DOST: Leaner, greener automated weather stations being rolled out nationwide

The automated weather stations, automated rain gauges, and water level monitoring stations developed by DOST- ASTI (Advanced Science and Technology Institute) to augment the PAGASA monitoring stations all over the country are now leaner, greener, and better equipped to provide real-time weather data, an ASTI official said Thursday.

According to ASTI Hydro-Met Sensors Development project development officer Shanta Laura Velasquez at the Information Education Communication Campaign for Project NOAH in Davao City, the devices now come with smaller, greener lithium ion batteries that can store enough power for two weeks from 10-watt solar panels.

They also come with satellite modules that allow the devices to send data even during inclement weather, when SMS transmission of the data isn’t possible.

The data loggers of the automated rain gauges are now in a more compact capsule form, as opposed to the old, bulkier cabinet style. And unlike conventional water monitoring stations, the ones developed by ASTI use ultrasonic sensors which provide a more accurate measurement of water levels, providing 30 water level readings every five to 10 seconds. The ultrasonic sensors also require less maintenance and hardier compared to the pressure gauges traditionally used.

ASTI is currently installing the updated devices and upgrading the old devices all over the country, said Velasquez. “Our target is to install and upgrade all our devices by July this year. We have most of the country covered; the only places we need to cover are Palawan, CARAGA region, ARMM, and Cagayan Valley.” — BM, GMA News