Pyranometer Dome Dew Suppression via Radiant Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyranometers face challenges in continuously and stably measuring solar radiation due to dew or frost formation, as they either rely on inefficient heat conduction or energy-consuming ventilation systems, which can disrupt temperature stability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A pyranometer design where a heat generating component is positioned opposite the dome within a thermally conductive housing, allowing heat to be conducted throughout the housing and then radiated to the dome, maintaining stable temperature and preventing dew or frost formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat generating component is brought into thermal contact with the dome to suppress dew or frost generation, then the dome temperature is increased, but the heat escapes to the housing making it difficult to continuously supply heat stably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-resistant resin layer as an intermediary thermal insulation barrier between the heat generating component and the dome. This mediator prevents direct thermal contact, blocking the heat escape path to the housing while allowing controlled heat transfer to the dome surface, thereby stabilizing the heat supply and preventing dew/frost formation effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal conduction-based heating system with a radiation-based heating approach. The heat generating component heats the surrounding air and housing interior through convection and radiation, which then transfers heat to the dome surface, eliminating the need for direct thermal contact and improving heating stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If a ventilator is used to circulate heated air in the dome to suppress dew or frost, then the dome temperature is stabilized, but the device complexity increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the ventilator component from the system entirely. Instead of using active mechanical ventilation to circulate air, the design relies on passive thermal conduction through the housing and natural convection currents, simplifying the device structure while maintaining effective dew and frost suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and dome structure serve their own heating function through the heat-resistant resin layer that conducts heat from the heat generating component to the dome surface. The system is self-regulating, requiring no external control mechanisms or additional components, thereby reducing complexity and energy consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables precise and continuous measurement of solar radiation while effectively suppressing dew and frost formation, even in changing external environments, with improved durability and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generating component is positioned opposite the dome within a thermally conductive housing, allowing heat to be conducted throughout the housing and then radiated to the dome
Implementation Method 2
a heat generating component is positioned opposite the dome within a thermally conductive housing, allowing heat to be conducted throughout the housing and then radiated to the dome
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
AI summary
A pyranometer is provided which can measure the precise amount of solar radiation / solar irradiance continuously and stably while suppressing the generation of dew or frost by a simple configuration even in changing external environment. A pyranometer 10 includes: a housing 101 having an opening 10121, and having thermal conductivity; a dome 201 provided at the opening 10121, and having light transmittance; a sensor part 401 provided in an internal space formed by the housing 101 and the dome 201, and for measuring an intensity of a sunlight made incident through the dome 201; and a heat generating element 501 provided heat conductably to a part of the housing 101, opposite to the opening 10121 across the internal space.