It’s true that two of anything is almost always better than one. From double glazed windows, through 2-ply tissues, and ‘Buy One Get One Free’ special offers; it’s hard to argue against the logic that two scoops of ice-cream are better than one.

Pyranometers, instruments used to measure solar irradiance, are no exception. In fact, when it comes to ‘Secondary-Standard Pyranometers’, known more colloquially as Class ‘A’ (per ISO standards), the general consensus has been that they should be ‘double domed’ as standard. This is based on the idea that an additional dome reduces thermal offset and increases radiation shielding.

But ‘almost always’ doesn’t mean ‘always’ and at EKO, we developed the conviction that more of something doesn’t automatically mean ‘better’; that a single dome pyranometer could do everything a double-domed pyranometer could do, with no negative impact on performance or loss of accuracy.

With the MS-80, the only sensor to achieve the best performance rating on zero offset among Class ‘A’ pyranometers, we’ve proved it.

The innovative, and patented, single-dome design of the MS-80 includes a Quartz diffusor, and isolated thermopile detector; the core of the pyranometer that defines most of its capabilities and characteristics, features that deliver several advantages over its double-domed competitors:

• A thermopile that is 10x faster, with rapid response times from the sensor
• A detector that is isolated inside the body, achieving the lowest offset A
• Offset B is also improved with the isolated detector better able to adapt to ambient temperature changes
• With a single dome, the optics are designed to provide true cosine response and lat spectral responsivity in the range 285nm – 3000nm
• Better long-term stability. The detector is hermetically sealed, which makes it immune to humidity changes and the impact of UV
• Temperature dependency optimised for each detector
• Non-linearity effect
• Each unit contains a drying agent inside the sealed sensor body that doesn’t need to be replaced, ever!
• Lower cost & less maintenance

The MS-80 is unique, a single dome sensor based on an isolated thermopile detector and Quartz diffusor; immune to offsets, compliant to the "Fast response" and "Spectrally flat" sub-categories under ISO 9060:2018 Class A. With optional value-added functions such as a ventilator, heater and different industrial interfaces, the MS-80 keeps working in any condition; dew, frost, snow, and dust aren’t a problem.

Variants including the MS-80A; an MS-80 with a built-in 4-20mA converter, and the MS-80M, with a built-in MODBUS converter, are compatible with industrial output standards. Due to the ultra-low temperature dependency and exceptional non-linearity characteristics, these variants guarantee optimal sensor performance under any environmental condition.

MS-80 pyranometers, like all EKO products, are manufactured in a consistent way with strict quality inspection and performance evaluation. For each sensor, the directional response and temperature dependency are measured and validated through a measurement report that comes with the sensor. Our unique calibration process is compliant to international standards defined by ISO/IEC17025/9847.

Next time you have to choose between 1 scoop of ice-cream OR 2, get the ice-cream cake instead. When it comes to single OR double domed pyranometers, choose Quality over Quantity, choose the MS-80.

Find out more about the MS-80 @ https://eko-eu.com/ms-80 

This article was featured in EKO/Environment. Click here OR on the 'Subscribe' button below to register for future EKO e-newsletters.

Why is it Gaining Momentum?

Bifacial Photovoltaic (PV) modules have nothing to do with face creams, skincare, or tanning; and everything to do with the future of solar power generation.

‘Bifacial PV’ modules are a type of solar panel designed to receive solar irradiance front and rear, generating power on both sides and, in a nutshell, that allows for new possibilities in solar power; alternatives to the conventional south orientation and latitude-based tilt optimisation of traditional projects.

New possibilities mean greater flexibility, greater power generation potential, and a great deal more excitement.

Indeed, the 2 Vs. 1-way power generation potential of Bifacial PV modules is helping to drive growth in PV power generation projects, despite reduced government incentives globally, with the ‘International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics’ predicting that Bifacial PV modules will represent 35% of the PV module market share by 2028.

This all sounds great, and indeed, with Bifacial PV you would naturally expect increases in yield and performance, however, there are uncertainties as to how much actual yield can be expected at each location. Like traditional PV projects, modelled yields and returns are needed to determine project scope, design, and to help secure financing.

That being the case, researchers around the world are working to define just how much additional power these new modules will make at different sites, under different sky conditions, and in different string configurations.

Performance monitoring of PV sites has for years required continuous measurements of the solar broadband irradiance, with instruments deployed in Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) and Plane of Array (POA) irradiance orientations. Now the added parameter of upward or reflected irradiance (RI) must be monitored too.

Enter EKO Instruments!

EKO Albedometers like the MS-80 are capable of being mounted in a traditional albedo measurement configuration, one sensor measuring the downward irradiance and another measuring upward irradiance; both levelled horizontally with the surface. And EKO is unique in the PV industry for its complete product line of research-grade equipment.

With EKO, researchers can source the sensors they need to study the true performance of bifacial PV modules. Get in touch to find out more.

This article was featured in EKO/Environment. Click here OR on the 'Subscribe' button below to register for future EKO e-newsletters.

2020 is shaping up to be a big year in Japan with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics already driving major advances in technology, and workstyles across both industry and society.
 
EKO has always embraced a spirit of innovation in our work and the products and technologies we develop. Now, with the new year fast approaching, we want to make some major positive changes in how we communicate with you, our friends, partners and customers.
 
We’ve already re-launched our presence on social media with updates on Linked In, a new YouTube channel, and a new Japanese language Facebook page, and we are now pleased to announce a whole new approach to our email communications.
 
The old-style EKO Newsletter is ending and we are replacing it with two new publications:

Finding EKO online used to be a bit of a challenge. We have a website of course, but we haven’t been the most ‘digitally’ minded; ironic for a company that has been at the forefront of scientific instrumentation in meteorological and environmental analysis for over 90 years.

Though we still take pride in building direct relationships with our customers and partners, the fact is that our world has gotten a lot bigger over the years. In 2007, we established EKO Instruments USA Inc., and in April 2008 EKO Instruments Europe B.V. was launched in The Netherlands. Since then we’ve expanded into India, China, and South America too. EKO sensors are now deployed around the world; from solar parks near Tokyo to mountain tops 2,367m above sea level, and the cold extremes of the Antarctic.

Though we don’t anticipate too many enquiries from the South Pole, its clear that we need to make it easier to get in touch with EKO wherever you are.

That’s why we are pleased to announce the re-vamp and re-launch of EKO on social, across LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube; with a new look, regular updates, and all new content.

LinkedIn has become our main English language channel, with Facebook now available in Japanese. On YouTube meanwhile, you will soon see a whole slew of videos, from product demo’s, and interviews, to fun little tests, and insights into life at EKO.

Get in touch on social, and follow us to find out more about the latest developments in #SolarPV, #RenewableEnergy, and much much more.

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>> Read the full article

EKO Instruments, Tokyo, Japan, is well known for its advanced measurement instruments for solar energy industry. Irradiance instruments such as pyranometers, pyrheliometers and sun trackers can be found at solar monitoring stations on solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants around the world. EKO I-V curve tracers are widely used to monitor the electrical properties and the performance ratio of the PV modules on site and in the laboratories. Furthermore, different PV technologies are known to have different spectral responses, the EKO spectroradiometers have been a crucial tool for scientific research and advances on the outdoor PV performance evaluation. What is less known about EKO Instruments is its work in generation of solar energy. Since 2012, the company has built two corporately owned PV parks with a total nominal power of 2.7MW. These PV parks not only contributed to a great experimental platform for new developments, but also have a tremendous impact on their general ecological strategy.

Read the full article published in PES >>