AU685008B2 - Weather station - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 *o S S. S Se...

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: "WEATHER STATION" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:

TITLE

"WEATHER STATION" FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to a weather station for measuring meteorological conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional weather stations comprise one or more meteorologica! sensors mounted on a frame. The sensors are used to detect a particular meteorological condition and produce a sensor signal. A number of sensors have been employed including anemometer (wind speed) and wind direction sensors, temperature •and humidity sensor, barometric pressure sensor, solar radiation sensor, ultra-violet light sensor and a rain gauge.

~Each sensor usually has its own housing. The housing a 15 provides protection from adverse conditions and may include signal conditioning or a dedicated converter. The converter measures the *e 0 sensor signal and produces a converter signal which is transmitted oooo• and processed to a central data collecting device, typically a microprocessor. The converter may be physically separated from the micro- S 20 processor and is purposefully designed as a standard unit adaptable to different sensors and producing a converter signal recognisable by the micro-processor. The micro-processor receives converter signals arising from each sensor and processes each converter signal in accordance with preset or user set programs.

The frame provides the sensors and their housings with a position in which they can "sense" the particular weather element effectively. Most frames have extended unwieldy structures in order to expose the sensors to the weather. A T-shaped frame is common as are more complex arrangements.

An example of a conventional weather station is Environdata's Weather Master. The Weather Master has essentially a T-shaped frame with an anemometer and wind direction sensor on each end of the cross arm of the T, a solar radiation sensor mounted above the cross arm, a data recorder contained within a box mounted below the arm, a radiation screen mounted below the box and associated therewith a temperature sensor and humidity sensor. The Weather Master also has a solar panel mounted on the box to provide a source of power for the system. The Weather Master may have an

S

optional rain gauge located separately on the ground.

*There are a number of variations of the conventional weather station. A further example is the weather station disclosed in the European Patent Specification EP0413640 which comprises a S support frame mounted on a box-shaped platform. The platform 20 contains a command module, a memory means, a rain gauge and a psychrometer. The support frame has three arms. The 'trid of each arm contains either an anemometer, wind direction sensor or a solar radiation sensor.

A further development of the conventional weather station is the arrangement within a single housing of an anemometer and wind direction sensor as disclosed in British Patent Specification GB2130828. The housing, however, appears to be mounted at an end of an arm of a support frame.

There are, however, a number of disadvantages associated with the conventional weather stations. Because of the conventional weather station's awkward shape, it must be transported to a suitable on-site location in parts. However, the assembly of the parts including the making of appropriate electrical connections, is complicated, requiring the purchaser to be familiar with electrical and mechanical assembly. Assembly problems are exacerbated when assembly occurs on-location distant from an

*O

adequate workshop. As well, the data collecting device of each •individual system requires programming by either manufacturer, h sup, ter or user to suit the particular configuration of sensors thus ~requiring the purchaser to have expertise with programming and computers. These types of problems are further exemplified when 4 one or more components break down and the weather station needs

S

B B to be disassembled on location and returned to the manufacturer or 20 supplier and then reassembled on location with the new or repaired components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a weather station to overcome at least in part, one or more of the disadvantages associated with conventional weather stations.

In one aspect the invention provides a weather station for measuring meteorological conditions comprising:a mounting member; a plurality of meteorological sensors mounted to the mounting member wherein at least two sensors are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the mounting member; a data recorder mounted to the mounting member and electrically associated with each of said sensors; and a housing surrounding the mounting member.

The mounting member may be of any suitable shape :o depending on the number and type of sensors used. Preferably, the mounting member is centrally located. Preferably, the mounting member is a unitary plate which is releasably attachable to a base support. Alternatively, the mounting member may comprise a plurality lotO of frame members such as a vertical frame member and one or more transverse frame members. The mounting member may have one or more releasable sites for attachment of the sensors.

