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{{115inprogress|December 18th, 2009}}  
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[[Image:solar radiation.jpg|right|http://www.archive.arm.gov/Carbon/dataneeds/radiation_pres.jpg|600px]]<br>
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== The Solar Radiation Monitoring Station  ==
== The Solar Radiation Monitoring Station  ==
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[[Image:solar radiation.jpg|right|http://www.archive.arm.gov/Carbon/dataneeds/radiation_pres.jpg|thumb|Fig.1 A Diagram of solar radiation|600px]]<br />
=== What Is SoRMS ===
=== What Is SoRMS ===
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The Solar Radiation Monitoring Station ([http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS]) project is one of Humboldt’s Renewable Energy Students Union’s ([http://resu.humboldt.edu/ RESU]) responses to the need for more renewable energy. The basic idea behind this specific system is not to create power but to collect information on solar power. As dimenstrated in the photo above, the usable Solar Radiation is more complicated than simply what the sun puts out.  The atmosphe in which the radiation travels through needs to be taken into acount due to it's distorting effects on usable energy at the surface.
The Solar Radiation Monitoring Station ([http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS]) project is one of Humboldt’s Renewable Energy Students Union’s ([http://resu.humboldt.edu/ RESU]) responses to the need for more renewable energy. The basic idea behind this specific system is not to create power but to collect information on solar power. As dimenstrated in the photo to the right ([http://www.appropedia.org/File:Solar_radiation.jpg Fig.1]), the usable Solar Radiation is more complicated than simply what the sun puts out.  The atmosphe in which the radiation travels through needs to be taken into acount due to it's distorting effects on usable energy at the surface.


Because of the localized weather in coastal zones, most solar research facilities do not deal with the thick cloud cover found there.  The focus of the [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] project is to collect local solar radiation data and make that data available to the public.  Although conducted in Arcata on the Northern Coast of California the [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] project is producing data that will help to fill in the informational gap for other areas with similar atmospheric conditions.  In this manner [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] is contributing to a more comprehensive idea of the energy that can be expected from solar systems.  With measurements of local solar energy people will have a better idea about solar powers productivity in areas that deal with more clouds and fog.  This information can be used to help determine solar array sizing, battery stroage requirements, and project payback.   
Because of the localized weather in coastal zones, most solar research facilities do not deal with the thick cloud cover found there.  The focus of the [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] project is to collect local solar radiation data and make that data available to the public.  Although conducted in Arcata on the Northern Coast of California the [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] project is producing data that will help to fill in the informational gap for other areas with similar atmospheric conditions.  In this manner [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] is contributing to a more comprehensive idea of the energy that can be expected from solar systems.  With measurements of local solar energy people will have a better idea about solar powers productivity in areas that deal with more clouds and fog.  This information can be used to help determine solar array sizing, battery stroage requirements, and project payback.   
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[[Image:pspdiagram.jpg|right|http://www.yesinc.com/products/data/uvb1/index.html
[[Image:pspdiagram.jpg|right|http://www.yesinc.com/products/data/uvb1/index.html
]][[Image:PSP.jpg|thumb|left|Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP)|300px]][[Image:SoRMS Image.jpg|thumb|left|The unobstructed PSP to the left measures global radiation while the PSP on the right measures only diffuse radiation with the use of a shadowband.|300px]] The amount of energy coming from the sun is measured with the use of an Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP) seen in the upper left photo. This is done by comparing the heat absorbed through radiation of an absorptive black surface and a reflective surface. There are two of these PSP’s, one is in the open sunlight and one is covered by what is called a shadow band. The shadow band is seen bent around the PSP on the right of the photo to the lower left, and is only blocking the direct sun light.  
]][[Image:PSP.jpg|thumb|left|Fig.2 Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP)|300px]][[Image:SoRMS Image.jpg|thumb|left|Fig.3 The unobstructed PSP to the left measures global radiation while the PSP on the right measures only diffuse radiation with the use of a shadowband.|300px]] The amount of energy coming from the sun is measured with the use of an Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP) seen in the upper left photo([http://www.appropedia.org/File:PSP.jpg Fig.2]). This is done by comparing the heat absorbed through radiation of an absorptive black surface and a reflective surface. There are two of these PSP’s, one is in the open sunlight and one is covered by what is called a shadow band. The shadow band is seen bent around the PSP on the right of the photo to the lower left([http://www.appropedia.org/File:SoRMS_Image.jpg Fig.3]), and is only blocking the direct sun light.  


