Design, Construction and Calibration of a Solar Radiation Measuring Meter

Abstract

A digital solar radiation measuring instrument has been designed, constructed and calibrated. It incorporates a small rectangular silicon photocell as the sensor. On exposure to solar radiation, electromotive force which is proportional to radiation intensity is developed within the circuit. The device correlates voltage developed with available solar intensity. A standard solarimeter was therefore used to calibrate the device to translate the unit of its reading from Volt to Watt per square meter. Intensity spread obtained with respect to time of day agrees with various studies conducted previously on tropical environments. Results obtained generally conform with those obtained by Medugu, et al. [1] and Chiemeka [2]). With a calibration conversion factor of 877.19(V -1.71) Wm -2 , the device can be used to collect reliable irradiace data which are both comparable and compatible with that of a standard solarimeter.

Characterization and Calibration of a Photodiode Based Pyranometer for Solar Energy Applications

“…In 2014, a remarkable investigation was undertaken by Daniel Asiegbu and Echeweozo Odinakachi, whose study cantered on the creation, fabrication, and alignment of a solar irradiance gauge. The study demonstrated the accuracy of their design in measuring solar radiation levels, making it a valuable tool for solar energy systems and related applications [21]. Frank Vignola also examined the evaluation of the diffuse response of pyranometers based on solar cells.…”