Any type of suitable sensor may be used and may include S 20 an anemometer, a wind direction sensor, a solar radiation sensor, a rainfall sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor and an ultra-violet light sensor.

The rainfall sensor preferably includes a tipping bucket rain gauge. The rainfall sensor may have a collecting funnel in which 6 the rain is directed to the tipping bucket rain gauge. The collecting funnel may be mounted in any suitable position on the weather station that allows unobstructed and representatives sampling of rainfall. The collecting funnel is preferably mounted at the top of the weather station with the tipping bucket rain gauge mounted in a suitable operational position. Preferably, there is a suitable means such as a discharge pipe for discharge of accumulated rain water.

The solar radiation sensor or pyranometer is preferably mounted in direct sunlight in such a manner that it provides an unrestricted field of view of the upper hemisphere and limits the interference of reflected light. The solar radiation sensor may be mounted at the top of the weather station. Preferably, the solar radiation sensor is mounted so that its top surface is substantially level with the top of the collecting funnel. The solar radiation sensor may be mounted within the collecting funnel. Preferably the solar radiation sensor is attached to the outside of the collecting funnel.

The temperature and humidity sensors are preferably eS mounted in a position where the temperature sensor measures true air temperature and the humidity sensor measures true relative humidity.

S 20 The temperature and humidity sensors are preferably surrounded by a sensor screen housing which allows air flow but prevents entry of direct sunlight, rainfall and high speed winds. An insulating layer may be added to minimise heat transfer into the sensor screen housing from other components.

The anemometer may include a turbine of any suitable shape such as a single turbine, double turbine or a three cup turbine.

The turbine is preferably mounted in a position where the wind is not obstructed or deflected. The anemometer is preferably mounted at the base of the weather station.

A wind direction sensor may include a wind vane of any suitable shape. Preferably the wind vane is mounted in a position that is exposed to unobstructed or undeflected wind. Preferably, the wind direction sensor uses an incremental encoder to produce a sensor signal. Alternatively, an absolute (analogue) encoder may be used instead of an incremental encoder. Preferably, the wind speed sensor and wind direction sensors are of lightweight construction. Preferably the wind speed sensor and wind direction sensors are removable so that they are not damaged during transportation.

Oo e The weather station may comprise any two types of sensors such as the anemometer and the wind direction sensor, the temperature and the humidity sensors or the rainfall and the solar radiation sensors. Alternatively, the weather station may have three,

S

four, five, six or more sensors. The weather station preferably has six

VS

o S 20 sensors.

Each sensor is adjaceni to the longitudinal axis of the mounting member. Preferably each sensor is substantially in-line with each other sensor providing a sensor arrangement that is relatively compact compared with the sensor arrangement in conventional 8 weather stations.

The data recorder may include a signal measurement means which measures the sensor signal. The data recorder may include a processing means which processes the sensor signal. The processing means may be a micro-processor which processes the measured sensor signal to produce data. Processing may produce data from individual sensor signals. During processing, two or more signals from sensors may be considered together to produce relevant data. The micro-processor may include a memory means. The data recorder may also include a data transmission means which transmits data to a computer and monitor, display unit or the like. The data recorder may also have a removable data storage device as a means for collecting and gathering the data. The data recorder may have a display device such as a flashing indicator or liquid crystal display (LCD). The data recorder may also have a keyboard for entry of °information and commands. The data transmission means may send data by any suitable communication means using devices such as cables, modems, telephones, radio, satellites or the like.

S

Alternatively, the data recorder may condition the signal from the o

S

20 sensor and transmit the conditioned signal to a remote processing means.

The data recorder may be programmable. Preferably the data recorder is pre-programmed before it is transported and installed in the field.

The weather station may be powered by a nonrechargeable internal battery or a rechargeable internal battery recharged by any suitable means such as electricity from a solar panel, external battery, a mains power outlet or other suitable source.

The housing may have one or more connections for connection with additional sensors that are external to the housing.

