CSD 3 Sunshine Duration Sensor0 pages

CSD 3 Sunshine Duration Sensor
FOR THE PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF SUNSHINE DURATION
No moving parts
Low maintenance at long intervals
Low power consumption
Suitable for remote stations
Rugged and durable

Introduction
Sunshine duration is defined by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) as the time during which the direct solar radiation
exceeds the level of 120 W/m², and is normally measured in hours.
Traditionally, sunshine duration is monitored using a

Meteorological agencies want to automate this process and

Campbell-Stokes recorder, where a glass sphere focuses the

reduce the variability of results. A very accurate solution is to

sun onto a marked card and burns it when it is sunny.

use a sun tracker and a pyrheliometer, but this is relatively

However, the burn marks vary depending upon the material

expensive. Therefore, Kipp & Zonen designed the CSD 3

and dampness of the card (high humidity or after rain). The

Sunshine Duration Sensor. It is engineered for continuous

card must be changed every day, the marks must be analysed

outdoor use and is easy to install and service. It is used by major

manually, and the results are highly subjective.

national weather networks across Europe, and elsewhere.