Free 186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook:  
Get 2,000+ tool plans, full site access, and more.

User Tag List

Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Installation of a variable-angle spectrometer system for monitoring solar radiation

  1. #1
    Supporting Member MOST's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    59
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 74 Times in 28 Posts

    MOST's Tools

    Installation of a variable-angle spectrometer system for monitoring solar radiation

    We report on the design and installation of a spectrometer system for monitoring solar radiation in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Both the light intensity and the spectral distribution affect the power produced by a photovoltaic device. Local variations in the solar spectrum (especially compared to the AM1.5 standard) may have important implications for device optimization and energy yield estimation. The spectrometer system, based on an Ocean Optics USB4000 (300-900nm) spectrometer, was designed to increase functionality. Typically systems only record the global horizontal radiation. Our system moves a fiber-optic cable 0-90 degrees and takes measurements in 9 degree increments. Additionally, a shadow band allows measurement of the diffuse component of the radiation at each position. The electronic controls utilize an Arduino UNO microcontroller to synchronizes the movement of two PAP bipolar (stepper) motors with the activation of the spectrometer via an external trigger. The spectrometer was factory calibrated for wavelength and calibrated for absolute irradiance using a Sellarnet SL1-Cal light source. We present preliminary results from data taken March-June, 2013, and comment on implications for PV devices in Cochabamba.


    Installation of a variable-angle spectrometer system for monitoring solar radiation-225px-va-spec.jpg Installation of a variable-angle spectrometer system for monitoring solar radiation-275px-va-spectrometer.jpg

    For more information, go to:
    Installation of a variable-angle spectrometer system for monitoring diffuse and global solar radiation - Appropedia: The sustainability wiki

    Download the paper here:
    https://www.academia.edu/26042563/De...s_preliminares

    186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook

  2. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to MOST For This Useful Post:

    Jon (Aug 6, 2017), Paul Jones (Aug 4, 2017)

  3. #2
    Content Editor
    Supporting Member
    DIYer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    3,056
    Thanks
    772
    Thanked 1,850 Times in 1,652 Posts


    Thanks MOST! We've added your Solar Radiation Monitor to our Measuring and Marking category,
    as well as to your builder page: MOST's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:




    2000 Tool Plans

  4. #3
    Supporting Member Paul Jones's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Del Mar, California
    Posts
    1,231
    Thanks
    5,810
    Thanked 1,440 Times in 655 Posts

    Paul Jones's Tools
    MOST,

    Interesting design for the spectrometer monitor. I learned something new today about air mass coefficient and "AM1.5" being almost universal when characterizing power-generating panels. I planned to learn more about this.

    Last year I installed a 100 kWh/day PV solar system on an area of our lower property with perfect southern exposure and on a 40 degree natural slope. Based on what I have observed so far the ambient air temperature seems to have a major impact on the efficiency of the PV generation in addition to the quality and duration of the sunlight. The month of May had shorter daylight hours than during days in mid-June to mid-July (the longest daylight hours) but the month of May had significantly greater electric generation due to lower air temperatures in the 70's degrees F and clearer mornings (no significant marine layer) vs. the high 80's and 90's degrees F.

    Thank you for the posting,
    Paul Jones
    Last edited by Paul Jones; Aug 6, 2017 at 12:37 PM.

  5. #4
    Supporting Member imohtep56's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    112
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 55 Times in 30 Posts
    $2000 sensor attached to a $20 micro...
    Sounds about right.



    186 More Best Homemade Tools eBook

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •