Disdrometer Performance Optimization for Use in Urban Settings Based on the Parameters that Affect the Measurements

Abstract

There are currently different types of commercial optical disdrometers to measure the rainfall intensity, of which many are commonly used for monitoring road conditions. Having information about the amount of rain, the composition of the precipitation particles and visibility are essential to avoid accidents, which requires intelligent systems that warn drivers and redirect traffic. However, few studies related to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been performed regarding why these devices are not optimized for this type of applications. Therefore, this paper analyzes and evaluates the operating mode of these equipment through their theoretical model, which will allow the design of prototypes of disdrometers with different characteristics. In addition, this model will be implemented in a simulation program, through which an exhaustive study analyzing how the type of precipitation and its intensity affect the measures provided by the model will be conducted. In this way, the results will help optimize its operation to be thus used in urban settings, which will allow obtaining more accurate real-time information, better traffic management, and a reduction in the number of accidents.

Characterization of Raindrop Size Distribution over Santa Clara Valley

“…For this study, a sample time of 5 min was used to allocate enough drops for each time step. When a drop passes through the volume, the reference signal abates and is proportional to the difference between the area of the section line of the drop and the area of the section line of the volume it passes through [15]. The velocity is determined based on instants in time of entrance and exit of the volume [16].…”

“…In addition, the differential reflectivity (Zdr) shown in Equation ( 15) is defined as the ratio of the horizontal attenuation to vertical attenuation. In this study, Equation (15) was used to understand the relationship between differential reflectivity (Zdr) and mean volume diameter (D m ). The methods used to calculate reflectivity (DBZ) in Equation ( 14) and differential reflectivity (Zdr) in Equation (15) were proposed by Beard et al, 1987 [24].…”

“…In this study, Equation (15) was used to understand the relationship between differential reflectivity (Zdr) and mean volume diameter (D m ). The methods used to calculate reflectivity (DBZ) in Equation ( 14) and differential reflectivity (Zdr) in Equation (15) were proposed by Beard et al, 1987 [24]. The software used to calculate radar parameters was developed by Joseph Hardin et al (2017) [23].…”