics and UV stabilized construction. The white outer surface reflects radiation, while the black inside absorbs accumulated heat.
The rainfall measurement is based on an impact sensor, which detects the impact of individual rain drops. The signals exerting from the impacts are proportional to the volume of the drops. Hence, the signal from each drop can be converted directly to the accumulated rainfall. Due to the measurement method, flooding, clogging as well as wetting and evaporation losses in rain measurement are eliminated.
Catalog No. 82601: This silicon photovoltaic pyranometer or solar radiation sensor is calibrated to measure the shortwave radiation reaching the Earth's surface, measured in Watts per square meter. Self-cleaning dome-shaped head prevents water accumulation. Sensor head is potted solid to prevent internal condensation in humid environments.
Cosine Response: 45° zenith angle ± 1%, 75° zenith angle ± 5%
Absolute Accuracy: ± 5%
Uniformity: ± 3%
Repeatability: ± 1%
Output Responsivity: 0.200 mV per W/m²
Linear Range: 0 - 350 mV (0 - 1,750 W/m²)
Sensitivity: Custom calibrated to exactly 0.5 W/m² per mV
Input Power: 5 volts DC
Operating Environment: - 40 to 55 °C; 0 to 100% relative humidity. Designed for continuous outdoor use.
Materials: Anodized aluminum with acrylic lens
Dimensions: 2.4 cm diameter, 2.75 cm high
Includes leveling plate, mounting bracket, and 50-foot cable.
Catalog No. 82605: This thermopile sensor meets ISO 9060 second class requirements. It measures solar radiation received by a plane surface, in W/m², from a 180° field of view angle. SR05 is ideal for general solar radiation measurements in meteorological networks and PV monitoring. The pyranometer is easy to mount and install, in particular with its ball levelling mechanism. The sensor outputs 0 to 1 VDC signal and can be interfaced directly to the Weather MicroServer’s analog channels.
ISO classification: ISO 9060 Second Class
Spectral range: 280 to 3000 nm
Calibration Uncertainty: < 1.8% (k=2)
Operating Temperature Range: -40 to +80°C
Output: 0 to 1VDC
Includes a tube mounting bracket and 50-foot cable. Additional mounting brackets are available.
Catalog No. 82603-6A: This thermopile sensor meets ISO 9060:1990 First Class requirements and features a sixty-four thermocouple junction (series connected) sensing element. The sensing element is coated with a highly stable carbon based non-organic coating, which delivers excellent spectral absorption and long term stability characteristics. It has improved performance due to the increased thermal mass and the double glass dome construction. The integral bubble level is raised to the top of the housing and can be viewed without removing the redesigned snap-on sun shield, which also covers the connector. The connector with gold-plated contacts allows for easy exchange and re-calibration.
The screw-in drying cartridge is easy to remove and the replacement desiccant is supplied in convenient refill packets.
The sensor outputs 0 to 1 VDC signal and can be interfaced directly to the MicroServer’s analog channels.
ISO classification: ISO 9060:1990 First Class
Spectral range (20% point): 280 to 3000 nm
Spectral range (50% point): 285 to 2800 nm
Response time (63%): <1.5 s
Response time (95%): <12 s
Zero offset A: <10 W/m²
Zero offset B: <4 W/m²
Directional response (up to 80° with 1000 W/m² beam): <15 W/m²
Temperature dependence of sensitivity (-40°C to +70°C): <3%
Output: 0 to 1VDC
Includes 50-foot cable. Optional mounting brackets available.
Catalog No. 82603-10A: This thermopile sensor meets ISO 9060:1990 Secondary Standard requirements (highest possible ISO pyranometer performance category). The SMP10 extends this quality to applications where maintenance is difficult and/or forms a major part of the cost of ownership. The Internal drying cartridge is rated to 10 years if the housing is not opened.
The SMP10 uses a temperature compensated detector and has better linearity and long-term stability, lower thermal offset and faster response than a first class pyranometer.
The faster response time meets the requirements for solar energy monitoring.
ISO classification: ISO 9060 Secondary Standard
Spectral range (50% point): 285 to 2800 nm
Response time (63%): <0.7 s
Response time (95%): <2 s
Zero offset A: <7 W/m²
Zero offset B: <2 W/m²
Directional response (up to 80° with 1000 W/m² beam): <10 W/m²
Temperature dependence of sensitivity (-40°C to +70°C): <1%
Output: 0 to 1VDC
Includes 50-foot cable. Optional mounting brackets available.
Connected directly to the MicroServer.
Range: -40 to +125° C (-40 to + 257° F)
Accuracy: ± 1° C typical at 25° C
Linearity: 0.5°C
Long-Term Stability: 0.4°C
Resolution: ± 0.1° C (0.1° F)
The Orion is a maintenance-free weather station that will provide you with years of operation. However, there are some simple steps you can take to extend the life of your sensor module.
Periodic cleaning - To ensure the accuracy of measurement results, the sensor module should be cleaned when it gets contaminated. Leaves and other such particles should be removed from the precipitation sensor and the transmitter should be cleaned carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with a mild detergent. Be careful when cleaning the wind sensors as they should not be rubbed or twisted.
Replacing the PTU module - The PTU module contains separate sensors for pressure, temperature and humidity. Sensors can drift over time and the manufacturer recommends replacing the PTU module once every two years to ensure that your unit meets its stated accuracy. This can be done in the field.
Wind Speed
Range: 0-135mph (0-60 m/s)
Accuracy: ±3% at 10 m/s
Resolution: 0.1 mph (0.1 m/s)
Units Available: knots, mph, km/hr, m/s
Temperature
Range: -60 to 140°F (-52 to +60°C)
Accuracy: ±0.5°F (±0.3°C) at 68°F (+20°C)
Resolution: 0.1°F
Units Available: °F, °C
Relative Humidity
Depends on sensor selected (see options above)
Panel Temperature
Range: -40 to +125° C (-40 to + 257° F)
Accuracy: ± 0.5° C ( ± 0.9° F)
Resolution: ± 0.1° C (0.1° F)
Wind Direction
Azimuth: 0-360°
Accuracy: ±3°
Resolution: 1°
Units Available: ° Azimuth
Barometric Pressure
Range: 17.50 to 32.50 InHg (600 to 1100 hPa)
Accuracy: ±0.015 InHg (0.5 hPa) at +32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C)
±0.03 InHg (1 hPa) at -60 to 140°F (-52 to 60°C)
Resolution: 0.01 InHg (0.1 hPa)
Units Available: Kpa, mbar, InHg
Precipitation
Range: cumulative
Collection Area: 60 cm2
Accuracy: ±5% (spatial variations may exist)
Resolution 0.001 in. (0.0254mm )
Units Available: mm, inches
Optional sensors of Photosynthetically Active Radiation, Visibility, and up to two additional Temperatures can be connected via the Weather MicroServer.
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