Overview - Campbell CS240 Product Manual

5. Overview

The CS240 and CS240DM are surface mountable platinum resistive thermometers (PRT) that
measure back-of-module temperature for solar energy applications. They use a precision
PT-1000 Class A PRT to provide the highest level of accuracy. To withstand the harsh treatment
that commonly occurs with meteorological station installation, the sensing element is safely
housed inside a specially designed self-adhesive aluminium disk (FIGURE 5-1 (p. 5)).
The disk protects the PRT, particularly during installation, and promotes heat transfer from the
surface. An adhesive tab on the disk fastens the sensor to the measurement surface. If the
temperature may exceed 70 °C, extreme sealing tape is also required to secure the sensor.
The CS240DM includes a Campbell Scientific precision analogue-to-digital, smart-sensor module
for making the measurements. The module design is optimized for the Class A PRT that
minimizes self-heating and wire resistance. Measurement electronics are surge protected with
1200 V isolation and environmentally protected with a rugged overmoulding.
The CS240 and CS240DM provide PV stakeholders with highly accurate back-of-module
temperature, even at long cable lengths, in power performance modeling and simulation of solar
energy applications. Back-of-module temperature is critical for any evaluation of effective
irradiance and power conversion.
FIGURE 5-1. CS240/CS240DM temperature sensor
CS240 and CS240DM PT-1000 Class A, Back-of-Module Temperature Sensors 5