Standard will improve radiometry-related uncertainty estimates.
Press Release Summary:
Proposed standard, ASTM WK36479, Practice for Uncertainty Evaluation of Calibration and Measurements with Pyranometers and Pyrheliometers, is being developed by Subcommittee G03.09 on Radiometry, part of Committee G03 on Weathering and Durability. Standard will improve accuracy and usefulness of radiometry-related uncertainty estimates in solar renewable energy applications, such as system performance and acceptance testing, resource assessment, and solar energy system design engineering.
Original Press Release:
ASTM Weathering and Durability Committee Developing Proposed Uncertainty Evaluation Standard
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., -A proposed new ASTM International standard will improve the accuracy and usefulness of radiometry-related uncertainty estimates in a wide range of fast developing solar renewable energy applications, such as system performance and acceptance testing, resource assessment and solar energy system design engineering.
The proposed standard, ASTM WK36479, Practice for Uncertainty Evaluation of Calibration and Measurements with Pyranometers and Pyrheliometers, is being developed by Subcommittee G03.09 on Radiometry, part of ASTM International Committee G03 on Weathering and Durability.
"The emerging importance of solar energy conversion systems in the U.S. and world energy economies requires accurate statements of uncertainty in the assessment of available solar radiation resources, which impact conversion system design and performance data," says Daryl Myers, chairman of G03.09, and recently retired after 33 years of service at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. "These measurements are based on solar radiometers of widely varying design and performance. A common frame of reference for the uncertainty statements quoted by manufacturers will improve user ability to choose appropriate instrumentation and confidence in the data that the instrumentation provides."
According to Myers, while manufacturers quote accuracy specifications for their instruments, the derivation of these specifications is often unstated or unknown. The proposed standard will provide the means for manufacturers to develop uncertainty statements in a documented fashion.
Myers says that the task group developing ASTM WK36479 is looking for active participation from solar radiation measurement manufacturers and solar energy system design and operating engineers.
"G03.09 is active in developing proposed standards related to solar radiometry for indoor and outdoor weathering and durability testing, solar energy conversion system testing and measuring optical properties of materials," says Myers. "Experts in these areas are always invited to make contributions to developing and/or revising standards to meet the needs of these manufacturing and research communities."
ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit http://www.astm.org/JOIN.
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ASTM Committee G03 Next Meeting: June 24-28, 2012, in conjunction with D02 June meeting, San Francisco, Calif.
Technical Contact: Daryl Myers, Arvada, Colo., Phone: 303-431-7650; mybow@comcast.net
ASTM Staff Contact: Jeffrey Adkins, Phone: 610-832-9738; jadkins@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org
