Advantages of the HotPlate™ System
The advanced HotPlate™ Total Precipitation Sensor presents advantages over existing hot-plate precipitation-measuring systems. Because precipitation is captured and trapped by the top thermal plate, the operating temperature is lower than in other systems, which results in reduced costs associated with power consumption and hazards associated with heated devices. Another advantage is size and portability—the HotPlate™ system is compact thus expanding usefulness in remote areas and opportunities to configure the device in various embodiments. In addition, it does not include bulky mechanical components subject to frequent maintenance and replacement.
Multiple HotPlate™ systems (two in foreground) tested at the NCAR Marshall Field Site and compared with the geonor precipitation gauge (situated in the blue Wyoming Shield structure). |
The advanced HotPlate™ system also permits the stand and other components to be de-iced thereby increasing accuracy in the precipitation measurements. Finally, the HotPlate™ precipitation-measuring system is capable of real-time temperature adjustment resulting in power and cost savings and increased accuracy in precipitation measurements and data. Real-time temperature adjustment also prevents the sensor plate from becoming overloaded with moisture during heavy precipitation events.
The HotPlate™ precipitation-measuring system developed by Drs. Hallet and Rasmussen, and other researchers, through DRI and NCAR collaboration improved on existing hot-plate systems by overcoming problems specifically associated with solar radiation, blowing versus natural precipitation events, portability, and retention of precipitation on the sensor plate.
