Kipp & Zonen CSD1, Instruction Manual

Page: 9 / 41

9
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
CSD 1 is a sensor for measurement of sunshine duration. The sunshine
duration is defined as the time during which the direct solar radiation
exceeds the level of 120 W/m².
CSD 1 can also supply a derived value of the level of direct radiation.
CSD 1 was designed for use in agricultural meteorology (evaporation), for
tourist information (number of sunshine hours), for building automation
(automatic control of sunscreens), and for health resorts (climatology for
treatment and recovery).
One of the main features of CSD 1 is the built-in two-level heating, which
can remove dew, frost and even ice. In many applications this provides a
significant improvement in the reliability of the measurement.
CSD 1 employs 3 detectors, each covering part of the sky. The direct
radiation is calculated from the differences in signal levels.
Great care has been taken to design the angular characteristics of the
detector, resulting in a measurement that can be used anywhere on Earth in
a fixed position, and that minimises seasonal effects.
The three detectors have exactly the same spectral and angular
characteristics. This makes the process of recalibration very easy.
CSD 1 has no moving parts and low power consumption.
The following chapters will explain the various aspects of using CSD 1.
1.1 USING THE CSD 1
Using CSD 1 is easy. Figure 1.1 shows the dimensions. The unit must be
installed, using the mounting hole in the instrument arm. The sunny/not
sunny switched output for sunshine duration must be connected to a
recorder with a voltage input. If desired the continuous output of the
estimated direct radiation can be connected to another voltage recorder.
If the instrument is covered by dew, frost or snow, the measurement can be
improved by switching on the built-in heater.