Search results for "Thermopile"

100-millisecond Resolution for Accurate Overirradiance Measurements

2013

Cloud enhancement of sunlight results in peak irradiance well exceeding extraterrestrial levels, even at high latitudes. Values above 1.8 kW/m2 are possible in the equatorial regions. Recently, we detected bursts over 1.5 kW/m2 in Northern Europe at latitude close to 60°N. Overirradiance events (intensities much higher than 1 sun) can last tens of minutes, as well as less than 1 s. They may have caused series arcing in photovoltaic modules, leading to fires and loss of property. The accurate measurement of short bursts requires sensors with response times on the order of milliseconds. The long response times of thermopile pyranometers smooth out important details of very short-lived peaks a…