Kipp & Zonen has introduced a new and intelligent generation of pyranometers. Equipped with an extremely low power Smart Interface, the new Smart SMP Pyranometers offer industry standard digital and amplified analog outputs within the well-known CMP series housings.
Problem
Thermopile pyranometers suffer from inherent inaccuracy due to temperature variance. Eliminating measurement inaccuracy or correction capabilities would pride improved measurement sensitivity. Monitoring the solar radiation plays an important role in analyzing both the efficiency of the cells and evaluating optimal locations for solar farms.
Solution
The active use of a built-in temperature sensor is one of the biggest breakthroughs in the development of the SMP Smart Pyranometer. The detector signal is digitally temperature corrected and makes the SMP Smart pyranometers irradiance measurements temperature-independent over a very wide range. The integrated ‘Modbus’ enables communication with the pyranometer allowing connection to digital equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLC’s). Moreover all SMP pyranometers are programmed to have identical sensitivity and output levels, making them easily interchangeable for re-calibration or service.
Applications
Wide range of PV cell and module irradiance monitoring on commercial-scale solar power plants and larger utility-scale solar farms.
Platform
The output range is programmed so that all SMP pyranometers have identical sensitivities, allowing easy installation and exchange for recalibration. Serial communication allows access to measurement data, instrument status, operating parameters and calibration history. The Smart Interface also corrects for sources of inaccuracy inherent in thermopile pyranometers.
Availability
September 2011 onwards.
