Solar Sensor

Photodetector sunlight affects the regulation of auto air conditioning , such as conditioning. The device scans the solar radiation incident on the sensor. control unit air conditioning evaluates signals from temperature sensors located in the interior of the vehicle, the sensors located at the inlet of fresh air and sunlight intensity sensor. Based on this information, the control unit automatically regulates its activity.

Principle of operation:
Sunlight falling on the photodetector through the first filter, an optical element and then falls on the photodiode. Filter, like sunglasses, protecting the photodiode from damage from sunlight.

Consists of a semiconductor photodiode sensitive to light. Upon impact, a very small amount of light passes through a semiconductor diode is little current. Exposure to light the current flow increases. According to the measured current flow control unit detects the intensity of sunlight.

Turn out the sun at an angle from the front to the interior of the vehicle, increasing the feeling of warmth. Therefore, it must increase the cooling effect of the automatic air conditioning. The optical element ensures that much of an angle of incident solar radiation is guided to a photodiode. Conversely, if the sun high above the horizon, a significant part confined to the photodiode and is falling.

Text: John Sajdl
Photo: Skoda Auto
Keywords: conditioning, air conditioning, automatic climate control, sensor, photodiode, solar radiation, shine