Description

The housing design of the CMP10X provides a large capacity internal drying cartridge that can last for up to 10 years. The only maintenance that is required is to periodically clean the dome of the pyranometer, which can be maximised by fitting the CVF4 ventilation unit to your CMP10X. The CMP10X also features a passive temperature compensation circuit with a standardised linear function.

The Legacy CMP10 has been replaced by the CMP10X and was done to achieve the ISO 9060:2018 classification as a Spectrally Flat Class A pyranometers The CMP10 had a 32-junction thermopile sensing element, which features faster response, better linearity and a wider measurement range than the CMP3 and CMP6 and maximum operational irradiance level of 4,000W/m². The new CMP10X has an improved thermopile sensing element that now integrates a 10k Thermistor temperature sensor that is available as an output and each unit is supplied with the temperature response on the calibration certificate.

Technical Comparison

The integral bubble level is raised to the top of the housing and can be viewed without removing the redesigned snap-on sun shield, which also covers the connector. The connector is a water proof socket fitted with the signature yellow signal cable and has gold-plated contacts allows for easy exchange and re-calibration. The signal cable is available in 10, 25 and 50m lengths.

Diagram

Specification

The CMP10X is supplied with a manufacturers 5 year warranty for standard atmospheric applications and includes desiccant. A two year re-calibration is required to maintain the IEC61724 Class A compliance. At 5 years it is advised to return for a re-calibration at the factory, which will include replacement of the internal desiccant. Failing this, please return the CMP10X after 10 years to have the internal desiccant replaced.

Mounting Options

The CMP10 pyranometer is provided with two holes for 5mm screws. Two each of stainless steel screws, washers and nuts are provided in the fixing kit, and two nylon insulation rings. The pyranometer should first be secured lightly with the screws to a solid and stable mounting stand or platform. The nylon insulators are important to prevent corrosion between the stainless steel screws and the aluminium pyranometer housing.

CMF 1 and CMF 4 mounting fixtures for unventilated or ventilated (respectively) CMP series pyranometers and can also be used with the CMB 1 mounting bracket for pole or wall mounting.

An Adjustable Tilt CMP Mounting Kit is available to allow the CMP10 to be mounted at any angle from 0° to 90° to provide an accurate reading for the position and angle of fixed photovoltaic panels. The position and angle of solar panels make a big difference to the performance and return on investment of a solar energy power plant. A horizontally mounted pyranometer measures the global short-wave radiation from the sun and sky in a way that is easily comparable with other sites and with solar energy database information. However, for fixed angle (non-tracking) PV panels it is important to know the energy available within the ‘view’ of the panel. The kit can be fixed to a horizontal surface and has a clear scale in degrees, and a secure locking device, for easy adjustment of the angle of a pyranometer from horizontal to vertical. It can also be fitted to the CMF 4 mounting fixture for simple attachment to walls and poles using the CMB 1 mounting bracket.

The CMP10 pyranometer features a snap-on white sun shield, integrated leveling and a weatherproof connector which can be supplied pre-wired with 10m, 25m, 50m or 100m of signal cable for simple installation.

To improve the measurement accuracy of the CMP Series pyranometers the CVF4 ventilation unit can be used. It can be used outdoors under all weather conditions and includes a built in heater to keep the air just above ambient temperature which helps disperse precipitation and melt frost, or even melt snow and ice in cold climates. The CVF4 has a tacho output that can be used to check the proper operation of the CVF4. The output signal is 5V and nominal output should be at 146Hz. Higher frequency would suggest the filter needs replaced, whilst lower frequency could highlight an issue with the ventilator.

Electrical Connection

The new CMP10x requires a 4-pin connector and 4-wires shielded cable, not the 2-wire used on the legacy CMP10 pyranometer. This allows for the thermistor output to be available and if replacing an existing CMP10, a new cable will be required.