Description

The Ultraviolet spectrum covers wavelength ranges 100-280nm (UVC), 280-315nm (UVB) and 315-400nm (UVA). Almost all UVC, and approximately 90% of UVB from the Sun is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere. The Ozone layer absorbs the majority, whilst the amount of atmosphere the radiation has to penetrate reduces the rest. Therefore. the spectral distribution of atmospheric UV irradiance is very variable, depending upon the atmospheric conditions. During the calibration of the SUV radiometers this variability is taken into account by systematic convolution of the spectral response function with observed and modelled atmospheric UV spectra. Due to this sophisticated calibration method a leading degree of measurement accuracy is achieved.

The UV radiation that makes it through the ozone layer can cause the following problems, particularly for materials and people that spend extended periods of time outdoors:

• Weaken plastics – Many polymers used in consumer items (including plastics, nylon and polystyrene) are broken down or lose strength due to exposure to UV light.
• Fades colours – Many pigments (used for colouring food, cosmetics, fabric,plastic, paint, ink and other materials) and dyes absorb UV and change colour. Fabrics, furnishings and paintings need protection from UV (fluorescent lamps as well as sunlight) to prevent colour change or loss.
• Human biology – Short-term exposure can stimulates the production of vitamin D or melanin for a suntan but prolonged exposure can cause sunburn, skin cancer, cataract, suppression of the immune system or premature aging of the skin.

The spectral responses of the UVS Radiometers are carefully adapted to provide UVA, UVB and UVE measurements. Separate measurement of UVA and UVB can be carried out under controlled conditions in environmental test chambers using artificial UV light sources for testing materials, products, or pigment development.

A specific UVE radiometer is available to measure the Erythemally active UV irradiance that is used in the development of cosmetics, sun block and creams.

All the radiometers have an analogue voltage output which is proportional to the measured UV irradiance. In addition, the UVS models have a voltage output to monitor the internally stabilised temperature.

Specification

The UVS Series units are not suitable for the measurement of total global UV radiation. For measurement of these parameters we recommend the CUV 5 or SUV 5 Broadband UltraViolet Radiometer.

Field Data Logger Options

The Meteon 2.0 is a significantly more advanced and versatile data logger than the Meteon, particularly for users working with modern “Smart” Kipp & Zonen pyranometers. It can accept up to 5 Smart pyranometers and one analogue pyranometer, plus one Modbus temperature and a pulse input for kWh values. The Meteon 2.0 can log up to 380,000 sets of min, max and average values. This logger is ideal for those needing to monitor multiple parameters (irradiance, temperature, energy) in PV applications.

If you require a permanent solar panel efficiency monitoring system, please contact us directly to discuss your requirements. We can provide bespoke tailored systems to fit any requirements with loggers suitable for transmitting data via Mobile network, Wi-Fi, Ethernet or even a satellite connection.

Associated Research Paper

University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana – Ultraviolet Characteristics of a Silicon Inversion Layer for Applications in Radiometry