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An Azimuthally Symmetric Differential Pyranometer with Advanced Thermopike Technology--Yankee Environmental Systems, Inc., 101 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, MA  01376; 413-863-0200

Dr. William Q. Jeffries, Principal Investigator

Mrs. Cynthia A. Cote, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER83128

Amount:  $100,000

 

Accurate measurement of solar radiation is a key input to important climate research and modeling that is used to drive public policy.  However, the accuracy of all current black surface pyranometers to measure this critical quantity is limited by offset errors due to radiant exchange with the dome.  This error is impossible to eliminate by calibration or post processing and exceeds the requirements of networks collecting data for use in global climate models.  This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate an improved differential pyranometer using advanced thermopile technology.  The objective is to select the design and technology for an instrument that will virtually eliminate offset errors while not increasing other errors compared to the best available field instruments.  To correct this problem a symmetric, differential measurement approach will be applied in novel ways. Such a reduction in total error would be a fundamental improvement in broad band, hemispheric radiation measurements.  Research will start with thermal and optical analysis and modeling.  Prototypes will be built and tested to confirm analysis.  The best approach will be selected to produce an innovative pyranometer which reduces the total error to less than half that of currently available field pyranometers.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Commercial applications include installation in large-scale networks to monitor solar radiation on the surface of the earth, as well as general monitoring of insolation for Atmospheric Science and solar energy applications.  The growth of utility-scale photovoltaic power generation also promises increased need for high accuracy determination of insolation.