Spectrafy - Model SolarSIM-D2 -Spectral & Atmospheric Sensor
The SolarSIM-D2 embodies a radically powerful approach to solar and atmospheric measurement.
It combines multi-spectral measurement with groundbreaking software to accurately resolve full-range direct solar spectral irradiance, DNI, atmospheric AOD, ozone and precipitable water vapor – all in one small, easy-to-deploy, affordable package.
- Measurands: Direct normal solar spectral irradiance (280 to 1200/4000nm), Direct normal solar irradiance (DNI), Aerosol optical depth, Atmospheric ozone, Precipitable water vapour
- Technology: Software-augmented multi-filter radiometer.
- Highlights: Massively multifunction. Makes state-of-the-art atmospheric monitoring routine, reliable and affordable.
- ISO9060:2018: Class A, spectrally flat for sunlight, fast-response optional.
The SolarSIM-D2 represents a ground-breaking advance in solar and atmospheric measurement. It is the world’s first, full-spectrum, solar spectral irradiance meter capable of measuring direct solar spectra and DNI, as well as atmospheric aerosols, ozone and precipitable water vapor.
The SolarSIM-D2 is ideal for use in meteorological networks where it can replace a swath of highly expensive and complex equipment. It is also used in parts of the solar industry that rely on direct sunlight such as CPV and CSP and where spectral and atmospheric measurements are important for optimal operation.
The SolarSIM-D2 was born out of years of research aimed at reducing the complexity of solar and atmospheric measurement. The result is a highly accurate, low-power, reliable sensor, that makes advanced solar and atmospheric measurements routine. The SolarSIM-D2 uses filtered photodiodes to accurately measure the direct solar spectrum in several narrow wavelength bands. TheSolarSIMD2’s powerful software then uses these measurements to accurately resolve the direct solar spectrum, and other outputs.
The SolarSIM-D2 can be deployed with any or all of its measurement capabilities activated, and additional capabilities can be added at any time via a simple software update.
- Direct normal solar irradiance (DNI) : ISO9060:2018 Class A measurements of direct normal irradiance, under all sky conditions, covering the complete 280-4000nm solar spectral range.
- Direct normal spectral irradiance : Direct normal solar spectral irradiance, under all sky conditions, over the complete solar spectral range of 280 – 4000nm, with 1nm spectral resolution.
- Aerosol optical depth : Aerosol optical depth values for each wavelength from 280-4000nm.
- Ozone : Total column atmospheric ozone and spectral transmission profile.
- Precipitable water vapor : Total column precipitable water vapor and spectral transmission profile.
- Spectral correction factors and Jsc values for PV : Automated calculation of spectral correction factors and/or Jsc values for up to nine embedded or user-defined solar panels or subcells.
- Sunshine duration : Length of time with direct normal irradiance greater than 120 W/m2.
- Meteorological parameters : Ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Broadband Irradiance (DNI)
- Spectral range : 280 – 1200/4000 nm
- Custom range selection : Yes
- Maximum Irradiance : 2000 W/m2
- Response Time (95%) : < 0. 5s
- Zero offset B : n/a
- Non-stability (change per year) : 0.2%
- Non-linearity : < 0.5%
- Spectral selectivity : na
- Calibration uncertianty : 1.1%
- Temperature response : 0.1% (on-board temp. correction)
- ISO 9060:2018 classification : Class A
- ISO 9060:2018 sub-category: “Spectrally flat” : Compliant for sunlight
- ISO 9060:2018 sub-category: “Fast response” : Optional
Spectral Irradiance
- Spectral range : 280 - 1200/4000 nm
- Spectral resolution : ± 1 nm
- Wavelength
- Accuracy : ± 0.1nm
- Spectral measurement uncertainty : < 5% per wavelength
- Exposure time : < 1ms
- Max. acquisition rate : 1 Hz
- Temperature response : < 0.1% (on-board temp. correction)
Atmospheric Parameters (AOD, O3, PWV)
- Number of measurement channels : 6 physical + 3,715 calculated
- AOD measurement accuracy : ± (0.005 ± 0.01AM)
- Precipitable water vapor uncertainty : < 1nm
- Ozone measurement uncertainty : ± 3 %
General
- Weight : 1.2 kg
- Dimensions : 132 x 132 x 108 mm
- Power supply and use : 12 VDC, < 1W
- Communication : RS-485 ASCII, Direct to PC, serial-over-ethernet, datalogger
- Operating temperature : -30 to 65 °C
- Humidity Range : 0 to 100% RH