Method and apparatus for measuring solar radiation in a vegetative canopy

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:866300

Gutschick, Vincent P ^[1]; Barron, Michael H ^[1]; Waechter, David A ^[1]; Wolf, Michael A ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM

An apparatus and method for measuring solar radiation received in a vegetative canopy. A multiplicity of sensors selectively generates electrical signals in response to impinging photosynthetically active radiation in sunlight. Each sensor is attached to a plant within the canopy and is electrically connected to a separate port in a junction box having a multiplicity of ports. Each port is connected to an operational amplifier. Each amplifier amplifies the signals generated by the sensors. Each amplifier is connected to an analog-to-digital convertor which digitizes each signal. A computer is connected to the convertors and accumulates and stores solar radiation data. A data output device such as a printer is connected to the computer and displays the data.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4678330
• OSTI ID: 866300
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
measuring
solar
radiation
vegetative
canopy
received
multiplicity
sensors
selectively
generates
electrical
signals
response
impinging
photosynthetically
active
sunlight
sensor
attached
plant
electrically
connected
separate
junction
box
ports
operational
amplifier
amplifies
generated
analog-to-digital
convertor
digitizes
signal
computer
convertors
accumulates
stores
data
output
device
printer
displays
output device
data output
electrical signals
electrical signal
solar radiation
electrically connected
signals generated
operational amplifier
radiation received
photosynthetically active
amplifier amplifies
measuring solar
generates electrical
vegetative canopy
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