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Solar Radiation Monitoring Solution Datasheet

Solution Overview

Description

The Solar Radiation Sensor Solution combines the RAK Sensor Hub with the RK200-03 Solar Pyranometer Radiation Sensor, making it well-suited for monitoring solar activity in weather stations, solar installations, and agriculture. Equipped with a temperature compensation circuit, the sensor ensures accurate data by minimizing ambient temperature effects.

With the plug-and-play feature of the Sensor Hub, the Solar Radiation Sensor Solution comes with pre-installed components ready for easy installation and connection. The sensor provides highly accurate solar radiation readings, with the Sensor Hub collecting and transmitting the data via LoRaWAN or NB-IoT/CAT M1.

The Sensor Hub’s connectivity function allows for versatile data transmission to the cloud using the two most commonly used communication protocols in IoT. This versatility ensures that data is readily available for storage, visualization, and in-depth analysis, enabling informed decision-making based on comprehensive knowledge of solar radiation levels.

Features

  • Supports LoRa® and NB -IoT/LTE CAT-M wireless communication modes
  • Support LoRa frequency band: CN470, EU868, IN865, RU864, US915, AU915, KR920, and AS923-1/2/3/4
  • Easy to configure, and the network access configuration can be completed through the WisToolBox app on mobile devices.
  • Comply with WMO standards
  • Suitable for harsh environments
  • Low power consumption
  • External DC power supply (optional)
  • Solar panel power supply (optional)
  • Long transmission distance
  • High sensitivity
  • Easy to install

Hardware Specifications

Sensor Hub Specifications

If you need detailed information about the Sensor Hub, including technical specifications and features, refer to the Sensor Hub Datasheet page.

Sensor Probe IO + Solar Radiation Sensor Specifications

Sensor Probe IO Datasheet

Model 485 Solar Radiation Sensor Datasheet

ParameterValue
Spectral Range300 - 3200 nm
Measuring Range0 - 2000 W/m2
Measuring angle2π solid angle
Nonlinearity (precision)< ± 2 %
Response Time≤ 20 seconds (99 %)
Zero Drift (temperature drift: 5k/h)± 5 W/m2
Cosine Correction≤ ± 7 % (solar altitude angle = 10 °)
Temperature Effect± 2 % (- 10° C ~ 40° C)
Power Supply5 V, 12 ~ 24 VDC
Output0 ~ 20 mV, 0 ~ 5 V, 4 ~ 20 mA, RS485, SDI-12
Sensitivity7 - 14 μV * W - 1 * m2
Internal Resistance350 Ω
Stability± 2 %/year
Operating Temperature- 40° C ~ 80° C
Storage Conditions10° C ~ 60° C @ 20 % - 90 %RH
Recalibration Interval2 years
DesiccantSilica gel desiccant
ShellAluminum alloy instrument box
Dimensionsø 185 * 120 mm
Weight (excluding packaging)2.5 kg
Mounting bracket (optional)Horizontal bracket or adjustable angle bracket
IP RatingIP65

Solar Cell System Specifications

Definition of Terms

List of Abbreviations
AbbreviationDefinition
BMSBattery Management System
BMUBattery Management Unit
BOLBegin of Life
Bus-barBattery Pole Connecting Rod
CMCCell Manager Circuit
EOLEnd of Life
HVHigh Voltage
LVLow Voltage
OCVOpen Circuit Voltage
SOCStage of charge
Terminologies
TerminologyDefinition
Battery CellCommonly known as a battery. It is the fundamental unit of energy storage, which converts chemical energy to electrical energy.
Battery ModuleIntermediate energy storage unit, comprising several individual cells and circuitry components, along with electrical and communication interfaces.
Battery PackA comprehensive power system consisting of multiple battery modules and circuits working together to supply power to electrical devices.
Rated VoltageRefers to the approximate voltage value that a battery is designed to operate at or provide.
CapacityThe amount of electrical charge that a fully charged battery can store and subsequently provide to a device or system. It is typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah).
Energy CapacityThe total amount of energy that a fully charged battery can deliver under specific conditions. It is typically measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Rated CapacityThe minimum capacity that a fully charged battery can deliver at the beginning of its life (BOL), typically measured under specific conditions such as a discharge rate of 1C (discharge C-rate).
UnitsV: Volt, voltage
A: Ampere, current
Ah: Ampere-hour, charge
Wh: Watt-hour, electrical energy
Ω: Ohm, resistance
° C: degrees Celsius, temperature
mm: millimeter, length
s: seconds, time
kg: kilogram, weight
Hz: Hertz, frequency

Main Specifications

ParameterSpecificationsRemark
Battery ModelRAK9154
Battery Cell ModelRechargeable cylindrical lithium-ion battery H18650CHH18650CH or equivalent product.
Rated Capacity5200 mAh
Rated Voltage10.8 VSingle battery voltage 3.6 V
Operating Voltage Range9 V ~ 12.6 V
Rated Power56.16 Wh
SOC Transportation Range50 %
Operating TemperatureCharging temperature: 0° C ~ 45° C
Discharge temperature: -20° C ~ 60° C
Storage Temperature-20° C ~ 60° CMore than three months @25° C
Operating Humidity20~80° %RH
PV Input18° V/1.0° ATypical
Maximum PV Input Voltage30 VOpen circuit voltage
Maximum Continuous Charging Current0.2 C (1.0 A)Limited by solar charger
Maximum Continuous Discharging current0.4 C (2.0 A)
∆ Voltage≤20 mVSOC 30 % ~ 60 %; rest for at least 2 hours after charging or discharging
Weight0.85 Kg
SizeLength: 180 (±3) mm
Width: 130 (±3) mm
Height: 60 (±3) mm

