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Atmospheric Sensors

Atmospheric sensors measure a variety of weather parameters, including: air temperature; relative humidity; dew point; precipitation rate and intensity, wind speed and direction, pressure and visibility. Using these sensors with your Road / Runway Weather Information System (RWIS) provides valuable weather data for effective management of your roadways or runways. All QTT atmospheric instruments are designed for reliable operation in the harsh road / runway environment.

Benefits

  • Accurately measure weather parameters
  • Collect weather data at specific locations
  • Provide essential data for effective operations

 


 

Wind Speed / Wind Direction

Mechanical

Mechanical wind sensors are probably the most familiar wind sensors, and are the most common sensor used on weather stations. The device has a propeller in front, a tail in back, and provides average wind speed, direction and gust information. The mechanical wind sensor supplied by QTT is able to withstand winds up to 180 mph.

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic wind sensors are becoming a more popular choice for measuring wind speed and direction. The ultrasonic wind sensor from QTT has the advantage of no moving parts, which means less preventative maintenance. The sensor has a heating element, which allows for continuous operation during freezing rain events.

 

 


 

Relative Humidity / Air Temperature / Dew Point

Air temperature measurements are done with a simple thermometer type device; a thermoliner component, housed in a radiation shield. QTT's relative humidity sensor uses capacitance to determine relative humidity. Dew point is calculated from the air temperature and relative humidity measurements.

 

 

 

Precipitation Occurrence

The precipitation occurrence sensor from QTT uses an optical device that actually "sees" falling precipitation. The optical infrared sensor provides a Yes or No output if precipitation is occurring.

 

 

Precipitation Identifier / Classifier

QTT also supplies an optical weather identifier to measure precipitation. Similar to the precipitation occurrence sensor, this sensor uses optical infrared technology. However, in addition, it incorporates technology used by the National Weather Service to identify the type, intensity and rate of the precipitation that is occurring.

The Weather Information and Visibility Sensor, or WIVIS, determines the type, intensity and rate of the precipitation that is occurring, as well as the visibility.

 

Visibility

There are two options from QTT for visibility measurements. One is a stand-alone device and the other is merged with the optical weather identifier, WIVIS, discussed above. Both sensors are digital and use a technique called forward scatter. Atmospheric visibility is measured by determining the amount of light scattered by particles (smoke, dust, haze, fog, rain, & snow) in the air that passes through the sample volume.

Barometric Pressure

The barometric pressure sensor from QTT measures absolute barometric pressure. It is a compact device, and the sensor is contained in a weatherproof enclosure with temperature compensating electronics.

The barometric pressure sensor may be mounted outside or inside a building or other enclosure. Permanent calibration ensures that the barometric pressure sensor does not require periodic service or maintenance.

Solar Radiation Sensor

Solar energy is a significant element in large-scale atmospheric motion; it is directly related to atmospheric stability. The solar radiation sensor provided by QTT is highly stable, and measures diffused and direct sun radiation. It can be used for solar, air pollution, meteorological, and hydrological purposes.