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Solar Radiation Sensor SR2

ICT International's "smart" solar radiation sensors have been designed to meet specific application needs. The SR2 is a solar radiation shortwave (global) spectrum sensor with a spectral response from 400 to 950 nanometres, which is used to record sunshine hours or total incident solar energy. The PR1 Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) sensor has a similar construction to the SR2 but with a spectral response range from 400 to 700 nanometres. Designed to measure light that promotes photosynthesis in the plant cell, the PR1 can be used above or within a canopy crop growing under either natural or artificial lighting (such as in glasshouses). Through the use of a shaped Teflon diffuser, which houses the photovoltaic sensor, the sensors are able to correct for the changing angle of incidence as the sun moves across the sky. The "cosine correction" follows the theoretical spectral curve to within 2 per cent. Under clear daylight conditions, the SR2 sensor performs in close comparison to first-class thermopile type pyrranometres, at substantially less cost.

The SR2 is available with a sunshine hours option (please specify when ordering).

Sophisticated measurement

The sensing element of both SR2 and PR1 sensors is connected to an integrated 16-bit resolution microprocessor with control and alarm outputs and software switchable dual output signals. When used with an ICT Smart Logger the sensors truly become "plug and play" without the need for programming. With most other systems, changeover of a sensor requires either re-calibration of the system or resetting/programming of parameters in the data logger. The "smart" sensor eliminates this requirement as the on-board microprocessor ensures all SR2 and PR1 sensor types exhibit the same electronic specifications and therefore, identical performance. Each unit is provided with a multi-point calibration curve for maximum accuracy across the range. Sensors conform to a global algorithm in all output modes and for operation in digital, voltage or current mode, sensors are supplied with individual calibration certificates to enable software conversion to engineering units. In serial mode, the sensor reports in engineering units and the global algorithm is implemented internally.

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