Preferably the external sensor has a standard Environdata interface or a standard multisensor interface (such as SDI-12) which allows more than one sensor to be connected. Additional sensors include grass temperature sensor, water temperature sensor, leaf wetness sensor, soil temperature sensor and pressure sensor.

*The housing may be any suitable shape. The housing is 4 9* Se preferably substantially cylindrical. The housing may include one or more screen rings. The housing may have 3, 4 or 5 radiation screens.

09 The housing may comprise a fixed portion and a removable portion.

o" The removable portion is preferably in a position which provides access to the internal battery, electronics, data recorder and sensors.

The weather station is suitably transportable and allows easy on-site installation. The weather station may be installed in any 9.

:*Soo 20 suitable manner. For example, one or more locations on the housing 0:090 may be used to mount the weather station on a post mounted in the ground or an arm extending outwardly from the post. Alternatively, the weather station may have two mounting points with one at the top and one at the bottom of the housing.

The weather station may be tailor made to a customer's specifications with the mounting of desired sensors and an appropriately programmed data recorder. Preferably, the data recorder is pre-programmed and the sensors mounted and ine electrical connections made before the weather station is transported to an onsite location. In the event of problems such as a malfunctioning or damaged component, the weather station may be forwarded for repairs as a single unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A particular preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the SV'. accompanying drawings, in which:- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of the weather station; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the mounting of the solar radiation sensor; FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of alternate mounting arrangements; 'oo FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of the

C

arrangement of the anemometer and wind direction sensor; FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are perspective drawings of alternate turbines for the wind speed sensor; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical representation of the operation of the data recorder; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the weather station '11 showing the mounting member; and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the weather station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows one particular embodiment of an arrangement of meteorological sensors in a weather station. In FIGS.

1 to 2, there is shown mounting plate 7 which includes a horizontal flange 7a with an aperture 7b. The horizontal flange 7a supports a collecting funnel 1. A pouring spout 2 of the collecting funnel 1 projects through the aperture 7b. There is also shown in FIG. 2 a recess 7c adjacent slot 8 for retention of solar radiation sensor The mounting plate 7 also includes a vertical wall 7d. The locating slot 8 has an enlarged end 9. The enlarged end 9 of the locating slot 8 serves to accommodate the flared end 5a of the solar radiation sensor 5 and prevent its movement within the locating slot 8. (In an S. 55 o alternative embodiment, the solar radiation sensor has a circlip which replaces the function of a flared end 5a). The solar radiation sensor 5 is releasably retained by a saddle clamp 6 and screw 6a.

The mounting plate 7 also includes a web 7e, vertical wall 7f, support ledge 4, vertical wall 7g, a first attachment plate 7h 5 20 and a second attachment plate 7j. A tipping bucket rain gauge trough oooo S 3 abuts against and is secured to vertical wall 7f. The tipping bucket rain gauge trough 3 is supported on the support ledge 4.

The first attachment plate 7h and the second attachment plate 7j attach the mounting plate 7 to a base plate 11. The second 12 attachment plate 7j attaches a data recorder 26 to the mounting plate 7. The data recorder 26 is also attached to the vertical wall 7d.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an outer hollow shaft 20a which has a flaring 20c at the upper end. (In an alternative embodiment, the outer shaft 20a has an attached external circlip which substitutes for a flared upper end). The outer shaft 20a is releasably retained within a locating slot 10 and saddle clamp arrangement (not shown) on the vertical wall 7g. (In an alternative embodiment a U bolt may replace a saddle clamp). The use of the flared end 20c on the outer shaft 20a assists in locating and retaining the outer shaft 20a and prevents the wind speed and wind dirr-. n assembly is hereinafter described from falling out of position if the saddle clamp works loose with time.

i°o*o. FIG. 1 also shows mounting bracket 30 located between o0 the base plate 11 and gasket 14a. With reference to FIG. 3A the °mounting bracket 30 is attached to mounting arm 31 and the mounting arm 31 is attached to post 32. The post 32 is used for opermanent mounting of mounting arm 31. In FIG. 3A mounting arm 0 31 has rings 34 which provide a flexible mounting that absorbs S° 20 shocks and vibrations that may be caused by wind gusts.

