PYRAsense12, Spectrally Flat Class B Pyranometer with Shadow Ring
A pyranometer with a shadow ring is used to measure diffuse solar radiation, that is, the portion of global solar radiation that does not come directly from the sun but has entered the atmosphere through scattering by molecules, aerosols, or clouds.
A pyranometer typically measures global radiation, i.e.:
- Direct solar radiation (coming directly from the sun)
- Diffuse radiation (coming from all directions through scattering)
A shadow ring is placed over the pyranometer in that way to block direct solar radiation. This allows the device to measure only diffuse radiation.
"Spectrally flat" means that the sensor measures evenly across a broad spectrum of solar radiation wavelengths. The sunlight that reaches Earth covers approximately the range from 300nm (UV) to 3000nm (infrared). A spectrally flat pyranometer responds linearly across this entire range, regardless of the colour or wavelength of the radiation. This is especially important for precise measurements according to ISO and WMO standards, since inexpensive silicon sensors only measure in the visible and near-IR and thus produce inaccurate results.
Pyranometers are classified according to ISO 9060:2018:
Class A (Secondary Standard) – highest accuracy
Class B (First Class) – medium accuracy
Class C (Second Class) – simple accuracy for general measurements
The LPS12… series is built around the PYRAsense02, our Class B Spectrally Flat pyranometer.
This family of pyranometers is standard equipped with an adjustable shadow ring that prevents the direct solar radiation to reach the sensor the whole day long, so that only the diffuse solar radiation will be measured.
Digital models are equipped with integrated internal diagnostic sensors to keep operating conditions always under control. Moreover, a built-in days-of-operation counter allows to optimize the maintenance schedule effortlessly, ensuring peak performance.
Using the PC application software DATAsense, in digital models it is possible to configure the sensor monitor the measurements in real time and save the values detected during the connection in a file. The software can be downloaded for free.
Besides digital models, also passive and analog versions are available.
Integrated diagnostic for digital models
Internal temperature, relative humidity, and pressure sensors. You can keep an eye on the operating condition of your pyranometer and predict any maintenance work in advance, thus always ensuring reliable measurements.
Built-in days-of-operation counter to optimize your maintenance schedule effortlessly, ensuring peak performance.
Effortless installation
Integrated bubble level the adjustable feet to ease horizontal positioning during installation. Moreover, the pyranometer can be equipped with an optional tilt sensor which allows continuous monitoring of the correct installation.
Configuration and real time data monitoring via software.
Accurate & reliable
Supplied factory calibrated with individual calibration report. Optional ISO 17025 calibration certificate available upon request.
According to ISO standard
Spectrally Flat Class B according to ISO 9060. WMO recommendations & IEC 61724-1 requirements fully compliant.
Output according to your needs
Available in different versions (please select when ordering):
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PYRAsense12M00: Modbus output without tilt sensor
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PYRAsense12M0T: Modbus output with tilt sensor
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PYRAsense12MA0: Modbus + configurable analog output without tilt sensor
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PYRAsense12MAT: Modbus + configurable analog output with tilt sensor
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PYRAsense120C0: 2-wire (current loop) 4...20mA output
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PYRAsense120P0: mV output
Measuring only diffuse solar radiation provides valuable information about the atmospheric conditions and overall energy distribution in a particular location.
Main applications:
- Gathering information about cloud cover and atmospheric transparency - crucial for weather forecasting, climate modeling, and understanding regional climate patterns.
- Understanding the proportion of diffuse radiation relative to total solar radiation for assessing the solar energy potential of a region - essential for planning and optimizing the performance of solar energy systems, such as solar panels and solar thermal collectors.
- Understanding the complex interactions between solar radiation, atmospheric dynamics, and climate processes - necessary for improving climate models, predicting climate change impacts, and assessing regional climate variability.
Technical data:
Sensor: Thermopile
Typical sensitivity:6…15μV/Wm-2
Measuring range: -200…4000 W/m2
The irradiance range for the analog output is 0…2000 W/m2 by default,
and is configurable in LPS02Mxx
Resolution: 0.1 W/m2
Viewing angle: 2π sr
Spectral range (50%): 283…2800nm
Output depending on the model:
• RS485 Modbus-RTU
• RS485 Modbus-RTU + configurable analog 4…20mA (default),
0…20 mA, 0…1V, 0…5V or 0…10V
• 2-wire (current loop) 4…20mA
• passive in mV
Power supply: 7…30VDC for RS485 output
10…30VDC for analog output
15…30VDC for output 0…10V
Consumption (digital models):
Models with Modbus output:
15 mA @ 24VDC
21 mA @ 12VDC
Models with Modbus + analog output:
37 mA @ 24VDC & Iout = 22mA
43 mA @ 12VDC & Iout = 22mA
Connection: 5-pole M12
8-pole M12 (only for LPS02MAx)
Dimensions:
Max. ring diameter: 596mm
Ring width: 53mm
Ring stand: max. 641mm
Weight 6.8kg approx.
Operating conditions: -40…+80°C; 0…100%RH
Max. altitude: 6000m
Bubble level accuracy: <0.2°
Protection degree: IP67
Materials: Housing: Anodized aluminium
Screen: ASA
Dome: Optical glass
Ring and stand: Aluminium alloy and stainless steel
MTBF >10 years
Pyranometers are supplied with a female M12 free connector.
Cable, fixing accessories/adapters have to be ordered separately.
Optional accessories:
CPM12-5… Cable with 5-pole M12 connector on one end, open wires on the other end.
Length 5m (CPM12-5.5) or 10m (CPM12-5.10). For LPS1xM0x, LPS1x0C0 and LPS1x0P0.
CPM12-8… Cable with 8-pole M12 connector on one end, open wires on the other end.
Length 5m (CPM12-8.5) or 10m (CPM12-8.10). For LPS1xMAx.
CP24B-5 PC connecting cable for the configuration of the pyranometer.
With built-in RS485/USB converter.
5-pole M12 connector on sensor side and A-type USB connector on PC side.
For LPS1xM0x.
CP24B-8 PC connecting cable for the configuration of the pyranometer.
With built-in RS485/USB converter.
8-pole M12 connector on sensor side and A-type USB connector on PC side.
For LPS1xMAx.
