CHP1-L Pyrheliometer
For Unattended Direct Solar-Radiation Measurements
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Overview

The CHP1-L, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen and cabled by Campbell Scientific, is a pyrheliometer used for unattended direct solar-radiation measurements. It is designed specifically to measure the direct beam solar irradiance with a field of view limited to 5 degrees. This is achieved by the shape of the collimation tube, precision apertures, and the detector design.


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Benefits and Features

  • ISO First Class
  • Built-in temperature sensors

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Detailed Description

To monitor direct normal irradiance, a CHP1 Pyrheliometer is mounted to a user-supplied sun tracker such as Kipp & Zonen's Solys2. The CHP1 pyrheliometer measures the direct-beam solar irradiance with a field of view limited to 5 degrees. The limited field of view requires the CHP1 to be continuously pointed toward the sun. The Solys2 Sun Tracker rotates on two axes and uses a GPS receiver to keep the CHP1 aimed at the sun throughout the day.

Specifications

Spectral Range 200 to 4000 nm
Sensitivity 7 to 14 µV/W/m2
Response Time < 5 s
Zero Offset B < 1 W/m2
Temperature Dependence of Sensitivity < 0.5% (-20° to +50°C)
Field of View (FOV) 5° ±0.2°
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +80°C
Non-Linearity < 0.2%
Maximum Irradiance 4000 W/m2
International Standards First Class ISO
Body Diameter 3.8 cm (1.5 in.)
Base Diameter 7.6 cm (3.0 in.)
Length 31.6 cm (12.4 in.)
Weight 0.9 kg (1.98 lb) excluding cable

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Dataloggers

Product Compatible Note
CR3000 (retired)
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CHP1-L: 12

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  1. Does the CHP1-L require a power supply?
    No.
  2. How often should the CHP1-L window be cleaned?

    Ideally, the window should be cleaned every morning.

  3. What type of sensor is the CHP1-L, and what does it measure?
    The CHP1-L is a pyrheliometer, manufactured by Kipp & Zonen, that measures the direct beam irradiance from the sun within a 5 degree solid angle around the sun.
  4. Can the output signal from a CHP1-L be negative?
    Yes, but only under certain conditions. The most common condition for a negative output signal occurs during nighttime measurements when the temperature of space is less than the sensor’s temperature.
  5. How often should the CHP1-L be calibrated?
    Every two years.
  6. Is a two-axis tracker needed for the CHP1-L?
    Absolutely. Because the CHP1-L measures the direct beam solar irradiance, it must follow the sun and remain within the limits of the 5 degree field of view to provide accurate measurements.
  7. How does the CHP1-L work?

    A pyrheliometer, such as the CHP1-L, has a window through which sunlight enters. The sunlight, or incident solar short-wave radiation, is directed onto an electronic device called a thermopile. Using the thermoelectric effect, the thermopile acts as a large thermocouple that measures the temperature of a particular body—in this case, the sun. The thermal energy is converted into a voltage output signal that can be recorded by Campbell Scientific data loggers.

  8. Does the CHP1-L have an internal temperature sensor?
    Yes. The internal temperature can be measured using either the PT100 or thermistor built into the sensor.
  9. What type of tracker can be used with the CHP1-L?
    The CHP1-L is typically mounted to a user-supplied sun tracker, such as Kipp & Zonen’s Solys2 or EKO Instruments’ STR-21G/22G.
  10. Where are the available cable termination options listed for a particular sensor?

    Not every sensor has different cable termination options. The options available for a particular sensor can be checked by looking in two places in the Ordering information area of the sensor product page:

    • Model number
    • Cable Termination Options list

    If a sensor is offered in an –ET, –ETM, –LC, –LQ, or –QD version, that option’s availability is reflected in the sensor model number. For example, the 034B is offered as the 034B-ET, 034B-ETM, 034B-LC, 034B-LQ, and 034B-QD.

    All of the other cable termination options, if available, are listed on the Ordering information area of the sensor product page under “Cable Termination Options.” For example, the 034B-L Wind Set is offered with the –CWS, –PT, and –PW options, as shown in the Ordering information area of the 034B-L product page.

    Note: As newer products are added to our inventory, typically, we will list multiple cable termination options under a single sensor model rather than creating multiple model numbers. For example, the HC2S3-L has a –C cable termination option for connecting it to a CS110 instead of offering an HC2S3-LC model. 

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