GC: n
CT: A pyranometer is used to measure the total energy from the sun. When leveled in the horizontal plane, this is called the Global Shortwave Irradiance (GLOBAL) and when positioned in a plane of a PV Array, it is called the Total Irradiance in the plane of array (TPA). Inverted, a pyranometer is used to measure the Reflected or Albedo Irradiance (ALBEDO). A pyranometer can also be shaded from the direct beam of the sun to measure the Diffuse Shortwave Irradiance (DIFFUSE).
Based on the design of the distinguished PSP Pyranometer, the new SPP has faster response time, a reduced nighttime thermal offset, an improved cosine response and a better temperature dependence. A thermistor is included for measuring instrument temperature.
There are two generally accepted Classification Systems used for Pyranometers. ISO classifies pyranometers as “Secondary Standards”, “First Class” or “Second Class” while WMO uses “High Quality”, “Good Quality” and “Moderate Quality”. The SPP meets or exceeds the performance specifications of the ISO Secondary Standard (WMO High Quality Pyranometer) listed here.
S: http://www.eppleylab.com/instrumentation/standard_precision_pyranometer.htm (last access: 27 February 2015)
N: 1. International Scientific Vocabulary pyr- + ano- + -meter.
pyre (n.): 1650s, from Latin pyra and directly from Greek pyra “funeral pyre; altar for sacrifice; any place where fire is kindled,” from pyr “fire,” cognate with Old English fyr, see fire.
nano-: Introduced 1947 (at 14th conference of the Union Internationale de Chimie) as a prefix for units of one thousand-millionth part, from Greek nanos “a dwarf.” According to Watkins, this is originally “little old man,” from nannos “uncle,” masc. of nanna “aunt” (see nana). Earlier it was used as a prefix to mean “dwarf, dwarfish,” and still in a non-scientific sense of “very small.”
meter (n.): also metre, unit of length, 1797, from French mètre (18c.), from Greek metron “measure,” from PIE root me- (2) “to measure” (cognates: Greek metra “lot, portion,” Sanskrit mati “measures,” matra “measure,” Avestan, Old Persian ma-, Latin metri “to measure”). Developed by French Academy of Sciences for system of weights and measures based on a decimal system originated 1670 by French clergyman Gabriel Mouton. Originally intended to be one ten-millionth of the length of a quadrant of the meridian.
2. An instrument which measures combined direct solar radiation and diffuse sky radiation.
3. pyranometer; solarimeter (are) general names for the class of actinometers which measure the combined intensity of incoming direct solar radiation and diffuse sky radiation.
4. pyranometer (is) sometimes called solarimeter.
5. For more information about solarimeter, see complementary document.
6. Phraseology: Black and white, CM 21, Eppley Precision Spectral, Kipp & Zonen, silicon, total solar, ultraviolet pyranometer.
S: 1. MW – http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyranometer (last access: 27 February 2015); OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=pyra&searchmode=none; http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=nometer&searchmode=none (last access: 27 February 2015). 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. TERMIUMPLUS.
SYN:
S:
CR: solar energy, solar radiation.
