Pyranometer - definition
Pyranometer - definition
The Pyranometer is a precision measuring instrument used to record the total solar radiation reaching the horizontal surface from the sky hemisphere. It includes both direct radiation and radiation scattered in the atmosphere. Pyranometers are used in meteorology, solar energy, precision agriculture and climate research, where precise measurement of irradiance is crucial for assessing the energy balance and efficiency of photovoltaic systems.
The pyranometer's operating principle is based on the thermoelectric effect - solar radiation incident on the sensor's black-coated surface causes it to heat up, and the temperature difference between the absorbing surface and the reference body generates a voltage proportional to the intensity of the radiation. This signal can be recorded and processed by the measurement system, allowing a value to be obtained, usually expressed in watts per square metre (W/m²).
To ensure accuracy and repeatability of measurements, pyranometers are equipped with domes made of materials that transmit radiation over a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to near infrared . The dome protects the sensor from the effects of wind, rain and dirt, while minimising errors due to reflections and thermal losses. Professional applications also use calibration systems, self-cleaning mechanisms and dome heating, allowing long-term reliable operation in variable environmental conditions.
The accuracy of pyranometric measurements is crucial in the prediction of energy production from solar installations, in climatic analysis and in the validation of numerical models describing energy flow in atmospheric systems. Depending on the class of instrument (e.g. class ISO), pyranometers can be used for both reference measurements and operational tasks in the field.
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