FIG. 3A also shows a solar panel 36. Solar panel 36 has an adjustment for optimum solar energy collection by fixing with a bolt the solar panel at the appropriate angle with respect to the latitudinal position of the sun.

13 An alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3B shows star picket 33 and is used for temporary mounting of mounting arm 31, n FIG. 3B mounting arm 31 is also held in position by guy ropes or wires With respect to the sensors and th'.'r mountings shown in FIG. 1, a rainfall sensor includes a rainfall collecting funnel 1 and a tipping bucket rain gauge trough 3 which contains a tipping bucket rain gauge (not shown). Rain is collected via the rainfall collecting funnel 1, passes through a removable filter (not shown) and out the pouring spout 2 and into the tipping bucket rain gauge trough 3 whereupon the rainfall is measured by the tipping bucket rain gauge (not shown). There is a discharge pipe (not shown) attached to the i tipping bucket rain gauge trough 3 which provides for the discharge of o**rain water to outside the housing.

The solar radiation sensor 5 projects through an aperture (not shown) in the collecting funnel 1. The solar radiation sensor 5 is directly exposed to the sunlight.

A relative humidity sensor 12 and a temperature sensor 13 are mounted to the mounting plate 7. There are also protective members 14a-c mounted below the base plate 11. The protective members 14a-c prevent the entry of sunlight and rain, while allowing the free flow of air. Member 14a is a gasket seal, Member 14c is substantially closed in the middle and forms a protected enclosure for sensing means 17, 18 in conjunction with additional protective 14 member 14d. The wind direction detecting means 17 and wind speed detecting means 18 are positioned between protective members 14c and 14d. Protective members 14d-d are mounted to the base plate 11 by three mounting studs 16.

There is also shown an inner shaft 21 and the hollow outer shaft 20a which is retained within the locating slot 10. The inner shaft 21 and outer shaft 20a are coupled by bearings 19a.

There is a further outer shaft 20b which is connected to the inner shaft 21 by bearings 19b and separated from outer shaft 20a by a wind direction detecting disk 22 and a wind speed detecting disk 23.

There is also shown a wind direction sensor which includes the wind direction detecting means 17, the wind direction i" detecting disk 22, and a wind vane 25. The wind vane 25 comprises an attachment boss 25a, arms 25b, pointer 25c, and vane member With reference also to FIG. 4 the wind direction detecting disk 22 is attached to the inner shaft 21. The attachment boss 25a is, fixedly mounted to inner shaft 21. As the attachment boss responds to the direction of the wind, the inner shaft 21 turns and the 20 wind direction detecting disk 22 co-operates with the wind direction detecting means 17 to produce a sensor signal.

With reference also to FIG. 4, the turbine 24 is fixed to the outer shaft 20b. The turbine 24 comprises an attachment boss 24a, radial shafts 24b, and turbine cups 24c. The attachment boss

~Y

24a is retained between outer shaft 20b and inner shaft 21. The wind speed detecting disk 23 is attached to the outer shaft 20b. As the attachment boss 24a rotates the outer shaft 20b rotates and the wind speed detecting disk 23 co-operates with the wind speed detecting means 18 to produce a sensor signal.

FIG. 5 shows three different types of turbines including a single turbine 5a, a double turbine 5b, and a three cup type turbine The three cup type turbine 5c is also shown in FIG. 1.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the weather station also has a data recorder 26 including an electronics and micro-processor component 26a and a rechargeable battery 27. There is also a cable gland 28 for attaching a cable to provide communication with the environment external to the data recorder including an entry for wires .oo• from sensors to the data recorder, the transmission of data from the data recorder, and appropriate connections to the internal battery 27. o The cable gland 28 is suitably weather sealed. In an alternate embodiment, the cable gland 28 is replaced by a suitable plug ••oeo arrangement.

