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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ferran Mocholí Belenguer, Antonio Martínez-Millana, Antonio Mocholí Salcedo, Víctor Milián Sánchez, María Josefa Palomo Anaya
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-02-01
Series:Symmetry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/12/2/303
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:2073-8994