Originally posted on EKO Instruments
It’s true that two of anything is almost always better than one. From double glazed windows, through 2-ply tissues, and ‘Buy One Get One Free’ special offers; it’s hard to argue against the logic that two scoops of ice-cream are better than one.
Pyranometers, instruments used to measure solar irradiance, are no exception. In fact, when it comes to ‘Secondary-Standard Pyranometers’, known more colloquially as Class ‘A’ (per ISO standards), the general consensus has been that they should be ‘double domed’ as standard. This is based on the idea that an additional dome reduces thermal offset and increases radiation shielding.
But ‘almost always’ doesn’t mean ‘always’ and at EKO, we developed the conviction that more of something doesn’t automatically mean ‘better’; that a single dome pyranometer could do everything a double-domed pyranometer could do, with no negative impact on performance or loss of accuracy.
With the MS-80, the only sensor to achieve the best performance rating on zero offset among Class ‘A’ pyranometers, we’ve proved it.
The innovative, and patented, single-dome design of the MS-80 includes a Quartz diffusor, and isolated thermopile detector; the core of the pyranometer that defines most of its capabilities and characteristics, features that deliver several advantages over its double-domed competitors:
- A thermopile that is 10x faster, with rapid response times from the sensor
- A detector that is isolated inside the body, achieving the lowest offset A
- Offset B is also improved with the isolated detector better able to adapt to ambient temperature changes
- With a single dome, the optics are designed to provide true cosine response and lat spectral responsivity in the range 285nm – 3000nm
- Better long-term stability. The detector is hermetically sealed, which makes it immune to humidity changes and the impact of UV
- Temperature dependency optimised for each detector
- Non-linearity effect
- Each unit contains a drying agent inside the sealed sensor body that doesn’t need to be replaced, ever!
- Lower cost & less maintenance
The MS-80 is unique, a single dome sensor based on an isolated thermopile detector and Quartz diffusor; immune to offsets, compliant to the “Fast response” and “Spectrally flat” sub-categories under ISO 9060:2018 Class A. With optional value-added functions such as a ventilator, heater and different industrial interfaces, the MS-80 keeps working in any condition; dew, frost, snow, and dust aren’t a problem.
Variants including the MS-80A; an MS-80 with a built-in 4-20mA converter, and the MS-80M, with a built-in MODBUS converter, are compatible with industrial output standards. Due to the ultra-low temperature dependency and exceptional non-linearity characteristics, these variants guarantee optimal sensor performance under any environmental condition.
MS-80 pyranometers, like all EKO products, are manufactured in a consistent way with strict quality inspection and performance evaluation. For each sensor, the directional response and temperature dependency are measured and validated through a measurement report that comes with the sensor. Our unique calibration process is compliant to international standards defined by ISO/IEC17025/9847.
Next time you have to choose between 1 scoop of ice-cream OR 2, get the ice-cream cake instead. When it comes to single OR double domed pyranometers, choose Quality over Quantity, choose the MS-80.
Find out more about the MS-80
This article was featured in EKO/Environment. Click here OR on the ‘Subscribe‘ button below to register for future EKO e-newsletters.
