A Radiosonde Using a Humidity Sensor Array with a Platinum Resistance Heater and Multi-Sensor Data Fusion

Yunbo Shi,Wenjie Zhao,Chunxue Shang,Yi Luo,Yinsheng Chen,Yadong Wang

doi:10.3390/s130708977

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of a radiosonde which can measure the meteorological temperature, humidity, pressure, and other atmospheric data. The system is composed of a CPU, microwave module, temperature sensor, pressure sensor and humidity sensor array. In order to effectively solve the humidity sensor condensation problem due to the low temperatures in the high altitude environment, a capacitive humidity sensor including four humidity sensors to collect meteorological humidity and a platinum resistance heater was developed using micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) technology. A platinum resistance wire with 99.999% purity and 0.023 mm in diameter was used to obtain the meteorological temperature. A multi-sensor data fusion technique was applied to process the atmospheric data. Static and dynamic experimental results show that the designed humidity sensor with platinum resistance heater can effectively tackle the sensor condensation problem, shorten response times and enhance sensitivity. The humidity sensor array can improve measurement accuracy and obtain a reliable initial meteorological humidity data, while the multi-sensor data fusion technique eliminates the uncertainty in the measurement. The radiosonde can accurately reflect the meteorological changes.

Highlights

The development of radiosonde systems can be traced back to the 1930s
We bundle the parachute with rope, the radiosonde is still in the development stage, so the current shell tightness and heat insulation ability are poor, so foam is used to seal the radiosonde
We fasten the radiosonde to the hydrogen balloon and start the experiment

Summary

Introduction

The development of radiosonde systems can be traced back to the 1930s. In 1928, in the formerSoviet Union Moerqiafu invented the radiosonde, which had the advantages of compact volume, simple observation technique, and the reliable detection results. Its measurement range was from 10 to. Soon it was widely used to acquire meteorological data. The radiosonde can provide long-term and high-quality climate records, calibrate and test the measurement instruments, including satellites and other remote sensing data quality, and provide a greater range of atmospheric data. The radiosonde can collect meteorological data from the ground to a height of 35,000 m, and consists normally of a humidity sensor, temperature sensor and pressure sensor with low temperature resistance, low power consumption and reliable performance. Considering the requirements of the pressure sensor such as wide operating temperature range, low power consumption, small package and low cost, the MS5540 digital pressure sensor with a resolution of 0.1 hPa and detect range of 10 hPa–1,100 hPa, was chosen and its supply power was 2.2 V–3.6 V.

Methods

Results

Conclusion