In one respect, disclosed is a device or system for solar irradiance measurement comprising at least two irradiance sensors deployed outdoors at substantially different angles, such that, by analysis of readings from said irradiance sensors, direct irradiance, diffuse irradiance, and/or global irradiance are determined. In another respect, the disclosed device or system may additionally determine ground-reflected irradiance.

Certain aspects pertain to a combination sensor comprising a set of physical sensors facing different directions proximate a structure, and configured to measure solar radiation in different directions. The combination sensor also comprises a virtual facade-aligned sensor configured to determine a combi-sensor value at a facade of the structure based on solar radiation readings from the set of physical sensors.

A photodiode comprising a photoactive spinel oxide layer is described. This photoactive spinel oxide layer forms a contact with both a light absorption layer of quantum dots, quantum wires, or quantum rods, and an inorganic substrate layer. In some embodiments, the inorganic substrate layer and the photoactive spinel oxide layer form an isotype junction. Methods of characterizing the photodiode are provided and demonstrate commercially relevant electrical and optoelectronic properties, particularly the ability to operate as a photodetector with a high photosensitivity. An economical process for preparing the photodiode is provided as well as applications.

A photodiode comprising a photoactive spinel oxide layer is described. This photoactive spinel oxide layer forms a contact with both a light absorption layer of quantum dots, quantum wires, or quantum rods, and an inorganic substrate layer. In some embodiments, the inorganic substrate layer and the photoactive spinel oxide layer form an isotype junction. Methods of characterizing the photodiode are provided and demonstrate commercially relevant electrical and optoelectronic properties, particularly the ability to operate as a photodetector with a high photosensitivity. An economical process for preparing the photodiode is provided as well as applications.

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network.

A method of estimating an indoor lighting condition includes acquiring an image from a camera at a location within an indoor space at a selected time, determining the location from which the image is taken, and estimating an outdoor sunlight density based on the location and the selected time. The method also includes collecting a plurality of daylight factors, each daylight factor of the plurality of daylight factors corresponding to a characteristic of the indoor space, calculating an indoor daylight index for the indoor space in real time based on the outdoor sunlight density and the plurality of daylight factors, and presenting the indoor daylight index to a user in real time.

A system is provided for determining personal ultra-violet (UV) radiation measurements. The system may include a measurement device configured to measure UV irradiation; and a terminal device configured to receive an output of the measured UV irradiation from the measurement device and to display a specific user's personal UV exposure risk level based on at least the measured sun irradiation.

A clothing item or wearable accessory for use with a system for calculating the exposure to sun radiation received on the different parts of the body by a person, including a wearable device (1) that communicates with a telecommunication mobile device (2) and a remote computing unit (3) operatively connected to satellites (4) to receive georeferenced data related to solar irradiation over time and set to associate the solar irradiance data to the geographical position, the posture and the orientation of the person (P) or of parts of the person's body.

One variation of a method for measuring ambient ultraviolet light radiation including: calculating a target direct orientation of a light exposure device based on a location, a current date and time, and a direct solar position model; calculating a target diffuse orientation of the light exposure device based on the location, the current date and time, and a diffuse solar position model; in response to detecting alignment between orientation of the light exposure device and the target direct orientation, recording a direct ultraviolet value; in response to detecting alignment between orientation of the light exposure device and the target diffuse orientation, recording a diffuse ultraviolet value; in response to detecting alignment between orientation of the light exposure device and a target global orientation, recording a global ultraviolet value; and calculating an ultraviolet index based on the global ultraviolet value, the direct ultraviolet value, and the diffuse ultraviolet value.

A vehicle detector assembly for detecting solar radiation may include a housing, a fixed plate fixed to an upper surface of the housing in a flat form, a plurality of photo detectors bonded to a surface of the fixed plate, each being connected to a lead having a uniform one-directional inclination structure, and a detector cap fastened to the housing and transmitting sunlight.