Engineering topics

Estey, R. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Estey, R. S..

6 records

NASA NTRS1984

Method and apparatus for precision control of radiometer

A radiometer controller of a radiation detector is provided with a calibration method and apparatus comprised of mounting all temperature sensitive elements of the controller in thermostatically controlled ovens during calibration and measurements, using a selected temperature that is above any which might be reached in the field. The instrument is calibrated in situ by adjusting heater power (EI) to the receptor cavity in the radiometer detector to a predetermined full scale level and is displayed by a meter.

Estey, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Pyrheliometer With Improved Accuracy

Instrument maintains components at constant temperature and allows tenfold improvement in instrumental accuracy. Two units make up improved pyreheliometer. Radiometer absorbs radiant energy and generates electrical signal. Control unit, which incorporates improvements, provides amplifiers, controls, and calibration circuits. Instrument 10 times more accurate than previous sion.

Estey, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Low-cost solar array project: Four absolute cavity radiometer (pyrheliometer) intercomparisons at New River, Arizona: Radiometer standards

Four detailed intercomparisons were made for a number of models of cavity-type self-calibrating radiometers (pyrheliometers). Each intercomparison consisted of simultaneous readings of pyrheliometers at 30-second intervals in runs of 10 minutes, with at least 15 runs per intercomparison. Twenty-seven instruments were in at least one intercomparison, and five were in all four. Summarized results and all raw data are provided from the intercomparisons.

Estey, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Economical ultraviolet radiometer

Inexpensive, cosine-corrected radiometer measures ultraviolet radiation. In field use, instrument tests materials for effects of ultraviolet exposure and studies solar-cell degradation. It consists of cup-shaped diaphragm and diffusing dome for corrected response, two filters that select wavelength range, and silicon solar cell. Filters control response within passband of 300 to 400 nm.

Seaman, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The spectral irradiance of some solar simulators and its effect on cell measurements

Moderate resolution spectral irradiance measurements in the range 300 nm to 1100 nm have been made of eight radiant sources which are currently being used as solar simulators. Spectral irradiance data are presented in graphical form. To demonstrate the interplay of source spectral distribution and cell spectral response, measurements of short circuit current of five cells of differing response characteristics have been made with these sources. These results are presented in tabular and graphical form.

Seaman, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Cosine-corrected optical diffuser

In solar energy utilization studies, correct measurements of flux arriving at other angles to optical axis must be given. Developed device (Cosine diffuser) significantly reduces measurement errors. In combination of radiation transmitter and diffuser co-operating with collimated optical instrument, relative aperture of instrument is filled.

Estey, R. S.↗