ROAD AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR & SOLAR SHIELD COMPARISON
Real world evaluation of the helical MeteoShield helical radiation shield versus one of the best multi-plate radiation screens in use today for roadside weather station applications.
WINTER ROAD SEASON 2015/16
The shields with sensors were installed in roadside weather stations for the duration of the 2015/2016 winter season. The shields were subjected to the following contamination and spray from passing by traffic
- Salt & water spray
- Snow and slush spray
- Rain, drizzle and fog
- Freezing rain and freezing fog
- Dust, dirt and sand
- High winds
THE CHALLENGER
HELICAL METEOSHIELD PROFESSIONAL WITH METEOTEMP PTH FROM BARANI DESIGN
MeteoShield-with-MeteoTemp-near-Chrenovec-Slovakia.
THE REFERENCE
PROFESSIONAL MULTI-PLATE RADIATION SCREEN & SENSOR FROM ROTRONIC
Rotronic-AC1000-near-Handlova-Slovakia.
THE RESULTS
After the 2015/16 winter season test, the sensors inside of the protective radiation shields were inspected.
CUSTOMER REPORTED THE FOLLOWING RESULTS FROM THE INSPECTION:
- The Challenger helical MeteoShield protected the sensor from the dirt contamination better compared to the Reference.
- MeteoTemp temperature and humidity sensor shows minimal signs of dirt buildup.
- Most notable is the lack of dirt buildup on MeteoTemp inside the helical MeteoShield from the direction of the roadway which is the primary cause of sensor failure and erroneous measurement in road weather station installations.
- The Reference temperature and humidity sensor inside the Reference radiation screen showed visible signs of dirt buildup and a high concentration of dirt buildup from the direction of the road as shown in the pictures below.
MeteoShield sensor dirtiness comparison. Picture courtesy of Barani Design s.r.o.
THE CONCLUSION
MeteoShield helical solar radiation screen offers superior protection for sensitive temperature and humidity probes from dirt, snow and rain. This extends sensor life, accuracy and reduces sensor replacement costs and maintenance.
