Geneq > Meteorology > Pyranometers

Pyranometers
Model CMP11


FOR THE ACCURATE MEASUREMENT OF SOLAR IRRADIANCE
Solar radiation drives almost every dynamic process on the Earth’s surface and above, from ocean current circulation to the weather, and life itself. Precise long-term measurements of the radiation budget at the surface are fundamental to understanding the Earth’s climate system. Rising fossil fuel costs and the need to reduce Carbon footprints has produced a rapid growth in the market for ‘green’ energy, in which the fastest growing sector is solar power.

Scientists, researchers and commercial companies in renewable energy, climatology, weather, agriculture, water resources and environment all require accurate and reliable measurements of solar radiation. The measurement is made by pyranometers, which are radiometers designed for measuring the total (global) irradiance on a plane surface resulting from radiant fluxes in the wavelength range from 300 to 3000 nanometers (nm).

Kipp & Zonen has been manufacturing pyranometers for over 75 years. We produce models at all price and performance points, up to the very best available. All comply with the requirements of ISO 9060 and are fully traceable to the World Radiometric Reference (WRR) in Davos, Switzerland, where Kipp & Zonen instruments form part of the World Standard Group.

Our top level pyranometers have exceptional levelling accuracy, built-in temperature sensors and a test certificate with individually measured directional and temperature responses. These important features ensure the highest accuracy measurements. Kipp & Zonen pyranometers are designed for a long operating life with simple maintenance and a wide range of accessories is available.

Features
  • Measures natural sunlight, most types of artificial light, and reflected solar radiation (when inverted)
  • Measurement waveband: 310 to 2800 nm
  • Thermopile pyranometer
  • Provides a flat spectral response for the full solar spectrum range allowing use under plant canopies or lamps, cloudy conditions, or for reflected radiation measurements
  • Integrates leveling capability
  • Includes sun shield
  • Manufactured by Kipp & Zonen

CMP11
CMP 11 uses higher quality glass domes and a different detector design with temperature compensation. It is a step up in performance from CMP 6 and particularly suitable for upgrading meteorological networks. The faster response time meets the requirements for solar energy research and development applications. CMP 11 is also ideal for use in sun tracker based solar monitoring stations.

Applications
Kipp & Zonen pyranometers have been developed to be suitable for use in all environments, from the Antarctic to deserts. They are installed around the world for meteorology, hydrology, climate research, solar energy, environmental and materials testing, greenhouse control, building automation and many other applications.

Building a system
The system capabilities of Kipp & Zonen pyranometers can be extended with our wide range of compatible products and accessories. Please refer to our website www.kippzonen.com for more information on the following products.

Albedometer
 To calculate Albedo the incoming global radiation is measured by a pyranometer facing upward and the radiation reflected by the ground is measured by a pyranometer facing downward. CMA 6 and CMA 11 are integrated Albedometer versions of CMP 6 and CMP 11. Details can be found in our dedicated Albedometer brochure.

Ventilation Unit
 CVF 3 ventilation unit is designed for use with all CMP Series pyranometers (except the CMP 3). Ventilation helps to keep the dome clean and reduces infrared thermal offsets by stabilization of the dome temperature. The two levels of heating can be used to remove raindrops, dew, frost and snow.

Shadow Ring
 The combination of a pyranometer and a CM 121 shadow ring offers a simple solution for measuring diffuse radiation from the sky. The ring only requires simple adjustment every few days to ensure that the shadow covers the pyranometer dome completely as the sun moves across the sky.

Sun Tracker
 SOLYS 2 and 2AP sun trackers are all-weather reliable instruments used to accurately point a pyrheliometer at the sun for direct radiation measurements. When fitted with an optional shading assembly and a pyranometer they measure diffuse radiation with no need for periodic manual adjustments. Adding a second pyranometer for the global radiation makes a high quality solar monitoring station.

Amplification
 Pyranometers have low output signals in the mV range. AMPBOX converts this to the industrial standard 4 - 20 mA current loop signal and provides a defined output range in W/m². Amplification is advised for noisy environments, use with data acquisition equipment with high-level inputs, and for very long cables (> 100 m).

Data loggers
 Kipp & Zonen has a range of high performance data logging and display products for use with CMP series pyranometers and our other solar radiometers.

Mounting plates
 Kipp & Zonen offers two mounting fixtures suitable for all CMP series pyranometers. CMF 1 is a small round plate with integral rod for mounting upward and/or downward facing pyranometers. CMF 2 is a larger version that can also be used for mounting pyranometers fitted with the CVF 3 ventilation unit.

Glare Screen Kit
 A downward facing pyranometer should not see any radiation coming from the hemisphere above or from the first 5º below the horizon. To prevent this, a glare screen kit is available for use with all CMP series pyranometers (except the CMP 3).

Specifications