Kipp & Zonen CSD3 Sunshine Duration Sensor
The Kipp & Zonen CSD3 is a sunshine duration sensor that uses three photodiodes to detect when direct solar irradiance exceeds the WMO sunshine threshold of 120 W/m², switching a high/low output to record sunny versus non-sunny conditions. It has no moving parts and runs from 12 VDC with built-in heaters to shed rain, snow and frost.
- Supply
- 12 VDC
- Spectral range
- 400 to 1100 nm
- Operating temperature
- -40 to +70 °C
Overview
In detail
How it works
Three photo-diodes with specially designed diffusers make an analogue calculation of when it is sunny, as defined by WMO: the time during which direct solar radiation exceeds 120 W/m². The output switches high or low to indicate sunny or non-sunny conditions, and the calculated direct irradiance value is also available.
Construction
The CSD3 has no moving parts, improving on older Campbell-Stokes sunshine duration recorders. Built-in heaters dissipate rain, snow and frost and are normally switched externally, with an optional internal thermostat control available. It has a waterproof plug and socket connection, a humidity indicator, and a 5-year warranty.
Power
CSD3 operates from 12 VDC power.
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Specifications
Technical specifications
- Spectral range
- 400 to 1100 nm
- Operating temperature
- -40 to +70 °C
- Supply voltage
- 12 VDC
- Sunshine signal
- 1 ±0.1 V (direct radiation > 120 W/m²)
- Accuracy
- > 90% (monthly sunshine hours); > 90% (direct signal, clear sky)
- Analogue output signal
- 1 mV/W/m²
- Non-stability
- < 2 % change/year
- Response time
- < 1 ms
Related
Often specified alongside
Weathertech
SP Lite2 Pyranometer
- Temp
- -40 °C to +80 °C
- Spectral range (overall)
- 400 to 1100 nm
- Sensitivity
- 60 to 100 µV/W/m²
SMP6Weathertech
SMP6 Pyranometer
- Supply
- 5 to 30 VDC
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