how to install weather station ?
We should comprehensively consider various points for the ambient weather station installation. Firstly, we need to select sites reasonably according to the geographical environment and requirements. Secondly, we should take into account the characteristics of transmission methods like wired Ethernet (considering its stable transmission but the limitation of wiring by geography and high cost) and 4G network (wide coverage which is beneficial to multi-regional deployment).To learn more about install weather station, continue reading this article.
We also have to ensure that the data acquisition equipment can be connected to a variety of terminal devices (such as computers, smartphones and tablets) through WIFI to make data reception and processing convenient. Moreover, we should consider the possible influence of bad weather on signal and transmission.
Selecting the Location:
When install weather station, it is of utmost importance to pick an open and spacious area. Such an area needs to be far away from all kinds of obstructions like buildings, trees or other edifices. These obstructions could interfere with the normal wind patterns and also have an impact on the precision of temperature and humidity measurements.
The chosen ambient weather station installation location must be characteristic and typical of the encompassing environment, devoid of any heat-emitting elements or sources of excessive moisture. Such elements could introduce biases in the measured temperature and humidity values, leading to inaccurate data.
Should preferably install the weather station on flat and even ground. This not only helps in preventing the accumulation of water, which could damage the equipment, but also guarantees the stability and proper functioning of the station, ensuring the reliability of the collected meteorological data.
Mounting the Weather Instruments:
Position the anemometer, the sensor for detecting wind speed and direction, at an elevation above the ground that allows it to sample wind flow without any blockages. The typical and recommended height for installing anemometers is precisely 10 meters (equivalent to 33 feet) above the ground.
Mount the temperature and humidity sensors in a shaded area to prevent direct exposure to sunlight, which can affect readings.
Power Supply:
Choose the power supply for your weather station. Some use batteries, while others need mains power or a solar panel for continuous running.
Ensure the power source is reliable and protected from environmental factors such as moisture and temperature extremes.
Wiring and Connectivity:
For those weather stations that incorporate wired sensors like the temperature or humidity ones, it is essential to meticulously plan and execute the cable routing. The cables should be firmly fastened and protected to avoid any potential harm or disruption. This might involve using cable clips or conduits to keep the wires in place and shielded from physical abrasion or environmental factors.
Photovoltaic industry weather station:
Lighting conditions:
The install weather station ought to possess ample light. It is essential to steer clear of surrounding obstructions like tall edifices and trees. This is to guarantee the precise measurement of solar radiation quantity. Given that solar radiation data holds significant importance in evaluating the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation.
Representative area:
Select the location that can represent the meteorological conditions of the region where the photovoltaic power station is located. If the photovoltaic power station area is large, we had better install the weather station in the central area of the power station or the area near the main power generation equipment.
Avoid interference sources:
Keep away from large heat sources, pollution sources, and electromagnetic interference sources.
Photovoltaic panel Angle matching:
Ideally, the installation plane of the radiation sensor should be consistent with the installation plane of the photovoltaic panel. For fixed Angle photovoltaic panels, the sensor should also be installed at the same Angle.
The radiation sensor should be installed at an appropriate height, generally 1.5 – 2 meters above the ground. This height can avoid ground – related interferences like reflection and thermal radiation on measurement results, and also simplifies daily maintenance and inspection.
Hydrological monitoring weather station:
Close to water bodies:
Should install weather station as close to monitoring water bodies as possible, such as the banks of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc., so that we can obtain meteorological data related to water evaporation and precipitation into lakes (rivers) more accurately.
Representativeness:
The meteorological circumstances of the chosen site ought to be characteristic of the entire hydrological monitoring zone. When monitoring a large reservoir, installing the weather station on the reservoir’s central peninsula or an open shore area is ideal. This ensures the meteorological data collected, like temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, can be used for hydrological model calculations across the entire reservoir area.
Waterproof and moisture-proof treatment:
Due to the proximity of water bodies, the waterproof and moisture-proof of the equipment is essential. All electrical equipment and connection lines should be waterproof.
Firmness and stability:
The weather station’s supports and instruments must be installed firmly. Since the hydrologic monitoring area, particularly near water where winds can be stronger, may endure severe weather like strong winds and heavy rain, equipment installation should incorporate windproof measures. These can include using a deep – buried foundation or a weighted base to prevent the equipment from toppling in strong winds.
smart agricultural ambient weather station installation:
Field representative area:
The install weather station ought to be selected such that it can comprehensively represent the meteorological conditions prevailing over the entire field area. In the context of a sizable expanse of farmland, it is optimal to place the station either at the very center of the field or in close proximity to the primary crop-planting regions.
Avoid blocking and interference:
To avoid surrounding tall buildings, trees and other shielding, to ensure the accurate measurement of solar radiation, precipitation and wind direction and speed data.
Close to irrigation and drainage systems:
As close as possible to irrigation water sources and drainage channels on farmland, it is easy to monitor the impact of precipitation and irrigation water on soil moisture. This allows better integration of meteorological data with irrigation and drainage data.
Installing height:
Temperature and humidity sensors are typically installed 1.5 – 2 meters above the ground. This height is near the crop canopy, enabling them to better represent the temperature and humidity of the crop – growing environment. The rain socket of the rain sensor is usually 0.7 – 1 meter from the ground to avoid interference from ground splashing in the measurement.
environmental weather station:
Representative environmental areas:
We should install weather stations in locations that are representative of the overall environmental characteristics of the monitored area. If we want to monitor the urban environment, we can select the functional mixed zone of the city, such as the place that contains residential, commercial and small industrial areas at the same time, to obtain comprehensive meteorological data to reflect the urban environment.
Away from sources of pollution and interference:
Stay away from obvious sources of pollution, including industrial sources (such as chemical plants, waste incineration plants), traffic sources (such as busy highways, railways) and agricultural sources (such as large farms, areas with heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers).
Geomorphic factors:
Try to choose flat and open areas, and avoid ambient weather station installation at the bottom of valleys and steep slopes. The valley bottom is prone to airflow convergence and pollutant accumulation.