The operation of the data recorder 26 is diagrammatically 20 shown in FIG. 6 wherein the sensor signal is measured by a signal measurement means, processed by a microprocessor and transm*tted by a transmission means. in one embodiment, the processed signal is stored in a memory for a period prior to transmission or removal.

FIG. 7 shows the housing 29 with respect to mounting

I

16 plate 7. The housing 29 comprises a complete screen 29a and a series of protective members 29b. In this embodiment, the series of protective members 29b comprises of five individual protective members. There is also shown a cover 37 and cap 37a. Cap 37a provides for mounting the electronics associated with wind detection means 17 and wind speed detection means 18. Both cover 37 and cap 37a protect the electronics and wind speed sensor and wind direction sensor against adverse weather. Cover 37 has holes in the wall adjacent the turbines 24 for allowing water to escape. Cover 37 and cap 37a are also shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 also shows an alternate mounting for radiation sensor 5a on the outside of housing 29a compared with the mounting

I

o inside the funnel 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The funnel 1 has a gauze o* filter la retained in position by an O ring 16. Water passes through the gauze filter, spout 2 and into the tipping bucket rain gauge 3a, There is also shown pivot pin 3b attached to mounting plate 7 and a calibration means 3c.

FIG. 8 shows the housing 29, collecting funnel 1, base

C

p!ate 11, turbine 24, wind vane 25, and mounting arm 30. In the 20 embodiment shown in FIG. 8 (as in FIG. the radiation sensor 5a is mounted on the housing. This is in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where the radiation sensor (represented in FIG. 8 in phantom) is mounted within the housing. There is also shown in FIG.

8, a connector 37b for connection to an auxiliary sensor, a connector 17 38 for providing communication between the weather station and the external world, a connector 39 for connection to the solar panel 36 to provide electricity to the weather station, and a flashing indicator The flashing indicator 40 indicates whether the weather station is operating without faults with a two second flashing of the light, requiring attention with a four second flashing of the light, or currently communicating with a one second flashing of the light.

The advantages of the present invention include the use of the weather station in remote situations. It has the advantage that it is more easily transported and installed than conventional weather stations and the use of a single housing provides cost savings where previously each sensor had its own housing. Also the use of a i' o mounting member such as a mounting plate simplifies manufacturing o and construction, It will be readily apparent to a skilled addressee that many modifications and variations may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

4 .:eo.i

I

Claims (8)

1. A weather station for measuring meteorological conditions comprising: a mounting member; a plurality of meteorological sensors mounted to the mounting member wherein at least two sensors are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the mounting member; a data recorder mounted to the mounting member and electrically associated with each of said sensors; and a housing surrounding the mounting member.

2. A weather station as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mounting member is centrally located.

S3. A weather station as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the eoo° mounting member is a unitary plate.

4. A weather station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensors are selected from the group comprising an anemometer, a wind direction sensor, a solar radiation sensor, a °eooo rainfall sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor and an ultra-violet light sensor,

5. A weather statiorn as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least two sensors are substantially in line with each other sensor providing a compact sensor.arrangement when compared with conventional weather stations.

6. A weather station as claimed in any one of the preceding 19 claims wherein the housing has one or more connections for connection with external sensors.

7. A weather station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing includes one or more protective members which protect frc m adverse weather.

8. A weather station as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. Dated this Eleventh day of November 1995 ENVIRONDATA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD by its Patent Attorneys FISHER KELLY S *a *e a *ooo ABSTRACT A weather station for measuring meteorological conditions comprising a mounting member; a plurality of meteorological sensors mounted to the mounting member wherein at least two sensors are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the mounting member; a data recorder mounted to the mounting member and electrically associated with each of said sensors; and a housing surrounding the mounting member.