Kipp & Zonen Data Sheet Sun Trackers - Kipp & Zonen - #2

A pyrheliometer has a view slightly larger than the sun and its aureole and does not see the rest of the sky. To make measurements it must point precisely at the sun and this is achieved using an automatic two-axis sun tracker. A shading assembly blocks the direct solar radiation from reaching a pyranometer mounted on the tracker so that the 'diffuse' solar radiation from the sky can be measured.

The sun tracker provides a stable mounting for the pyrhelio­meter and moves horizontally (azimuth) and vertically (zenith) to follow the solar arc. Stepping motors controlled by a micro-processor drive through belts or gears to provide movement with the desired torque and accuracy. An on-board programme requires accurate longitude, latitude, altitude, date, and time information for the measurement site. It then calculates the current position of the sun and points the pyrheliometer and / or shading assembly towards it.

Programme, and is linked to other international climate projects such as WMO-GAW, ARM, GEWEX and GCOS.

Kipp & Zonen sun trackers and radiometers are widely used in all of the above programmes and we can supply complete BSRN compatible solar monitoring systems.

2AP has been in production for many years and is used around the world as the basis of top quality solar monitoring stations for research and in networks, such as BSRN. The high power and rugged design enables operation in extreme conditions, from deserts to Antarctica.

However, not every customer needs these capabilities and for some users 2AP is over-specified. Our new SOLYS 2 provides BSRN level performance but is easier to install and operate than any other tracker on the market. It is very efficient and ideal for operation using solar energy sources.

Sun trackers are widely used in meteorological networks of solar monitoring stations that measure direct, diffuse and global radiation, for inputs to weather forecasting models. Other applications include atmospheric chemistry research, pollution forecasting and materials testing.

With increasing interest in renewable energy good quality solar radiation data is becoming increasingly important, particularly the direct component, with regard to electricity production (photo-voltaic systems) and thermal energy (solar collectors). Activities include research and develop­ment, production quality control, determination of optimal locations, monitoring installed systems and predicting the output under various sky conditions.

Typical Solar Monitoring System

Solar, atmospheric and terrestrial radiation drive almost every dynamic process on the Earth's surface and above, from ocean current circulation to weather, climate and life itself. Small changes can have large and long-lasting effects that are difficult to predict. Accurate data regarding the radiation at the Earth's surface is fundamental to under­standing its climate system, global warming and global dimming. BSRN comprises a global network of solar monitoring stations using the best equipment and practices currently available, is a key part of the World Climate Research