Technical Analysis and Application Guide for Automated Weather Stations

Automated weather stations are used for the monitoring and data collection of environmental and meteorological factors, and are widely applied in fields such as meteorology, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and geological research. They can observe meteorological parameters in real time, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, air pressure, and rainfall, providing crucial data support for weather forecasting, climate change research, agricultural production, and environmental protection.

 I. Basic Uses of Automated Weather Stations 

An automated weather station is an integrated observational device combining multiple meteorological sensors and data collection systems, mainly used for real-time monitoring of atmospheric environmental parameters and soil ecological indicators. Its core functions include: 

1. Environmental Monitoring  

   - Collecting meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, and radiation to support meteorological research and environmental assessments. 

2. Agricultural Ecological Observations  

   - Using sensors like soil temperature and humidity, pH value, and photosynthetically active radiation to provide data support for precision agriculture, forestry, and ecological research. 

3. Disaster Warning and Assessment  

   - Combining real-time data collection and alarm functions to assist in disaster warning and post-disaster analysis for floods, droughts, strong winds, and other events.

 II. Installation Guidelines for Automated Weather Stations

1. Selection of Installation Site  

   - Basic Requirements: Choose a flat, open site with minimal obstruction from tall buildings, trees, or electromagnetic interference sources.

   - Foundation Construction:

     - If the installation is on land, a cement foundation must be prepared. First, install expansion bolts, then reinforce the cement foundation. The bracket and rainfall sensor must be securely fixed using expansion bolts.

     - Roof or high-altitude areas must assess weight-bearing and wind resistance capacity. 

2. Wind and Lightning Protection  

   - Wind Resistance:  

     - In coastal areas or on tall buildings, install windproof cables to enhance bracket stability; ensure sensor cables have slack to prevent wind vibration.

   - Lightning Protection:  

     - For roof installations, equip the station with a lightning rod and grounding system, ensuring a ground resistance of ≤4Ω. Install surge protectors on sensor cables.

3. Power Supply Wiring Standards  

   - Safety Wiring:  

     - Use PVC pipes to protect the cables, preferably along walls or high-altitude paths; underground wiring must have double-layer casings and waterproof bends.

   - Power Distribution System:  

     - Equip with air switches and leakage protection devices, and add lightning protection modules at the power input to ensure safety for both the equipment and personnel.

 III. System Composition and Configuration of Automated Weather Stations

1. Meteorological Sensors  

   - Environmental Sensors: Include temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, light, ultraviolet radiation, etc.

   - Soil Sensors: Such as soil temperature, humidity, and pH value.

   - Radiation Sensors: Including total radiation, photosynthetically active radiation, and ultraviolet radiation.

   - Rainfall Sensor: A single reed switch type with a resolution of 0.2mm, self-cleaning funnel design, and anti-blockage features.

   - Other Sensors: Such as carbon dioxide sensors and evaporation sensors, which can be added according to needs.

2. Data Collection System  

   - Core Functions:

     - Multi-Channel Collection: Supports 16 channels of sensors in parallel, with a sampling frequency of 1 minute per sample.

     - Data Transmission: Standard RS232/485, USB, Ethernet interfaces compatible with the Modbus protocol, with optional 4G/5G wireless transmission.

     - Storage and Alarm: Built-in flash memory supports over one year of data storage, with automatic alarm triggered by threshold exceedance.

     - Automatic Recording, Alarm, and Data Communication: Supports scheduled storage and parameter settings. Collected data can be viewed through a platform or exported and analyzed.

     - Power Supply: Options include mains power, solar + battery (15-day backup during continuous rainy days), or DC12V direct current. 

3. Mechanical Structure  

   - Bracket System: 3-meter hot-dip galvanized steel bracket with adjustable sensor installation height.

   - Protective Housing: IP65 waterproof rating, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from -50°C to +50°C.

 IV. Technical Features and Advantages of Automated Weather Stations

1. Intelligent Functions:  

   - Automatic calibration, data resumption after interruptions, cloud platform remote access, and GIS map visualization. 

2. Low Power Consumption Technology:  

   - The total power consumption is ≤1.5W (wireless transmission mode), with solar power systems suitable for environments without mains power. 

3. Solar Power Supply and Wireless Data Transmission:  

   - Solar Power: No external power required, suitable for remote areas or environments without electricity.

   - Wireless Data Transmission: Supports GPRS, 4G, and 5G network options, enabling remote data transmission for real-time monitoring and analysis. 

4. Flexible Expandability and Comprehensive Functions:  

   - Monitors multiple meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall.

   - Supports dynamic monitoring of multiple soil layers, allowing long-term tracking and analysis.

   - Customizable sensor combinations, including modules for greenhouse gases (CO₂), evaporation, and other specialized monitoring.

5. Maintenance-Free Design:  

   - No moving parts, simple structure, easy installation and maintenance, ensuring high stability and suitability for long-term outdoor or harsh environmental applications. 

6. High Reliability and Adaptability:  

   - Stable operation in extreme temperature ranges (-50°C to +50°C) and high humidity environments, adaptable to various climates and geographic conditions.

 V. Typical Application Scenarios of Automated Weather Stations

Automated weather stations are widely used in meteorological observation, agricultural monitoring, environmental protection, geological research, and scientific experiments. They are particularly suited for field applications, capable of operating reliably in complex terrains and weather conditions, providing precise and reliable data support for researchers and relevant sectors. 

1. Agricultural Meteorological Services:  

   - Monitoring microclimates in farmland: irrigation decision support, crop pest and disease early warning. 

2. Environmental Monitoring:  

   - Atmospheric pollutant diffusion research, ecological reserve microclimate assessments. 

3. Scientific Research and Emergency:  

   - Polar/high-altitude scientific expeditions, post-earthquake meteorological rapid deployment, major event weather support.

 Conclusion 

Automated weather stations, with their precise monitoring capabilities, flexible installation methods, and advanced technical configurations, have become essential tools for meteorological observation and environmental research. Through automated monitoring, data collection, and transmission systems, they provide strong data support for meteorological research, agricultural production, environmental monitoring, and more, promoting the sustainable development of various industries.