The PSP that is exposed to direct sunlight measures what is called global radiation. This global radiation is a composition of direct radiation, coming straight from the sun directly to the PSP and the diffuse radiation which is other light waves that have been bounced, bent, or reflected though the earth’s atmosphere. The illustration to the right may help to clarify this. The second PSP, with the shadow band blocking the direct radiation, only receives diffuse radiation. By using the data from each of these PSP’s, the diffuse radiation is subtracted from the global radiation to obtain the amount of direct radiation which is the primary source of solar energy.
The PSP that is exposed to direct sunlight measures what is called global radiation. This global radiation is a composition of direct radiation, coming straight from the sun directly to the PSP and the diffuse radiation which is other light waves that have been bounced, bent, or reflected though the earth’s atmosphere. The illustration to the right may help to clarify this. The second PSP, with the shadow band blocking the direct radiation, only receives diffuse radiation. By using the data from each of these PSP’s, the diffuse radiation is subtracted from the global radiation to obtain the amount of direct radiation which is the primary source of solar energy.
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=== How To Access Information ===
=== Becoming A "Primary Site" ===
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Once the SoRMS project was completed, there were some improvements that would take care of the issues found in the system. With these issues fixed, the SoRMS project would become able to collect data for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL). There were two problems within the operating system, one was the lack of a backup PSP. Every two years the Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometers have to be sent back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for recalibration. This process takes two monthes, putting the data logging on hold for that period of time. The proposed solution was to purchase another PSP, making it possible to have a continuos data log at all times throughout the year.
<br />
<br />
The next issue with the SoRMS project was its lack of direct access by the NREL. With a direct link to NREL, the SoRMS project would be able to become a primary solar monitoring site. A "primary site" is what the NREL calls the various locations from where they get their national data. The SoRMS project provide data for California's North Coast, an area that the NREL does not have any measured data. There were two proposed solutions for this problem. The first solution was to set up a radio transceiver/receiver and antenna to transmit the data to another location with internet access. From the receiving location, the data would be sent to NREL. The alternative to this was to install an ethernet jack on the library roof, and transmit the information directly from SoRMS. This solution was the preferred solution, as it involved less variables to slow down relaying data. The project now has 3 PSPs and a direct link to the NREL via ethernet cable.
<br />
 
===How To Access Information ===
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----
The data that [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] produces is collected by a Campbell ScientificCR510 data logger, and connected to the internet using a NL-100 Network Link Interface.  With this Network Link Interface, the information collected by the [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] project is now promptly accessible to the public as [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/518 Daily Charts] and in a [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=monthly Calendar View.]  It also allows the [http://www.nrel.gov/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory] access to download SoRMS data remotely which also has a link to the [http://www.nrel.gov/midc/hsu/ data].  Below is the graphical interpretation of a day's data.  
 
With the operating issues eliminated, the SoRMS project now submits data to the NREL. The data that [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] produces is collected by a Campbell ScientificCR510 data logger, and connected to the internet using a NL-100 Network Link Interface.  With this Network Link Interface, the information collected by the [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/259 SoRMS] project is now promptly accessible to the public as [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=node/518 Daily Charts] and in a [http://resu.humboldt.edu/?q=monthly Calendar View.]  It also allows the [http://www.nrel.gov/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory] access to download SoRMS data remotely which also has a link to the [http://www.nrel.gov/midc/hsu/ data].  Below is the graphical interpretation of a day's data.  
[[Image:Chart.JPG|center|An example of the data SoRMS collects]]
[[Image:Chart.JPG|center|An example of the data SoRMS collects]]


