Automatic Pyranometer Leveling Base for Remote Irradiance Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pyranometers used in solar power generation require precise leveling to provide accurate measurements of solar irradiance, but existing leveling fixtures are cumbersome and require frequent manual adjustments, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic leveling base system that includes an adapter plate, a top housing, bellows, and a bottom housing with inclinometers and motors, allowing pyranometers to be automatically inclined and leveled without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual leveling fixtures with bubble levels and leveling screws are used, then pyranometers can be leveled, but frequent manual adjustments are required and workers must frequently visit remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inclinometers to automatically detect the pyranometer's angular position and motors to self-adjust the leveling, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device monitors and corrects its own leveling status continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical leveling system (bubble level and screws) is replaced with an automated electromechanical system using inclinometers for detection and motors for adjustment, substituting human operation with automated sensing and actuation
2Measurement precision
If pyranometers are deployed in remote locations, then solar irradiance measurements can be obtained, but manual checking and re-leveling becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated leveling system continuously monitors and adjusts the pyranometer's position without human intervention, allowing remote deployments to maintain accuracy autonomously over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous leveling maintenance through automated monitoring and adjustment, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained continuously rather than requiring periodic manual interventions
3Ease of operation
If automatic leveling components are added to the pyranometer system, then manual adjustments are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the pyranometer, houses the inclinometer for detection, contains the motors for adjustment, and integrates the control logic, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single multi-functional component
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
The automatic leveling base system ensures accurate and reliable measurements of solar irradiance by maintaining precise leveling of pyranometers, reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments and improving data reliability in remote solar power generation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom housing with an inclinometer and one or more motors
Implementation Method 2
The bottom housing with an inclinometer and one or more motors
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes automatic leveling bases comprising an adapter plate, a top housing on said adapter plate, a bottom housing comprising an inclinometer and one or more motors, and a bellows between said top housing and said bottom housing. Also disclosed herein are systems for measuring solar irradiance comprising: an automatic leveling base comprising an adapter plate connected to a bottom housing, said bottom housing comprising an inclinometer and one or more motors, and a pyranometer attached to said automatic leveling base, wherein said one or more motors are configured to adjust an angle of said pyranometer. Additionally disclosed herein are methods of measuring solar irradiance comprising: inclining a pyranometer to a specific angle via an automatic leveling base and measuring the output of said pyranometer.