Pyrheliometer

Pyrheliometer: what is it and how does it work?

A pyrheliometer is an instrument that is used to measure solar radiation. The name of the device comes from the Greek words “pyr” (fire, heat), “helios” (sun) and “metreo” (to determine, measure). Pyrheliometers are used in meteorology, solar energy, and also in scientific research related to the study of solar activity.

The operating principle of a pyrheliometer is based on measuring the energy emitted by the sun. The device consists of a mirror surface, which is directed towards the sun, and a thermocouple, which measures the temperature of the mirror. When the sun's rays hit the mirror, they are reflected into a thermocouple, where they are converted into thermal energy. This energy is then measured by a thermocouple and converted into a signal that can be used to calculate solar radiation.

Pyrheliometers come in different types, but they are all based on this operating principle. There are both analog and digital pyrheliometers. Digital pyrheliometers are usually more accurate and easier to use, but they can also be more expensive.

Measuring solar radiation is important for meteorologists, solar engineers and other scientific researchers. It allows you to determine the solar potential in a particular region, assess the possibilities of using solar energy, and study the impact of solar activity on the climate and the environment.

Thus, the pyrheliometer is an important tool for measuring solar radiation. It allows you to obtain accurate data on solar activity, which can be used in various fields of science and technology.

A pyrheliograph is a device used to measure the amount of solar radiation.

Pyrheliographers do continuous reviews. There are two of them for each radiation reception. One survey measures the number of rays falling from the sky, the other measures the azimuths of the instrument's location. The first type of review consists of three parts: two bismuth and a stamp made of a special barium alloy. The bismuth parts of the reviews, located horizontally in the device body, are exposed to daylight. Their inner side is covered with a layer of silver. Due to this, interference should occur between the rays arriving at the barium alloy mirrors and the reflected rays. This phenomenon causes a darkening of the light and a decrease in the specularity of bismuth masses. The same dark image on the inside of the view is used as material for recording the duration of observation. In order for the time images on the two views to be the same, they are placed relative to each other. Before the start of observations, a sundial with simultaneous marks on the entire period of observation is placed under the first-class review. The ends of the first direct ray passing from the instrument to the solar time instruments are equal to a known constant value, calculated by the so-called hail (see Graduation). Through this, each time has a single mark on the bismuth