Hukseflux Thermal Sensors, a market leader in solar radiation measurement, has launched a new sensor to enhance the accuracy of photovoltaic (PV) system monitoring: the SRD100 industrial diffusometer. The primary motivation for its development was the need to improve the accuracy of models that estimate the performance of PV power plants by adding diffuse solar radiation measurements to standard horizontal and Plane of Array data. This was identified as the next major priority for PV system monitoring after solar irradiance and module temperature.
Solving the Problems of Existing Technology
Before developing the SRD100, Hukseflux analyzed why existing solutions for measuring diffuse irradiance are rarely used despite their theoretical benefits. The research uncovered severe shortcomings in current technologies, including:
- The need for daily maintenance and complex data post-processing.
- The use of moving parts, such as solar trackers or rotating shadow bands, which are prone to breaking down in harsh industrial environments.
- A lack of accuracy and the inability to be easily recalibrated.
The main requirement from customers was for a robust sensor with no moving parts that could deliver reliable, easily analyzable data.
How the SRD100 Works: Innovation in Design
The SRD100 diffusometer was engineered for maximum reliability with a unique, static design. Its functionality is based on several key components:
- The sensor consists of a robust metal body, a glass dome, and a sensor array located in the horizontal plane at the domes center.
- Positioned beneath the glass dome is a shadow mask featuring a unique hole pattern based on a Fibonacci lattice.
- When direct sunlight hits the instrument, this shadow mask ensures that at least one of the sensors in the array remains completely in the shade.
- The measurement from this shaded sensor is then used to estimate the diffuse solar irradiance.
This innovative design, where shaded sensors capture a uniform view of the sky through the masks holes, significantly enhances measurement accuracy and provides more consistent data.
Key Benefits and Applications
The SRD100 is primarily designed for utility-scale solar projects, where it can be used for both continuous performance monitoring during operation and for resource assessment before construction.
- Improved Accuracy and Financial Returns: More precise data can reduce perceived investment risks for projects under development and enhance the asset valuations of operational plants.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: The IEC 61724-1 standards for PV system performance monitoring recommend diffuse solar radiation measurements, making the SRD100 particularly valuable for this application.
- Support for Bifacial Systems: The technology is especially relevant for bifacial solar systems, which now represent approximately 20% to 30% of newly installed utility-scale capacity and benefit greatly from accurate diffuse radiation data.
- Industrial-Grade Protection: To prevent damage from toasted electronic circuit boards, which can be caused by nearby lightning strikes, the SRD100 is designed with superior, industrial-level surge protection.
- Low Installation Costs: The sensors compact size and lightweight design reduce the need for excessive mounting materials, making it a cost-effective solution.
Learn more about the technology behind this innovative approach: https://www.hukseflux.com/