Description

The CMP6 uses the same sensing element as the CMP3 but has improved performance: The glass used has better transmission of ultraviolet radiation than the CMP3 glass, extending the spectral range down to 285nm; The two high quality concentric domes, 2 mm thick, reduce directional error and improve thermal isolation; The radiometric leveling is more accurate with the integral bubble level raised to the top of the housing and viewable without removing the sun shield. Also the CMP6 has a screw-in drying cartridge that allows the desiccant to be replaced. The sensing element is coated with a highly stable carbon based non organic coating, which delivers excellent spectral absorption and long term stability characteristics.

The CMP 6 Pyranometer is a spectrally flat class B pyranometer that is fully compliant with ISO 9060:2018 Spectrally Flat Class B specification. It is intended for shortwave global solar radiation measurements in the spectral range from 285 to 2800nm. Units are supplied with a comprehensive, traceable calibration certificate and a 5 year warranty from Kipp & Zonen.

Diagram

Specification

Mounting Options

The CMP 6 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 CMP 6 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 CMP 6 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.

Associated Research Paper

UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Development of Low Cost Pyranometer IoT Base Solar Irradiance Measurement Station

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa – The Solar Powered Refrigerator and Heat Pump for Urban Street Vendors