BASIC DESCRIPTION:

 3 Advantages of MetCover

 1) In older designs of radiation shields (Left figure 1), a large portion of solar radiation tends to be reflected into the interior of the shield, where it adversely affects the quality of measurements.

 In this new design a completely opposite trend of solar radiation reflections is evident (Right figure 1), outwards from the shield. This is due to the “stairs” on the inside of the shield, the shape of which (horizontal parts) ensures the reflection of solar radiation outwards from the shield.

 2) Another advantage of the new solution is that the individual slats are composed of 2 parts (like a sandwich, Right figure 1). The upper part is made of white, highly UV-resistant plastic, ensuring maximum reflectivity for solar radiation. The lower part is made of black plastic, which ensures minimal reflections. The advantage of this solution is long-term color stability, without the need to renew (renovate) the coatings, especially the inner black surface. This sandwich arrangement also gives the shield great mechanical strength and resistance, for example against possible heavy frost and strong wind.

 3) Last but not least, the advantages of MetCover radiation shields are a solution that significantly reduces heat transfer by conduction from the outer surface of the individual slats to their inner surface and thus into the inner space of the shield. This is achieved by the fact that the white part of the shield is provided with notches on the inside (in the shape of "steps"), which significantly reduces the size of the contact area at the transition between the white and black parts of the sandwich and creates a large number of small air chambers. This causes the significant reduction in heat transfer.

The MetCover radiation shield design also includes a standard solution with a double upper slat (without an internal opening), which ensures thermal shielding of the interior space from the most thermally stressed upper (top) slat, which receives the most solar radiation.

The radiation shield serves to shade temperature or relative humidity sensors from direct sunlight and rain. In the basic version, the shield consists of nine gradually overlapping circular slats, creating blinds around the sensor. This allows air to flow between the slats and thus around the sensor. The body of the slats and the base is made of plastic, the connecting material is made of stainless steel. Each of the slats consists of two segments, the outer one is white and the inner one is black. For better shielding of light or thermal energy, the inner surface is not smooth, but serrated. The shield design allows for quick installation on the mast arm using a screw and easy fastening of the sensor inside the shield. The shield can also be supplied in a smaller version MetCover - Small or in a version for measuring ground temperature MetCover - Ground. Both smaller versions have five slats each.

The radiation shield can be optionally supplied with a higher interior height.  

A different number and size of grommets can be supplied upon request.