Sunshine duration was defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the period during which direct solar radiation exceeds 120 W/m² and is measured in hours.
Sunshine duration sensors are primarily used in weather monitoring networks and in holiday resorts to inform tourists about the number of hours of sunshine per day. In health resorts and clinics, they help calculate treatment and recovery measures. In agriculture, knowledge of sunshine duration on crop fields can facilitate harvest forecasting. In building automation, the SD6 can be used to regulate internal environments, for example, by controlling the use of blinds.
The S D6 measures sunshine duration through a high-quality glass cylinder. It has no moving parts and uses 16 photodiodes with special diffusers for analog calculation of when the sun is shining. Its signal output switches high or low for sunny or non-sunny conditions.
The waterproof connector on the cable facilitates installation and maintenance. The standard cable length is 1.5 meters.
The SD6 is powered by 24 VDC and features a two-stage heater for use in rain, snow, and frost. The heater is controlled internally, but an optional internal temperature controller (12 to 48 V AC/DC) is also available. The instrument is equipped with a robust mounting bracket on its underside.
