Solar Irradiation Sensor - National Semiconductor SolarMagic User Manual

National Semiconductor • SolarMagic Weather Station User Guide

3.3 Solar Irradiation Sensor

Figure 3-2. Solar
Irradiation Sensor
3.3.2 Solar Irradiation Sensor Specifications
8
NOTE: Sensor Cable Length
Most sensors are shipped with a 25ft sensor lead cable. Make sure that the sensor
cables will reach. The sensor lead wires can be extended to a maximum length of
400ft if stranded #22AWG or larger wires are used.
If both the wind direction and wind speed sensors are purchased, the
weather station comes with a T-mounting bar with a 1" OD stainless
steel coupling unit and an Allen wrench to install the set screws during
installation. Individual wind sensors or solar irradiation sensors
include 1" stainless steel elbow couplers and an Allen wrench for the
set screws. The Solar Shield (with a stainless steel elbow coupler) can
be used for protection and easy installation of the Temperature and
Humidity sensors.
NOTE:
We recommend use of guy wires to support the weather sensor mast/base.
The solar irradiation sensor or pyranometer is an instrument for
measuring solar irradiation from the hemispherical field of view
centered on the sensor. It measures the energy flux density of both
direct beam and diffuse sky irradiation passing through a horizontal
plane of known unit area.
Solar irradiation varies significantly among regions. Season and time
of day are major considerations, but surrounding terrain elevation,
man-made obstructions, and surrounding trees can also cause large
variations in locations with a small area.
Output: 4–20mA
•
Range: 0–1500 W/m2
•
Accuracy: 1% of full scale
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