This document summarizes three common instruments used to measure solar radiation: the pyranometer, pyrheliometer, and sunshine recorder. The pyranometer measures broadband solar irradiance on a planar surface using a black surface to absorb radiation and a glass dome to prevent loss, with temperature changes detected by a thermopile sensor. Pyrheliometers specifically measure direct solar irradiance and are used with solar tracking systems. Sunshine recorders measure hours of bright sunshine in a day.

1. SOLAR RADIATIONS
MEASUREMENT
Presented by:
Danish M.Hanif Biya(13ME18)(BEME1)
For the course of: NCES

2. Solar Radiation Measurement:
 Measurement of solar radiation is the most
important aspect for study of Quantum of
Energy.
 Generally, 3 types of instruments are
used:
I. Pyranometer.
II. Pyrheliometer.
III. Sunshine recorder.

3. PYRANOMETER
 The name Pyranometer is derived from
Greek word “pyr” means “fire” and “ano”
means “above, sky”.
 It is a type of instrument to measure
broadband solar irradiance on planar
surface.

4. MAIN COMPONENTS
 Black Surface:
 Receives the beam and
diffuse radiations and
temperature rises.
 Glass Dome:
 Prevents loss of radiation
by providing cover.
 Thermopile:
 Temperature sensor.
 No. of Thermocouples
in series to increase its
sensitivity.

5. APPLICATIONS
 Pyranometers are frequently used in:
 Meteorology
 Climatology
 Solar energy study
 Building Physics.

6. PYRHELIOMETER
 A pyrheliometer is an
instrument for
measurement of direct
solar irradiance.
 It is used with a solar
tracking system to keep
the instrument aimed
at Sun.
 Pyrheliometer is often
used with same setup
of Pyranometer.

8. MAJOR COMPONENTS
 Receiver:
 Shape of Hollow tube with reflecting surface
inside.
 Absorber plate:
 Consists of Black end plate
 Placed at bottom of tube
 Thermopile:
 Sensing element of temperature

9. SUNSHINE RECORDER
 This instrument is used to measure the hours
of Bright Sunshine in a day.

10. SUNSHINE RECORDER