Sun Trackers
Sun Tracker - SOLYS2
SOLYS2 is the most widely used sun tracker around the world in solar energy and meteorological applications. It has Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) levels of performance and reliability. Installation and operation of the SOLYS2 is much easier than many other sun trackers on the market.
With the optional top mounting plate and shading assembly SOLYS2 can be configured as a complete solar monitoring station with up to three ventilated Kipp & Zonen radiometers. A large range of mounting kits is available for direct solar radiation instruments.
An advance over conventional sun trackers is the integrated GPS receiver to automatically configure location and time data upon installation. SOLYS2 does not require a computer and software for setup. Leveling is easily checked using the integrated bubble level on top.
The rugged and distinctive cast aluminum housing has an integrated tripod stand with leveling feet, azimuth adjustment and provision for tie-down bolts. A side plate with zenith adjustment and mountings for a Kipp & Zonen CHP1 pyrheliometer is included.
SOLYS2 does not suffer from internal clock drift because the time is regularly updated by the GPS receiver. If the tracker is correctly leveled and aligned, and mounted on a solid and stable support, it will continue to point accurately. An optional sun sensor is available for active tracking, to correct for motion in a support affected by changing environmental conditions.
SOLYS2 can operate from AC or 24 VDC power, both inputs are available as standard. The operating temperature range from – 20 °C to + 50 °C on DC power can be extended to -40 °C on AC power using the standard internal heater.
SOLYS2 brings to the sun tracker market distinctive design, innovative features, performance, quality and unprecedented ease of use – all at a surprisingly affordable price.
The design of the SOLYS2 sun tracker is based on open source software.
Sun Tracker – SOLYS Gear Drive
SOLYS Gear Drive Sun Tracker
SOLYS Gear Drive is a high end sun tracker for all weather conditions and locations. It builds on the features of the SOLYS 2 and has enhanced capabilities that make it suitable for use with heavy loads and in the harshest climates. It has the power to point accurately at the sun in very high winds, and to break the ice that can build up overnight when the tracker is ‘sleeping’.
High payload for multiple and / or heavy instruments
The high precision gear drive system requires no regular maintenance and is much more powerful than the belt drive system of the SOLYS2. The maximum payload is increased to 80 kg and the torque is raised to 60 Nm, allowing SOLYS Gear Drive to carry multiple and/or heavy instruments and other loads. The integrated GPS receiver automatically configures location and very accurate time information upon installation.
Smart software for real-time status information
The included user interface software allows remote monitoring and logging of the tracker status, sun zenith and azimuth angles, GPS time and date and more. The software can also be used to set the communication parameters such as fixed or manual IP address and baud rate. The integrated Web Interface can be used to visualise (get and set) operational parameters, download history log files or upload new firmware when available.
What you need to build a solar monitoring station
To build your solar radiation measurement station the SOLYS Gear Drive is the base to hold an array of instruments to monitor solar and sky radiation. The shading assembly and other mounting accessories from the SOLYS2 can all be fitted. For operation in extremely cold regions an insulated cold weather cover is available that allows use in temperatures down to -50°C and with wind speeds up to 20m/s. For very hot climates a sun shield can be fitted, extending the upper temperature range to +60°C.
SOLYS Gear Drive has the mountings for pyrheliometer already fitted and includes the sun sensor for active tracking. However, it does not include a tripod stand. It can be used with the cast aluminum SOLYS Tripod Floor Stand but, for use in extreme conditions and with high loads, the Heavy Duty Tripod Floor Stand is recommended.
SOLYS Gear Drive has been tested and protected against the highest levels of ESD, EMC and surge disturbances that might be experienced.
The SOLYS Gear Drive sun tracker with high precision reduction gear combines the highest payload, the widest temperature range and most advanced communication with smart software for real-time status information.
RaZON+
RaZON+ is an all-in-one system that accurately measures both direct normal irradiance (DNI) and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) from the sun and sky, enabling it to provide very reliable values of global horizontal solar irradiance (GHI) and sunshine duration.
The integrated data logger presents the irradiance measurements in W/m2, sunshine duration in hours and energy in kWh/m2 (kilowatt-hours per square meter).
Included sensors
RaZON+ includes two Smart irradiance sensors; a pyrheliometer (PH1) to measure DNI and a shaded pyranometer (PR1) to measure DHI. The innovative features of the pyrheliometer minimize the effects of soiling when operated unattended in remote locations, without compromising the high accuracy of the instrument. Both the pyrheliometer and pyranometer are based on quartz diffuser technology.
RaZON+ measures DNI and DHI and calculates GHI, as this minimizes uncertainty in the pyranometer readings and provides a more accurate and reliable measurement than using an unshaded pyranometer to measure GHI.
Anti-soiling & low maintenance
Thanks to the open collimator tube design and the quartz diffuser, the pyrheliometer is resistant to the effects of soiling. Moreover, RaZON+ is based on a completely maintenance-free gear drive sun tracking mechanism.
Internal data logging with web access
RaZON+ comes with internal data logging of all parameters in one data set. Choose either the Ethernet or RS-485 interfaces (Modbus® RTU or ASCII) to download your data.
The data is presented in a complete interface with data, graphs and status information.
Expand RaZON+ with additional sensors
An extra Modbus® input is fitted, which will allow additional sensors to be connected with future updates; for example PV panel temperature, tilted irradiance or a compact weather station.
