EKO Instruments Europe B.V.

Recently EKO Instruments added a Sky Camera system to its product portfolio. The Sky Camera, which is developped by the company CMS Schreder and represented by EKO Instruments, allows to make full hemispheric pictures of the sky. The sophisticated cloud detection algorithm and the horizon determination tool are particularly interesting features for photovoltaic evaluation applications. Those features are included in the standard MS-Windows controll software. The Sky Camera is not only usefull as an analytic instrument but it also enables the surveillance of PV installations.

EKO Instruments Europe B.V. has MOVED its office to Den Haag (The Hague).

Since 11 of January 2011 the new address AND telephone number is:

EKO Instruments Europe B.V.

Lulofsstraat 55

Unit 32

2521 AL Den Haag

The Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0)70 3050117

Fax: +31 (0)70 3840607

Web: www.eko-eu.com

Email: info@eko-eu.com

Article in Photovoltaic International lite, issue 01-2010: Radiation Measurement Principles for PV Performance Rating by Alexander Los, (c) Photovoltaic International

In a technical paper about radiation measurements for the evaluation of PV system performances the author, Dr. Alexander Los, supplies field practice and background information about radiation sensor technology.

Abstract

Pyranometers have been widely used for decades to measure solar radiative fluxes, especially in studying the Earth's climate. As photovoltaic technology matured and became available for electrical power generation, radiation sensors became necessary to rate photovoltaic system performances. While pyranometers have been used traditionally to measure solar irradiance, PV reference cells are commonly encountered in PV performance rating applications. This article aims to contribute to the improvement of radiation measurements by supplying field practice and background information about radiation sensor technology. The first section of the article describes when and why particular radiation sensors are used in PV performance rating applications, concluding with a description of state-of-the art radiation measurement methods and some best-practice recommendations for solar radiation measurements.

The article can be downloaded here (no reproduction allowed, discribution with permission of the publisher).

The EKO Pyranometer MS-410 measures the broad-band global solar irradiance. The MS-410 is perfectly suited for sampling 10-minute averages of the solar radiative flux in horizontal or tilted configurations. The MS-410 is fully compliant with the ISO9060 "First Class" norm. The flat sensor surface, coated with a special, highly absorbing black paint, is protected by two transparent hemispheric glass domes.

The MS-410 has a 180 degree field-of-view for measuring the hemispheric solar radiation with a cosine-weighting function. The two transparent glass domes protect the sensor efficiently from negative thermal effects. The MS-410 has a practical light-weight anodized aluminum housing and a highly efficient sensor coating. These features, together with the two, high quality machined hemispheric glass domes are the key to the excellent performance characteristics of the MS-410. EKO has over 80 years of experience in developing and manufacturing solar radiometers. This know-how is integrated into the MS-410 to present a fully-sealed and all-weather instrument built to measure the global solar irradiance in unattended outdoor installations throughout the year. The EKO MS-410 provides a perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and quality.

Download the brochure of the MS-410 here.

EKO Instruments brochures can now be downloaded from the EKO-USA website: please go to the brochure list for an overview of the available brochures. If your product of interest is not listed, please contact us at info_at_eko-eu.com.