TRP-1000 Total Radiation Package
General Description
The Total Radiation Package is a sophisticated measurement platform that combines a high-performance sky imager, 1024-pixel CCD spectrograph, and optional LIDAR and standard met sensors to provide a fully automatic "state-of-sky". In addition to color digital imagery, it provides automatic optical depth information via a direct, diffuse, and total rotating shadowband spectrograph covering the visible/near-infrared spectral range. It complements airport automated surface observation systems without overlapping existing capabilities. Two variants are available:
Model TRP-1000: Combines a Model RSS-1024 Rotating Shadowband Spectroradiometer with a Model TSI-880 Automated Total Sky Imaging system. Air and dew point temperatures are measured by a MET-2010 chilled mirror sensor. A suite of reference grade radiometers fully characterizes total down-welling solar radiation. These radiometers include the Model TIR-550 (infrared), TSP-700 (visible), UVA-1 (UV-A), and UVB-1 (UV-B) pyranometers. In addition, met sensors can be easily added to provide temperature, dew point, pressure, winds, and visibility.
Model TRP-1100: Adds a sophisticated scanning LIDAR for cloud height data.
Applications
Remote Sensing: ground truth validation for calibration of satellite platforms
Scientific Research: Global warming and climate change, verification of global circulation models
Aviation Weather: weather observing system for military and commercial airports, providing continuous day/night visibility and hazard assessment
Labor Reduction: Replacement of human observers at remote or hostile locations
System view of TRP-1000 components
Features
Fully automated atmospheric sky observation system. Has integrated sensors, data acquisition and processes sensor and telemeters data via the Internet.
Measures daytime visibility and optical depth
Modular and durable mechanical and electronic modules permits maintenance in harsh environmental conditions.
Leverages field-proven RSS and TSI technology to continuously measure cloud distribution and optical depth
Rotating Shadowband Spectroradiometer
A YES Rotating Shadowband Spectroradiometer uses the sun to quantify visibility (optical depth). The state-of-the-art, astronomical-grade CCD array and unique optical design results in a very stable instrument with no moving parts controlling wavelength accuracy or throughput stability. This enables the instrument to achieve optical performance superior to any competing field spectroradiometer. The no-moving-parts design of the RSS-1024 also results in a rugged, reliable instrument that maintains its calibration while in long-term operation in the field. The RSS-1024 samples all wavelengths simultaneously. Thus, spectra taken under varying sky conditions are an accurate time-average over the sampling period at all wavelengths.
Total Sky Imager
The Model TSI-880 Automated Total Sky Imager like the RSS-1024 has an integral "high-availability" embedded system that performs all processing and maintenance functions.
Optional Scanning LIDAR
YES is currently developing a state-of-the-art scanning LIDAR for real-time sky characterization. A rotating holographic lens steers an eye-safe, invisible near-infrared laser beam at a 45° angle.
Installation Details
Although installable as a stand-alone system, a TRP is typically connected to the Internet to provide real-time optical depth, visibility, and cloud cover measurements to users via a web browser interface. TRP systems are self-contained, occupying approximately 1 square meter and are typically sited on a concrete pad but can also be mounted on mobile platforms. Electronics are protected by NEMA-4X enclosures, designed to provide continuous worry-free operation. In the event of a sensor failure, components can be rapidly swapped by semi-skilled personnel. RSS, TSI and LIDAR components have built-in hardware self-test functions that help diagnose problems, alerting personnel of problems via email or SNMP messages. Major software upgrades can be remotely applied, further lowering costs and full coverage maintenance contracts are available.
TRP Web-based System Console.
Development History
TRP components were developed by YES engineers in partnership with scientists at the SUNY Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, the US Departments of Energy and Agriculture and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).