how does a rain sensor work​?

rain sensor working principle

Within the domains of meteorological observation and water resources management, rain detector drop sensor serve as a stealthy protector. Thanks to their exacting measurements and trustworthy data, they assist us in demystifying the secrets of natural precipitation.Rainwater sensor represents a sophisticated high-tech instrument designed for the measurement of rainfall. Its emergence has substantially enhanced the precision and immediacy of rain gauge sensor​ monitoring, thereby furnishing essential backing for a multitude of domains, including weather forecasting, hydrological research, and agricultural production.Let’s learn the rain sensor working principle.

Tipping bucket rain drop sensor

Working principle:

This device is composed of several elements, specifically a water bearing device, an upper tipping bucket, a measuring tipping bucket, and a counting tipping bucket. Through the water bearing device, rainwater enters the upper tipping bucket. When the volume of rainwater builds up to a certain level, the upper tipping bucket will tip over and pour the rainwater into the measuring tipping bucket.

Generally, the capacity of the measuring tipping bucket remains unchanged. For example, it might correspond to 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm of rainfall. In this manner, we can calculate the precise amount of rainfall according to the frequency of the overturning of the counting tipping bucket.

Features:
 
It boasts high measurement accuracy and excellent stability.
 
Its structure is relatively straightforward, facilitating easy maintenance and installation.
 
It is appropriate for rainfall monitoring in diverse environmental circumstances.
 
rainfall sensor rain detector sensor​
CDY-12A Tipping Bucket Rainfall
rain gauge
CDY-10B Metal Economical Tipping Bucket Rainfall

Optical rain detector sensor

Working principle:

The principle of light scattering, transmission or reflection is used to measure rainfall. When a raindrop passes through a beam, it causes a change in the intensity, frequency, or phase of the light.

The amount of rainfall by detecting these changes and then carrying out signal processing and algorithm calculation.

Features:

Fast response speed and is capable of real-time monitoring of rainfall changes.

No mechanical parts, high reliability, not easy to damage.

The precision is higher and less affected by external environmental factors.

However, the cost is relatively high, and there are certain requirements for the installation and use environment.

Optical Rain Sensor
CDY-15A Optical Rain Sensor

Piezoelectric rainfall

Working principle:

When a raindrop makes contact with the rain detector sensor vibration element, the impact force of the raindrop induces a minute mechanical vibration on the vibration element. These vibrations are extremely faint. However, when the raindrop impacts and causes the mechanical vibration, which then instigates the mechanical stress on the piezoelectric material of the vibrating element, the piezoelectric effect engenders an electric charge. Through this progression, we can efficaciously transmute the impact energy of the raindrop into an electrical signal.

Features:

High accuracy: The impact intensity and frequency of raindrops can be accurately measured, thus accurately calculating rainfall.

High sensitivity: The impact of tiny raindrops can also produce obvious electrical signals, suitable for measuring light rain and trace rainfall.

Fast response: It can monitor the change of rainfall in real time, and the response speed is fast, which can provide timely rainfall data.

High reliability: no mechanical moving parts, not susceptible to wear and damage, long service life.

 
piezoelectric rain gauge
CDQ-X100 Piezoelectric Type Rain

customer case

Monitoring environment:

We mount a weather station with a tripod on the roof. We use metal tipping – bucket raindrop sensors to collect rainfall in the vicinity of the house.

Rainfall resolution:0.1mm

Power supply:solar-powered

Data  cycle:Upload every 15 minutes

Transmission mode:4G Data is uploaded to the CODA platform

Monitoring environment

To effectively monitor the impact of rainfall on the river level, we install the piezoelectric rainwater sensor on the single pole bracket beside the river. This location is carefully chosen as it provides an optimal vantage point for accurate data collection.

Rainfall resolution:0.2mm

Power supply:solar-powered

Data  cycle:Upload every 30 minutes

Transmission mode:RS485 Integration into the system for data analysis

Monitoring environment:

Install rain gauge sensor​ in mountainous highlands to monitor how much rain falls in the area over time.

Rainfall resolution:0.2mm

Power supply:solar-powered

Data  cycle:Upload every 60 minutes

Transmission mode:4G Data is uploaded to the CODA platform

Conclusion

In conclusion, rain gauge sensor​ hold an indispensable position in numerous sectors including meteorology, agriculture, hydrology, and transportation. As technology perpetually evolves and advances, further enhancements will be made to the capabilities of rainwater sensor, and their range of applications will continuously expand. We anticipate that they will confer greater convenience and benefits on the development of a wider variety of fields and on people’s daily lives.

In the field of meteorological monitoring, CODA, with excellent professional ability and rich industry experience, has carefully created a variety of meteorological monitoring solutions for customers.

Whether it is the complex and changeable urban environment, or the vast wild area; Whether it is for the precision needs of agricultural production, or for the escort of special industries such as aerospace, maritime transportation, CODA can provide suitable solutions. For urban weather monitoring, we can deploy intensive smart sensor networks to capture key data such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed and direction, and air quality in real time, helping urban planners and environmental protection departments respond to meteorological disasters and pollution events in advance, and ensuring the quality of life and safety of urban residents. 

In the field of agriculture, our customized meteorological monitoring program focuses on the accurate measurement of soil moisture, precipitation distribution, light intensity and other indicators, providing a scientific basis for farmers to rationally arrange agricultural activities, optimize irrigation and fertilization strategies, and promote agriculture to become intelligent and efficient.

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