The basics of calibration procedure and estimation of uncertainty budget for meteorological temperature sensors

Abstract

ABSTRACT The primary aim of this study was to develop the basic principles for calibration of meteorological temperature sensors. The sensors commonly used in the meteorological community were calibrated using a comparison method in the temperature range from −40 to +50 °C. Measurements were carried out using a typical liquid thermostatic bath and a climatic chamber. The experiments allowed the identification of characteristics for each calibration system and the definition of metrological parameters for sensors used in weather stations. Components of uncertainty budget were identified and estimated, and the total uncertainty was calculated. The calibration procedure allowed to reach the uncertainty of calibration in a liquid–air equipment U < 0.10 °C and in a climatic chamber: 0.27 °C ≤ U ≤ 0.99 °C. Presented outcomes were obtained as a result of the project MeteoMet – Metrology for Meteorology.