The use of Solar Radiation Sensor in Agriculture
- For greenhouse climate control, it is usually used together with shade screens that are automated based on the solar radiation detected by the sensor, controlling the amount of sunlight and environmental temperature.
- For irrigation, it is related to the concept of evapotranspiration from plants. In this concept, the factor that most influences is solar radiation. In this case, solar radiation is calculated cumulatively and is directly proportional to evapotranspiration. The values provided by the solar radiation sensor are used as a conditioning factor for starting irrigation.
How does the Solar Radiation Sensor make measurements?
Solar radiation from the Earth’s surface is typically defined as the total solar radiation in the wavelength range 280 to 4000 nm. It is determined as shortwave solar radiation expressed in watts per square meter. This solar radiation sensor is sensitive to a part of the solar spectrum, approximately 350 – 1100 nm. It is calibrated to estimate total shortwave radiation across the solar spectrum.
Main specifications of the Solar Radiation Sensor
- Solar radiation sensor with 4-20 mA transmitter, and 10 to 30 Vdc power
- Resistant casing
- Dome-shaped sensor head facilitates dew and rain runoff to keep the diffuser clean and minimize precision errors caused by dust accumulation
- The sensors are housed in a strong anodized aluminum body so that the device electronics perfectly isolated
- Features a bracket for easy mounting on a mast or pipe and a plate for leveling the sensor while sitting on a flat surface or mounted on a surface