Construction of a reliable model pyranometer for irradiance measurements

Abstract

There is a problem of availability of sufficient and functional instruments for measuring solar radiation in Nigeria due to the high importation costs and maintenance. In order to alleviate this problem, the design, construction and testing of a reliable model pyranometer (RMP001) was done in Mubi, Adamawa State of Nigeria. Detailed instructions were provided for assembly and calibration. Bearing cost, photodiode active-surface and signal-to-noise ratio in mind, the most suitable photodiode for this application was BPW21. The pyranometer was constructed around the photodiode held with a protective plastic case. The CMP3 pyranometer was used as a standard for calibration and comparison. A calibration constant of 5230 ± ± ± ± 0.02 Wm -2 was obtained. The stability of the RMP001 compared favourably with the CMP3 during a day open -sky test giving irradiances of 20.76 and 21.7 Wm -2 for RMP001 and CMP3, respectively, at 5:25 p.m. RMP001 will be used for the collection of authentic irradiance data for comparative evaluation with the theoretical predicted results given by researchers.

Design, Construction and Calibration of a Solar Radiation Measuring Meter

“…The obtained expression correlating solar radiation intensity with the measured voltage values is similar in form with an earlier measurement made in Umudike by Chiemeka [2] for the estimation of global solar radiation; which was done using Hargreaves equation. Also results obtained from calibration is similar to that obtained by Medugu, et al [1] and has a conversion formula of , SRI = 877.19(Voltage -1.71)…”

“…This work was targeted at designing, constructing and calibrating a digital solar radiation meter for measuring solar radiation intensity. Results obtained are similar to those obtained by Medugu, et al [1] and Chiemeka [2]. The device can be used to collect reliable irradiance data which are both comparable and compatible with that obtained by a standard solarimeter.…”

Development of a Real-Time Surface Solar Radiation Measurement System Based on the Internet of Things (IoT)

“…The diffuser (A) is located at the top of the prototype, acting as a directional optical window made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The selection of the material was based on the optical properties of constant transmittance for the entire range of spectral sensitivity of the photodiode and resistance to UV radiation, providing a response to the displacement of light with losses of less than 5% and a dimensional stability for the chosen geometry [5,[21][22][23]. The diffuser has beveled edges at 45 • and a diameter that allows the photodiode a semi-angle of sensitivity (α) greater than 65 • , offsetting the displacement of the light rays at low altitudes [5,22].…”

Design, implementation, and testing of a system for calibrating solar energy measuring devices

“…When designing a renewable energy system, solar irradiance is a key quantity that needs to be quantified [1,2]. The thermopile pyranometer is one of the most widely used monitoring instruments because it is reliable, accurate, affordable, and able to operate for extended periods of time without human supervision [3,4]. Pyranometers and pyrheliometers are the two types of radiometers used to measure solar irradiation.…”