Abstract
We present the NEFOCAST project (named by the contraction of “Nefele”, which is the Italian spelling for the mythological cloud nymph Nephele, and “forecast”), funded by the Tuscany Region, about the feasibility of a system for the detection and monitoring of precipitation fields over the regional territory based on the use of a widespread network of new-generation Eutelsat “SmartLNB” (smart low-noise block converter) domestic terminals. Though primarily intended for interactive satellite services, these devices can also be used as weather sensors, as they have the capability of measuring the rain-induced attenuation incurred by the downlink signal and relaying it on an auxiliary return channel. We illustrate the NEFOCAST system architecture, consisting of the network of ground sensor terminals, the space segment, and the service center, which has the task of processing the information relayed by the terminals for generating rain field maps. We discuss a few methods that allow the conversion of a rain attenuation measurement into an instantaneous rainfall rate. Specifically, we discuss an exponential model relating the specific rain attenuation to the rainfall rate, whose coefficients were obtained from extensive experimental data. The above model permits the inferring of the rainfall rate from the total signal attenuation provided by the SmartLNB and from the link geometry knowledge. Some preliminary results obtained from a SmartLNB installed in Pisa are presented and compared with the output of a conventional tipping bucket rain gauge. It is shown that the NEFOCAST sensor is able to track the fast-varying rainfall rate accurately with no delay, as opposed to a conventional gauge.
Highlights
Rainfall is a critical factor of water cycle dynamics as it is a vector for energy exchange between atmosphere, sea and land
In the framework of the NEFOCAST project, we have investigated the feasibility of using a network of new-generation Eutelsat SmartLNB interactive satellite terminals for widespread and capillary monitoring of precipitation fields throughout the Tuscan Region
In addition to operating as a terminal for interactive domestic DVB-S services in the Ku and Ka bands, each of these devices can serve as a weather sensor. They have a fine capability for measuring rain-induced instantaneous attenuation on the signal received from the forward downlink and relaying these attenuation data over a narrowband satellite return link to the NEFOCAST service center, gathering real-time information from all the SmartLNBs active in the territory
Summary
Rainfall is a critical factor of water cycle dynamics as it is a vector for energy exchange between atmosphere, sea and land It has a key role for water supply; rainfall monitoring is an important tool to be used for water management, especially in areas characterized by water scarcity. Sensors 2017, 17, 1864 the measurement, the monitoring and the forecasting of rainfall are different phases of meteorological studies substantial for the management of alerts and the assessment of environmental risks due to floods and landslides. They play a key role in climatological studies, as the rainfall amount is an important climate index. In order to produce current estimates of the system conditions, the real-time rainfall data are very useful; they are able to highlight short and very intense events
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