facebook twitter google youtube linkedin

Industry-news


Black Globe Temperature Sensor for Heat Stress and WBGT Monitoring | CDW-11A

Introduction

As global temperatures continue to rise, heat stress has become a serious concern across many industries. Workers in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and solar energy facilities are frequently exposed to high temperatures and strong sunlight. Without proper monitoring, excessive heat can lead to fatigue, dehydration, reduced productivity, and even life-threatening heat stroke.

Most monitoring systems still rely only on air temperature. However, air temperature alone does not represent the true heat people feel. Solar radiation, hot surfaces, machinery, and airflow all influence thermal exposure.

To understand real environmental heat conditions, a more comprehensive measurement method is required. This is where a black globe temperature sensor plays an essential role.


What Is a Black Globe Temperature Sensor?

A black globe temperature sensor is a professional instrument designed to measure the combined effects of radiant heat, air temperature, and convection.

The sensor features a matte black spherical globe that absorbs heat from all directions. Inside the globe, a high-precision temperature element records the accumulated thermal energy. Because the black surface efficiently absorbs radiation, the measured value reflects the total environmental heat load rather than just the surrounding air.

This measurement is known as globe temperature.

Unlike standard temperature probes, globe temperature more closely represents the actual thermal stress experienced by humans, animals, and equipment.

In simple terms, air temperature tells you how hot the air is, while globe temperature tells you how hot it really feels.


Why Air Temperature Alone Is Not Enough

Traditional air temperature sensors measure shaded ambient air only. They do not account for many important heat sources such as:

  • Direct sunlight

  • Reflected heat from concrete or metal surfaces

  • Infrared radiation from machinery

  • Heat accumulation in enclosed spaces

  • Wind and convection effects

Because of these limitations, air temperature often underestimates real working conditions.

For example, the air temperature might read 30°C, but under strong sunlight or near hot equipment, the perceived heat could exceed 40°C or higher. This difference can significantly increase the risk of heat stress.

Relying solely on air temperature may lead to incorrect safety decisions and inadequate protection measures. A black globe temperature sensor provides a more accurate and reliable solution.


How a Black Globe Temperature Sensor Works

The working principle is simple but effective.

First, the black globe absorbs radiation from sunlight, ground surfaces, and nearby objects. Next, heat is transferred to the internal temperature sensor through radiation, conduction, and convection. Finally, the stabilized temperature is recorded as globe temperature.

Because the globe collects heat from all directions, it simulates how the human body absorbs environmental heat. This makes the measurement highly relevant for safety and comfort assessments.


The Role of Globe Temperature in Heat Stress Monitoring

More Accurate Thermal Evaluation

Globe temperature provides a realistic view of environmental heat exposure. It helps safety managers understand actual risk levels instead of relying on incomplete data.

Essential for WBGT Monitoring

WBGT, or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, is the international standard for evaluating heat stress. It is widely used in occupational safety guidelines and industrial regulations.

WBGT calculations require three parameters:

  • Dry bulb temperature

  • Wet bulb temperature

  • Globe temperature

Without globe temperature, WBGT cannot be calculated correctly. Therefore, a black globe temperature sensor is necessary for compliance with many safety standards.

Prevents Heat-Related Illness

With accurate data, organizations can implement preventive measures such as:

  • Adjusting work schedules

  • Increasing rest periods

  • Providing hydration

  • Activating alarms

  • Improving ventilation or shading

These actions reduce health risks and improve overall productivity.


Introducing the CDW-11A Black Globe Temperature Sensor

The CDW-11A Black Globe Temperature Sensor from Coda Sensor is designed for professional environmental and industrial monitoring applications. It provides reliable globe temperature measurement with high accuracy and long-term stability.

The sensor is engineered to operate in demanding outdoor and industrial conditions while maintaining consistent performance. It can be easily integrated into weather stations, safety systems, and IoT monitoring platforms.


Key Features of the CDW-11A

  • High precision and stable measurement

  • Fast response to environmental changes

  • Durable black globe for efficient radiation absorption

  • IP65 protection for outdoor use

  • Wide operating temperature range

  • RS485 Modbus output for digital communication

  • 4–20 mA analog output for industrial control systems

  • Low power consumption and minimal maintenance

These features make the CDW-11A suitable for both small projects and large-scale monitoring networks.


Black Globe temperature sensors.jpg

Typical Applications

Occupational Safety

Construction sites, factories, mines, and steel plants often experience strong radiant heat. The CDW-11A helps monitor real thermal exposure and supports worker protection programs.

Smart Agriculture

In greenhouses and open fields, radiant heat directly affects crops and livestock. Globe temperature data enables better irrigation control, shading strategies, and ventilation management, improving yield and quality.

Solar PV Power Plants

Solar farms operate under intense sunlight and high surface temperatures. Monitoring radiant heat helps evaluate equipment performance and prevent overheating.

Weather Stations and Environmental Monitoring

Meteorological systems benefit from more comprehensive temperature measurements. Globe temperature provides additional insight into climate conditions and heat stress trends.

Smart Cities

Urban areas often experience heat island effects. Black globe sensors help measure real street-level heat exposure and support better urban planning decisions.


Benefits for Engineers and Integrators

The CDW-11A is designed for easy installation and system compatibility. With standard outputs such as RS485 and 4–20 mA, it connects smoothly to PLCs, data loggers, SCADA systems, and cloud platforms.

Its rugged design reduces maintenance requirements, while stable performance ensures reliable long-term operation. This helps lower overall project costs and simplifies deployment.


Why Choose the CDW-11A?

When selecting a black globe temperature sensor, accuracy, durability, and integration flexibility are critical.

The CDW-11A offers:

  • Professional-grade measurement

  • Industrial durability

  • Flexible communication options

  • Reliable outdoor performance

  • Cost-effective operation

These advantages make it an excellent choice for occupational safety, agriculture, energy, and environmental monitoring projects.


Conclusion

Measuring air temperature alone is no longer sufficient for modern heat stress assessment. Real environmental heat comes from multiple sources, including radiation, convection, and surrounding surfaces.

A black globe temperature sensor captures all these effects and provides a complete picture of thermal exposure.

By using the CDW-11A Black Globe Temperature Sensor, organizations can improve safety, ensure WBGT compliance, protect workers, and make smarter operational decisions.

For any application where heat matters, globe temperature monitoring is not just helpful — it is essential.


CATEGORIES

LATEST NEWS

CONTACT US

Contact: Molly

Phone: +86-17775769236

Tel: 86-0731-85117089

Email: molly@codasensor.com

Add: Building S5, Aux Square, Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China

Leave a message

 
Top