How rain and snow sensors work and their practical applications
Rain and snow sensors, both forms of natural precipitation, arise from disruptions in the atmospheric cycle and play a crucial role in the Earth’s water cycle. They serve as the sole means of delivering fresh water to land-based organisms located far from rivers and lakes. Precipitation acts as the main contributor to surface runoff and is the primary source for replenishing groundwater.
Rain and snow, both forms of natural precipitation, arise from disruptions in the atmospheric cycle and play a crucial role in the Earth’s hydrological cycle. They are essential for replenishing fresh water to land-based organisms located far from rivers and lakes. The irregular spatial distribution and temporal variability of precipitation directly lead to flooding, waterlogging, and drought conditions.
There are two categories of sensors associated with rain and snow: rain gauges, which measure the amount of rainfall, and rain and snow sensors, which detect the occurrence of rain or snow. As I delved into relevant information, I observed that a great number of articles exist regarding rain gauges, yet there is a paucity of articles centering on rain and snow sensors.Therefore, this article aims to introduce and discuss rain and snow sensor in detail.
Rain and snow sensors
A rain and snow sensor is an integral part of a weather monitoring system. Manufacturers craft this specialized device to detect the presence of rain or snow in outdoor environments or natural settings. Rain and snow sensors find applications across various fields, including meteorology, agriculture, industry, marine, environmental studies, airports, ports, and transportation, providing qualitative assessments of rain and snow presence.
Operating principle of the rain and snow sensor
Rainfall detection: These sensors employ grid electrodes positioned above the sensor, utilizing the electrical conductivity of water. When rain lands on the sensing area, it causes the electrodes to short circuit, enabling the device to detect and monitor rainfall effectively.
Observing snowfall: The rain and snow sensor can measure snowfall due to its automatic heating feature, which prevents icing and condensation in snowy conditions, especially when temperatures remain below 0°C for extended periods and in environments with high humidity. Additionally, the heating temperature is adjustable.
Practical uses for rain and snow sensors (rain)
Rain and snow sensors are beneficial in greenhouses. During frequent rainstorms, once the rain sensor detects precipitation, it can significantly minimize the damage to greenhouse crops. We achieve this by connecting the rain – avoidance systems of the greenhouse via the appropriate system and alerting the greenhouse management personnel at the same time.
Moreover, when farm managers overlook certain weather conditions, the system detects unusual data and promptly sends a notification to the grower within a predetermined timeframe. This ensures that even if they are unable to visit the greenhouse promptly, the greenhouse manager can implement remote measures to minimize potential losses. In scenarios where no personnel are present, rain and snow sensors can autonomously manage the greenhouse by connecting with relevant systems through specific parameter configurations. This ensures that the vegetables within the greenhouse consistently remain in an optimal growing environment.
Practical uses for rain and snow sensors (snow)
Rain and snow sensors are applicable for use on highways or railway lines. In northern China, roads and railways frequently face harsh winter conditions with wind and snow. It’s common knowledge that highways shut down during severe weather. Imagine how frustrating it would be to be trapped on a highway during a snowstorm due to unpredictable weather conditions, with no way to either proceed forward or turn back.
The snow and rain sensor serves as a qualitative tool for gauging snowfall outdoors. It features an automatic heating capability that prevents data inaccuracies due to ice and dew, especially during snowfalls, when temperatures remain below 0°C for extended periods, and in environments with high humidity. The sensor’s grille is automatically heated under these conditions. When the sensor detects snowfall, it can send the data to a cloud platform through the relevant highway or railway weather station. By accurately assessing the snowfall in conjunction with other sensors, it provides timely alerts to drivers who are either on the highway or planning to travel, enabling them to make necessary preparations in advance.
