US 11,774,282 B2
Pyranometer dome soiling detection with light sensors
Joop Mes, Pijnacker (NL); and Thijs Bergmans, Delft (NL)
Assigned to OTT HydroMet B.V., Delft (NL)
Filed by OTT HydroMet B.V., Delft (NL)
Filed on Dec. 23, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/561,700.
Claims priority of application No. 20216844 (EP), filed on Dec. 23, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0196469 A1, Jun. 23, 2022
Int. Cl. G01J 1/42 (2006.01); G01N 21/59 (2006.01); G01N 21/94 (2006.01)
CPC G01J 1/42 (2013.01) [G01N 21/59 (2013.01); G01N 21/94 (2013.01); G01J 2001/4285 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A pyranometer, comprising:
a dome enclosing a cavity;
at least one light emitting source arranged such that light exterior to the dome does not directly impinge on the at least one light emitting source;
a diffusor;
wherein the at least one light emitting source is configured to emit light substantially directed to a portion of the diffusor, and wherein the diffusor is configured to diffuse the light emitted from the at least one light emitting source on an inner surface of the dome; and
one or more first light detecting sensors arranged in the cavity and configured to measure an intensity of the light reflected from the dome and impinging on the one or more first light detecting sensors;
wherein the pyranometer further comprises a control unit operatively connected with the one or more first light detecting sensors, wherein the control unit is configured to compare the intensity of the light measured by the one or more first light detecting sensor with a respective pre-set light intensity value, particularly wherein the control unit is configured to emit a soiling presence signal if the control unit determines that the intensity of the light measured by the one or more first light detecting sensor differs from the pre-set light intensity value particularly by a specified threshold and factor.