The Green Pyranometer
By Jeff Green
ELT2720
4/10/2013
Definition
“A pyranometer is a sensor that measures the
total global solar irradiance in a hemispherical
field of view(Dunlop). ”
Solar Irradiance
“ Solar irradiance is the power of solar radiation
per unit area. Solar irradiance is commonly
expressed in units of watts per square
meter(W/m^2) or kilowatts per square meter
(kW/m^2)(Dunlop).”
Features
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Accurate
Portable
Efficient Battery Use
Easy to use interface
Data storage
Serial to USB computer connection
Specifications
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Store 200+ Data points
Insolation Range from 0 – 1300 W/m2
3” x 5” meter with 1” x 2” sensor module
Runs on 2-AA Batteries
System Diagram
Block Diagram
Schematic
Sensor
Components
Photodiode
Resistor
Battery
PDB-C139 Photodiode
How it is Used
1. Reverse bias
2. Shine light on it
3. Measure the voltage
4. Convert to P/W^2
Potential Issue: Light spectrum
sensitivity
Important Components
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M9S08QG8 - 1000 @ $0.77 each
Max3232 - $4.64 per unit
LMC7660 - 0.39340 per unit
LCD Screen - $7.23 per unit
PDB-C139 - $4.74 per unit
Assorted Capacitors and Resistors
Final Product
$92.99 on Amazon
$218.78 on Amazon
$219.00 on Apogee Instruments
Works Cited
"Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs &
More." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers,
Books, DVDs & More. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013.
"DigiKey Electronics - Electronic Components Distributor." DigiKey Electronics Electronic Components Distributor. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013.
Dunlop, James P. "Introduction to Voltaic Systems." Photovoltaic Systems. Orland Park,
IL: American Technical, 2012. N. pag. Print.
"SP-212: Amplified 0-2.5 Volt Pyranometer - Apogee Instruments, Inc." Apogee
Instruments, Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013.