Model: RWS-30 | Make: BIRAL |
Category: Visibility Sensors
As road networks become more congested those tasked with the management of traffic flow and road user safety are turning to Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) to collect meteorological data they need. Road tunnels pose a unique set of problems as they are affected by the weather at either end and can have their own internal microclimates. Couple this to the added risk of pollution from stationary vehicles or fire after a crash and the need for a sensitive and accurate sensor to measure visibility becomes essential. The RWS-30 has been developed to meet the specific needs created by the tunnel environment and complies with current international guidelines as defined by the PIARC Technical Committee.
The RWS uses a 45° forward scatter angle and 850nm infrared light source to provide a flexible, cost effective, visibility solution specifically tailored to road weather applications. Visibility is output as both Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) and Extinction Coefficient (EXCO) to provide compatibility with the widest range of control systems.
In common with all Biral visibility and present weather sensors, the RWS-30 uses our established, reliable, 2kHz modulation of the light source, combined with narrow pass band optical filters and synchronous detection at the receiver. This established technique ensures the measurement is not affected by bright or intermittent (flashing) lights, and is optimised for road usage. This unique design also ensures the sensor accurately reports visibility during precipitation. The horizontal hood design eliminates surface reflections problems that are a source of error in sensors employing look down hood geometries.