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===Future Projects===


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The SoRMS project has been completed, however there are some improvements that would take care of the issues found in the system. With these issues fixed, the SoRMS project would also become able to collect data for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL). There are two problems within the operating system, one is the lack of a backup PSP. Every two years the Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometers have to be sent back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for recalibration. This process takes two monthes, putting the data logging on hold for that period of time. The proposed solution is to purchase another PSP, making it possible to have a continuos data log at all times throughout the year.
<br />
<br />
The next issue with the SoRMS project is its lack of direct access by the NREL. With a direct link to NREL, the SoRMS project would be able to become a primary solar monitoring site. A "primary site" is what the NREL calls the various locations from where they get their national data. The SoRMS project provide data for California's North Coast, an area that the NREL does not have any measured data. There are two proposed solutions for this problem. The first solution is to set up a radio transceiver/receiver and antenna to transmit the data to another location with internet access. From the receiving location, the data would be sent to NREL. The alternative to this is to install an ethernet jack on the library roof, and transmit the information directly from SoRMS. This solution is the preferred solution, as it involves less variables to slow down relaying data.
<br>


== References  ==
== References  ==

Revision as of 20:28, 11 December 2009

Template:115inprogress

The Solar Radiation Monitoring Station

Fig.1 A Diagram of solar radiation


What Is SoRMS



The Solar Radiation Monitoring Station (SoRMS) project is one of Humboldt’s Renewable Energy Students Union’s (RESU) responses to the need for more renewable energy. The basic idea behind this specific system is not to create power but to collect information on solar power. As dimenstrated in the photo to the right (Fig.1), the usable Solar Radiation is more complicated than simply what the sun puts out. The atmosphe in which the radiation travels through needs to be taken into acount due to it's distorting effects on usable energy at the surface.

Because of the localized weather in coastal zones, most solar research facilities do not deal with the thick cloud cover found there. The focus of the SoRMS project is to collect local solar radiation data and make that data available to the public. Although conducted in Arcata on the Northern Coast of California the SoRMS project is producing data that will help to fill in the informational gap for other areas with similar atmospheric conditions. In this manner SoRMS is contributing to a more comprehensive idea of the energy that can be expected from solar systems. With measurements of local solar energy people will have a better idea about solar powers productivity in areas that deal with more clouds and fog. This information can be used to help determine solar array sizing, battery stroage requirements, and project payback.


How The Project Works


http://www.yesinc.com/products/data/uvb1/index.html
http://www.yesinc.com/products/data/uvb1/index.html
Fig.2 Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP)
Fig.3 The unobstructed PSP to the left measures global radiation while the PSP on the right measures only diffuse radiation with the use of a shadowband.

The amount of energy coming from the sun is measured with the use of an Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP) seen in the upper left photo(Fig.2). This is done by comparing the heat absorbed through radiation of an absorptive black surface and a reflective surface. There are two of these PSP’s, one is in the open sunlight and one is covered by what is called a shadow band. The shadow band is seen bent around the PSP on the right of the photo to the lower left(Fig.3), and is only blocking the direct sun light.

The PSP that is exposed to direct sunlight measures what is called global radiation. This global radiation is a composition of direct radiation, coming straight from the sun directly to the PSP and the diffuse radiation which is other light waves that have been bounced, bent, or reflected though the earth’s atmosphere. The illustration to the right may help to clarify this. The second PSP, with the shadow band blocking the direct radiation, only receives diffuse radiation. By using the data from each of these PSP’s, the diffuse radiation is subtracted from the global radiation to obtain the amount of direct radiation which is the primary source of solar energy.











Becoming A "Primary Site"


Once the SoRMS project was completed, there were some improvements that would take care of the issues found in the system. With these issues fixed, the SoRMS project would become able to collect data for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL). There were two problems within the operating system, one was the lack of a backup PSP. Every two years the Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometers have to be sent back to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for recalibration. This process takes two monthes, putting the data logging on hold for that period of time. The proposed solution was to purchase another PSP, making it possible to have a continuos data log at all times throughout the year.

The next issue with the SoRMS project was its lack of direct access by the NREL. With a direct link to NREL, the SoRMS project would be able to become a primary solar monitoring site. A "primary site" is what the NREL calls the various locations from where they get their national data. The SoRMS project provide data for California's North Coast, an area that the NREL does not have any measured data. There were two proposed solutions for this problem. The first solution was to set up a radio transceiver/receiver and antenna to transmit the data to another location with internet access. From the receiving location, the data would be sent to NREL. The alternative to this was to install an ethernet jack on the library roof, and transmit the information directly from SoRMS. This solution was the preferred solution, as it involved less variables to slow down relaying data. The project now has 3 PSPs and a direct link to the NREL via ethernet cable.

