The Solar
Radiation Sensor, or solar pyranometer, measures
global
radiation, the sum at the point of measurement
of both the direct and diffuse components of
solar irradiance. The sensor’s transducer, which
converts incident radiation to electrical
current, is a silicon photodiode with wide
spectral response. From the sensor’s output
voltage, the console calculates and displays
solar irradiance. It also integrates the
irradiance values and displays total incident
energy over a set period of time.
The outer shell
shields the sensor body from thermal radiation
and provides an airflow path for convection
cooling of the body, minimizing heating within
the sensor interior. It includes a cutoff ring
for cosine response, a level indicator, and fins
to aid in aligning the sensor with the sun’s
rays. The space between the shield and the body
also provides a runoff path for water, greatly
reducing the possibility of rain or irrigation
water entrapment. The diffuser is welded to the
body for a weather-tight seal; it provides an
excellent cosine response. The transducer is an
hermetically-sealed
silicon photodiode; the included amplifier
converts the transducer current into 0 to +2.5
VDC. Spring-loaded mounting screws, in
conjunction with the level indicator, enable
rapid and accurate leveling of the sensor. Each
sensor is calibrated against a secondary
standard which is calibrated periodically
against an Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer
in natural daylight.
Includes 2'
(0.6 m) cable, does not include Integrated
Sensor Suite mounting shelf (sold separately as
Davis Model Number 6673).
Note: This
Item must be used in conjunction with Davis
Vantage Pro2 Integrated Sensor Suite ("ISS")
model numbers 6152C, 6152, 6153, 6322, 6323,
6322C.