What is a pyranometer sensor and solar radiation sensor?

What is a pyranometer sensor?

A pyranometer sensor is a device used to measure solar radiation, specifically the total hemispherical radiation received from the sun. It is commonly used in meteorology, climatology, and solar energy applications. The word "pyranometer" is derived from the Greek words "pyr" (meaning fire or heat) and "ano" (meaning above or sky), indicating its purpose of measuring solar heat from the sky.

The sensor consists of a thermopile, which is a group of thermocouples connected in series. When solar radiation hits the surface of the sensor, it generates a temperature difference across the thermopile, creating a small voltage signal. This voltage signal is proportional to the solar radiation intensity and can be measured and recorded for various purposes.

Pyranometers are typically calibrated to provide accurate measurements of global horizontal irradiance, which represents the total solar radiation received from the entire hemisphere above a horizontal plane. Some advanced pyranometers may also provide additional measurements such as diffuse radiation and direct normal irradiance. These measurements are essential for assessing solar energy potential, studying climate patterns, and monitoring environmental conditions.

What is the sensor of solar radiation?

The sensor used to measure solar radiation is called a solar radiation sensor or a pyranometer. A pyranometer is specifically designed to measure the total hemispherical radiation received from the sun.

Pyranometers typically consist of a thermopile, which is a group of thermocouples connected in series. When solar radiation hits the surface of the sensor, it generates a temperature difference across the thermopile, creating a small voltage signal. This voltage signal is proportional to the solar radiation intensity and can be measured and recorded.

Pyranometers are widely used in meteorology, climatology, and solar energy applications to monitor solar irradiance. They provide valuable data for assessing solar energy potential, studying climate patterns, and monitoring environmental conditions.

It's important to note that there are other types of sensors used to measure solar radiation as well, such as pyrheliometers (which measure direct normal irradiance) and pyrgeometers (which measure longwave radiation). These sensors are specialized for specific types of solar radiation measurements.

Pyranometer Solar Radiation Sensors data sheet

NBL-W-HPRS-Solar-Radiation-Sensor-Instruction-Manual-V3.0.pdf

NBL-W-SRS-Solar-radiation-sensor-instruction-manual-V4.0.pdf