The LPS05 Albedometer is a premium, passive instrument for precise solar radiation and albedo measurement. Featuring two ISO 9060:2018 Class B thermopile pyranometers in one unit (one upward, one downward), it simultaneously captures incident and reflected solar radiation. This allows for accurate calculation of albedo and net radiation. Built for climatology, agriculture, and environmental research, it requires no power, offers an integrated bubble level for easy installation, and comes with an individual calibration report for guaranteed accuracy in the harshest conditions.
Master Solar Reflectance with Dual-Sensor Precision
The LPS05 Albedometer is an essential tool for scientists and meteorologists who require the highest accuracy in energy balance studies. By integrating two matched Class B pyranometers, it provides simultaneous and co-located measurements of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and reflected solar radiation. This precise data is fundamental for calculating the surface albedo—the ratio of reflected to incident solar radiation—a critical parameter in climate models, agricultural water management, and snow/ice studies.
Designed for Reliability in Continuous Field Deployment
Engineered for permanent outdoor use, the LPS05 is built to perform reliably from arid deserts to freezing polar regions. Its robust anodized aluminum housing and optical glass domes protect the sensitive thermopile sensors without compromising measurement integrity. The completely passive operation means there are no power requirements or electronic components to fail, ensuring uninterrupted data collection for your Automatic Weather Station (AWS) or environmental monitoring network with virtually zero maintenance.
Key Advantages & Features
- Dual Class B Accuracy: Features two Spectrally Flat Class B pyranometers (ISO 9060:2018) for highly accurate measurements of both incoming and reflected solar energy.
- Passive & Maintenance-Free Operation: Requires no power supply, simplifying installation and ensuring reliability in remote locations.
- Integrated Leveling Aid: A built-in bubble level (<0.2° accuracy) guarantees a perfectly horizontal installation, which is crucial for measurement precision.
- Factory Calibrated: Each unit is supplied with an individual calibration report and an optional ISO 17025 certificate is available, providing traceability and confidence in your data.
- Rugged IP67 Design: With an anodized aluminum body and optical glass domes, it operates flawlessly in temperatures from -40°C to +80°C and 100% RH.
Measures & How to Use
- Primary Application: Ideal for climatological research, agricultural meteorology (evapotranspiration models), and environmental monitoring networks.
- Install the unit on a mast in an open, representative area using the provided fixing support. Use the integrated bubble level to ensure a perfectly horizontal orientation.
- Connect the two sensors (up and down) to a data logger via the separate 2.5-pole M12 connectors using appropriate cables (ordered separately).
- The instrument outputs a passive mV signal proportional to radiation. Use the individual calibration factors from the report to convert the signals to W/m².
- Calculate Albedo (reflectance) = (Reflected Radiation / Incident Radiation). Calculate Net Radiation = Incident - Reflected.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | |
| Type | Thermopile (x2) |
| Classification | Spectrally Flat Class B (ISO 9060:2018) |
| Measuring Range | -200 to +4000 W/m² |
| Typical Sensitivity | 6...15 μV/(W/m²) |
| Spectral Range (50%) | 283 to 2800 nm |
| Viewing Angle | 2π sr (180°) |
| Performance (ISO 9060:2018 Class B) | |
| Response Time (95%) | < 10 s |
| Non-linearity | < ±1 % |
| Directional Response | < ±18 W/m² |
| Temperature Response (-10…+40 °C) | < ±1.5 % |
| Tilt Response | < ±1 % |
| General | |
| Output | Passive analog signal in mV |
| Connection | Two 2.5-pole M12 connectors (one per pyranometer) |
| Power Supply | Not required (passive) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +80 °C; 0 to 100% RH |
| Protection Degree | IP67 |
| Housing Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Dome Material | Optical Glass |
| Weight | 1.4 kg (approx.) |
| Bubble Level Accuracy | < 0.2° |
| MTBF | > 10 years |
| Brand | Senseca |