Interfaces

Battery System Structure

As illustrated in Figure 2, the RAK9154 battery system comprises two sets of three 2600 mAh battery units connected in series. The system also incorporates one (1) BMS board integrated with an 18 V input solar charger.The RAK9154 battery system is depicted in Figure 2. This battery system comprises two sets of three 2600mAh battery cells connected in series, accompanied by a BMS board that integrates an 18 V input solar charger.

Figure 12258: RAK9154 battery system

Electrical Characteristics

Figure 12259: RAK9154 electrical schematic diagram
Figure 12260: System circuit schematic diagram
ConnectorConnector Socket ModelConnector Plug ModelDefinitionRemark
Gateway LoadSP1110/P4SP1110/P4-NPin1: P+SP11
IP67
Rated current 2 A
Contact diameter 0.75 mm * 4
Pin2: P-
Pin3: R485A
Pin4: RS485B
Sensor Hub LoadSP1110/P5SP1110/P5-NPin1: P+SP11
IP67
Rated current 2 A
Contact diameter 0.75 mm * 4
Pin2: P-
Pin3: TXD
Pin4: 3V3_In
Pin5: RXD
PV InputSP1110/P2SP1110/P2-NPin1: PV+SP11
IP67
Rated current 1 A
Contact diameter 0.75 mm * 4
Pin1: PV-

Sensor Characteristics

The following table shows the sensor data definition and the data format of the Solar Radiation Solutions.

  • Sensor Dara Definitions
Sensor NameSensor TypeData LengthRatioRangeUnit
Pyranometer0xC3210-200W/m2
  • Data Format
ID (Channel)TypeData
1 Byte1 Byte2 Bytes

With the defined data, here's how to interpret the payload received data:

  • Data Example

Payload (hexadecimal) received data is: 01 C3 00 12

ID (Channel)TypeData
01C30012

01C3 (Pyranometer) - 0012 (Data)

Convert the value to decimal:

00 12 (hex) = 18 (10 dec)
18 × 1 (conversion coefficient) = 18 W/m2

Environmental Requirements

Transportation Requirements
warning
  • When transporting the battery, avoid severe vibrations, shaking, and exposure to sunlight or rain.
  • Do not invert the battery to prevent potential short circuits.
  • During loading and unloading, exercise caution to prevent the battery from falling, rolling, enduring heavy pressure, or being inverted.
Storage Requirements

Store the module in a partially charged state, typically around 40% state of charge (SOC). Ensure the storage environment meets the following requirements:

Temperature and Humidity

ParameterDescriptionRemark
Temperature-30° C to 50° C
0° C to 25° C
Time period < 3 months
Time period > 3 months
Humidity2 %RH to 90 %RH< 85 % Recommended
  • Storage Environment: Store the product in a clean, ventilated, and cool environment, avoiding direct sunlight, high temperatures, corrosive gases, severe vibration, mechanical shaking, and heavy pressure. Keep the product away from heat sources and store it at an altitude below 1500 meters, maintaining atmospheric pressure between 86 kPa and 106 kPa.

  • Maintenance: Charge and discharge the device once a month while storing it at room temperature or in a dry and ventilated environment. If storing the device takes more than 30 days, adjust the SOC to 40 % after charging. If the module is expected to be stored for more than 30 days, adjust the State of Charge (SOC) to 40 % after charging is completed.

The operation of the product must adhere to the provided operating instructions. Installation, maintenance, and usage of this product must strictly comply with relevant safety regulations.

warning
  • Avoid storing or using the product in high-temperature environments, and keep it away from heat sources. Temperatures outside the safe range can significantly reduce the performance and lifespan of the product, and may even cause serious consequences such as combustion and explosion.
  • Do not store or use the product in environments with high static electricity or high electromagnetic radiation. Doing so may damage the electronic components of the battery, leading to safety hazards.
  • Avoid exposing the battery to water or immersing it in water. Otherwise, it may result in internal short circuits, loss of function, or abnormal chemical reactions, leading to fire, smoke explosion, and other incidents.
  • If you notice any smoking, heating, discoloration, deformation, or any other abnormalities during the use, storage, transportation, and service of the product, contact a professional immediately for assistance.
  • Do not discard waste batteries in fires or incinerators. Waste batteries should be recycled by professional institutions or organizations.
  • It is strictly prohibited to place heavy objects on the product or stack them on top of each other.
  • Although this module is not a high-voltage energy storage device, improper operation and use of the device may lead to serious consequences such as combustion and explosion.
  • Only professional technicians must handle the installation and maintenance of the battery system. All operations must strictly adhere to relevant safety regulations. Non-professionals are strictly prohibited from installing, maintaining, and misusing the battery system.