EKO INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD. - Pyranometers MS-802/802F/402/402F/602 - Instruction Manual Ver.13
6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Measurements of solar irradiance using EKO pyranometers yield highly accurate results if the glass dome
and the condition of the instrument are maintained properly. Furthermore, regular maintenance and
scheduled re-calibrations can extend the lifetime of EKO pyranometers over 10
th
of years. However,
environmental conditions, such as for instruments mounted near highly frequented traffic lanes or airports,
may have a deteriorating effect on the materials. Therefore, proper maintenance is needed and has to be
adapted to the local environmental conditions.
The following table describes the common maintenance tasks that should be performed on a regular basis:
Table 6-1. Maintenance Items
Several
times per
week
(at least
once per
week)
Keep the glass dome clean by wiping it
with a soft cloth and alcohol.
If the glass dome gets soiled (by
accumulation of dirt) the detector
output will be affected due to a
change in transmittance. This dirt can
either be removed manually (using a
soft cloth and alcohol) or it is washed
off by rain (self cleaning effect).
Check
Glass Dome
Condition
Check for cracks and scratches on the
glass dome and the rim.
May lead to water leakage due to
rain/dew which causes damage of the
detector inside the pyranometer.
Check
Spirit Level
Bubble
Verify if the pyranometer is leveled by
checking the bubble is in the center ring
of spirit level. (When the pyranometer is
setup in horizontal position)
If a pyranometer in the horizontal
measurement position is not leveled
correctly an additional cosine/azimuth
error will be introduced.
Verify if the cable connector is properly
connected, tightened to the instrument,
and how cable is lined; make sure the
cable is not swinging by wind.
A disconnected cable will cause
sporadic reading errors or failure of
operation. If the cable is damaged, it
may lead to noise or electric shock
(ventilator AC power cable).
Check
Setup Base
Condition
Check if the instrument is tightened
properly to the mounting base plate and
the base plate and/or table is securely
fastened in a proper condition.
Loose instruments and/or mounting
plates can lead to damages of the
instruments and/or injury.
Verify that the color of the silica gel is
dark blue (dark blue = okay). If the color
of the silica gel turns into a reddish color
then replace it with new silica gel.
With moisture saturated silica gel
gives condensation inside the dome
which leads to a lower detector output
or damage.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
