Delta Sunshine SPN1 Pyranometer

Details Specifications Accessories

Details

Measures solar radiation and sunshine duration
Global (Total) and Diffuse irradiance in W.m-2
DNI (Direct-Normal Irradiance) calculation
WMO sunshine threshold: 120 W.m-2 direct beam
No moving parts, shade rings or motorised tracking
No routine adjustment or polar alignment
Works at any latitude
Precision ground glass dome

The SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer is a meteorological class solar radiation measurement instrument with a built-in heater, and is designed for long-term outdoor exposure. It is an affordable and effective alternative to shade-ring pyranometers, pyrheliometers and traditional sunshine recorders. The SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer is exceptionally easy to use; it needs no routine adjustment or polar alignment and works at any latitude.

The SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer is protected by patents EP 1012633 and US 6417500.

An internal heater keeps the pyranometer dome clear of dew, ice and snow down to -20°C (in still air conditions), ensuring reliable readings in difficult climatic conditions.

Direct and Diffuse Radiation

The SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer uses an array of seven miniature thermopile sensors and a computer-generated shading pattern to measure the direct and diffuse components of incident solar radiation. The SPN1 Pyranometer computes direct radiation by subtracting the diffuse from the global (total) radiation.

Sunshine Duration

The WMO threshold for bright sunshine is 120 W.m-2 in a plane perpendicular to the direct solar beam. The SPN1 Pyranometer uses an algorithm based on the ratio of direct to diffuse radiation, combined with their absolute values, to estimate sunshine duration to within a few percent of the WMO standard. The SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer does not need to be adjusted or repositioned to track the sun - a distinct advantage over devices with shadow rings. There are no complex electro-mechanical assemblies and no burnt paper tracks to interpret.

Outputs and Logging

The SPN1 Sunshine Pyranometer provides 2 analogue voltage outputs for global and diffuse radiation, and a digital output for sunshine duration, which can be connected to data loggers, such as the Delta-T Devices DL2e and the compact GP1. Readings can also be obtained directly from the RS232 port and viewed/logged using the SunData software supplied.

Specifications

	Delta Sunshine SPN1 Pyranometer
Overall accuracy: Global (Total) and Diffuse radiation	± 5% Daily Integrals ± 5% ± 10 W.m^-2 Hourly averages ± 8% ± 10 W.m^-2 Individual readings Accuracy figures give 95% confidence limits, i.e. 95% of individual readings will be within stated limits under normal climactic conditions.
Resolution	0.6 W.m^-2 = 0.6mV
Range	0 to >2000 W.m^-2
Analogue output sensitivity	1mV = 1 W.m^-2
Analogue output range	0-2500mV
Sunshine status threshold	120 W.m^-2 in the direct beam
Accuracy: Sunshine status	± 10% sun hours with respect to the threshold
Accuracy: Cosine Correction	± 2% of incoming radiation over 0-90° Zenith angle
Accuracy: Azimuth angle	± 5% over 360° rotation
Temp coefficient	± 0.02% per °C typical (-20 to +70°C)
Temperature range	-40 to +70°C
Recalibration / stability	Factory recalibration recommended every 2 years.
Response time	< 200ms
Spectral Response	400-2700nm
Spectral sensitivity variation	10% typical
Non-linearity	<1%
Tilt response	Negligible errors
Zero offsets	<3 W.m-2 for a change of 5°C/hr in ambient temperature <3 W.m^-2 dark reading
Latitudecapability	-90° to +90°
Environmental	IP67 sealing
Sunshine statusoutput	No sun = open circuit Sun = short circuit to ground
Power requirement	2mA (excluding heater power), 5V - 15V DC
Heater power	12V - 15V DC, up to 1.5A
Heater control	Continuously variable up to 20W output for external temperatures below 0°o
Lowest snow & ice-free temperatures (with heater in use)	-20°C at 0 m/s wind speed -10°C at 2 m/s wind speed
Mounting options:	3 x M5 tapped holes in base; 108mm pcd, 120°spacing
Size & weight	140mm dia x 100mm (h), 940g

Accessories

For Software downloads and details click here