Characterization of Thermal Effects in Pyranometers: A Data Correction Algorithm for Improved Measurement of Surface Insolation
Open Access
- 1 February 2000
- journal article
- Published by American Meteorological Society in Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
- Vol. 17 (2) , 165-175
- https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0426(2000)017<0165:coteip>2.0.co;2
Abstract
Pyranometers are reliable, economical radiometers commonly used to measure solar irradiances at the surface in a long-term, monitoring mode. This paper presents a discussion of the response of these instruments to varying environmental conditions, including the magnitude and variability of the irradiance being measured. It is found that different conditions, commonly occurring in field experiments, affect the thermal balance and temperature gradients within the instrument in a variety of ways. Such an effect results in variable offset systematic errors whose origin and magnitude are investigated in laboratory and field experiments. It is shown that these offset errors are proportional to the difference between the fourth power of the dome and detector temperatures, following closely the Stefan–Boltzmann radiation law. Results of field experiments are presented for daytime and nighttime operation over a variety of atmospheric conditions ranging from clear to heavy overcast and rain. All measuremen... Abstract Pyranometers are reliable, economical radiometers commonly used to measure solar irradiances at the surface in a long-term, monitoring mode. This paper presents a discussion of the response of these instruments to varying environmental conditions, including the magnitude and variability of the irradiance being measured. It is found that different conditions, commonly occurring in field experiments, affect the thermal balance and temperature gradients within the instrument in a variety of ways. Such an effect results in variable offset systematic errors whose origin and magnitude are investigated in laboratory and field experiments. It is shown that these offset errors are proportional to the difference between the fourth power of the dome and detector temperatures, following closely the Stefan–Boltzmann radiation law. Results of field experiments are presented for daytime and nighttime operation over a variety of atmospheric conditions ranging from clear to heavy overcast and rain. All measuremen...Keywords
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