The CSP100 is a turn-key automated data-acquisition system specifically designed to meet CAISO meteorological station requirements of concentrated-solar-power generating facilities. It is recommended for assessing power-plant performance, which requires the best possible solar resource measurements.
The CSP100 is field-ready, with features to minimize installation time and field wiring errors. Though offered as a turn-key package, nearly every aspect of the system is customizable, including sensors, communications, mounting, and power supply.
Most of the systems we sell are customized. These systems, however, typically measure the following parameters:
Number of FAQs related to CSP100: 6
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While the trackers Campbell Scientific uses can vary in their maintenance needs, all the trackers are fairly maintenance free when compared with the solar sensors. The solar sensors should be cleaned daily—at the minimum, weekly. The required maintenance cycle varies based on location, precipitation, and biologic activity.
No. The main concern when installing the system is to ensure that the stand is secure to the ground and that the sensors are aligned and leveled. With patience, these tasks can be performed fairly easily.
Depending on the tracker being used, a Campbell Scientific data logger can request data, relay diagnostic information, and potentially control the tracker.
Unlike the Solar1000, the CSP100 is intended as a system to measure direct normal irradiance (DNI). DNI is solar radiation that comes in a straight line from the direction of the sun at its current position in the sky. DNI is important for concentrated solar power, concentrated photovoltaic (CPV), and solar thermal systems.
The Solar1000 is intended to be used for traditional photovoltaic technology.
No. Sensors are manufactured by Hukseflux, EKO Instruments, Kipp & Zonen, and Eppley Laboratory. Contact Campbell Scientific for more information, including sensor tracker compatibility.
The CSP100 can be used for both resource assessment and power performance. If the system will be used for resource assessment, the following items are needed: a dc power supply, a solid foundation for the tracker stand, and, perhaps, a general meteorological sensor stand.
Note: The solar tracking component of the CSP100 requires a rather high power draw for remote use (>15 W when powered with Vdc, >21 W when powered with Vac, and potentially up to 100 W).