pyrheliometry

Pyrheliometry is a branch of science concerned with the measurement of direct solar irradiance. A pyrheliometer is an instrument specifically designed to measure the intensity of the direct beam of solar radiation. It is typically mounted on a solar tracker to ensure it continuously points directly at the sun. The measurement is made of the solar radiation that passes through a small aperture and strikes a detector. This detector is often a thermopile, which generates a voltage proportional to the incident radiation's heat. The output voltage is then converted to a solar irradiance value, usually in watts per square meter (W/m²). Pyrheliometers are crucial for various applications, including meteorology, climatology, solar energy research and development, and atmospheric science. They provide essential data for understanding solar energy potential, calibrating other solar instruments, and studying atmospheric properties and their effects on sunlight. Accurate pyrheliometric measurements are vital for the efficient design and performance assessment of solar power systems.