How To Access Information


With the operating issues eliminated, the SoRMS project now submits data to the NREL. The data that SoRMS produces is collected by a Campbell ScientificCR510 data logger, and connected to the internet using a NL-100 Network Link Interface. With this Network Link Interface, the information collected by the SoRMS project is now promptly accessible to the public as Daily Charts and in a Calendar View. It also allows the National Renewable Energy Laboratory access to download SoRMS data remotely which also has a link to the data. Below is the graphical interpretation of a day's data.

An example of the data SoRMS collects
An example of the data SoRMS collects

How SoRMS Is Run


The SoRMS project is run by California's Humboldt State University (HSU), Renewable Energy Student Union (RESU) which collaborates with the Schatz Energy Research Center. All the people working to keep this project running are volunteers. These volunteers keep the information as accurate as possible by maintaining the systems continuity. Seen below is some of the integral people who keep this project going. From left to right, the names are:(Top row) James Robinson, James Apple, Peter Johnstone, Heidi Benzonelli, Andrea Allen, Ranjit Deshmukh, Colin Sheppard, Lucas Siegfried, Arne Jacobson (Bottom row) Kristen Radecsky , Juliette Bohn

The People that make this happen
The People that make this happen

Maintaining The Project


Aaron Parker wiping off dew
Aaron Parker adjusting the Shadowband

To keep this information consistent every morning one of the RESU volunteers clears the PSP’s of any dew accumulation (seen left) and adjusts the shadowband (seen right). This dew accumulation can cause short term spikes and holes in the energy absorption due to the light bending as it passes through dew droplets. [[1]]. The Shadowband is adjusted year round in relation to the earths rotation and position of the sun. [[2]]. The whole system is powered by solar panels, eliminating operation costs and replacing the need to be attachment to a power grid.




Funding Required


Because this project is maintained by volunteers, the only funding required is to cover the costs of shipping the PSP’s to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for recalibration which is done about every two years. However the system exists today only because of the initial support of the HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Redwood Alliance, Schatz Energy Research Center, HSU's Environmental Resources Engineering department, HSU Plant Operations, Marty Reed - HSU Equipment Technician, and the HSU library staff. [3]



References



Beth's Comments


L1,W1 - You are using a lot of "it"s in your headings. Be sure to search on others. L9, CT4, W2, L-10 (for example HSU, RESU, NREL etc) C9. I like the tone and flow of your writing. You could a little more concise. C3!!!! Are you clear about the location of the station? Be sure to include more links to relevant info. Just ask me for input if needed. C- 12 Review this example for format, linking and referencing ideas: http://www.appropedia.org/Arcata_Marsh_chlorination Be sure you have some very descriptive captions. The cost information should probably not be in the maintenance section. I would put the volunteer information toward the end. Please reconsider those headings... the organization of the information is reasonable... but the heading titles need to be more professional. I like the additional of photos. Keep moving toward including the photos in a professional way.

Could have a section on project history... to explain how the project came to be. This project is another example of ERE student initiative and you could highlight that aspect more here.

Good Start!

Codes

L1 People will use the first screen of your web page to decide if they should keep reading. Make sure you have an attractive first screen to draw the reader into your topic. Try to include links or bookmarks to other information in the page at the top of your page. Use introductory paragraphs and/or table of contents to tell the reader how the document or a section of the document is organized.

W1 Avoid using words such as: “thing”, “done”, “be”, “like”, “good”, “bad”, “ones”, “show”, “kind”, “nice” “look”, “ come up”, ”way”, “take”, “being”, “make” “figure out”, “it” “cheap” “really” “got”, “cheap”. Usually you can communicate your idea more clearly if you use a more specific noun, verb or phrase.

L9

Avoid using headings that are questions 

CT4

Write for an international audience. Assume you reader does not know about HSU or our area. 

W2 Avoid using “this”, “these” or “those” without a noun.

L-10

Link to relevant information within the text the first time the reader comes upon the information 

C9 Be sure to cite your references properly. Use APA style as shown here http://www.liunet.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm

C3 Make your figure and table captions as detailed and specific as possible. Be sure to cite source of any figures, tables or images you use.

C-12

Be sure to review this site for ideas of how to use citation, link and reference conventions http://www.appropedia.org/Arcata_Marsh_chlorination?
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