Integrated Radar Water Level and Flow Velocity Sensor for Non-Contact Online Hydrological Monitoring in Sewage-Contaminated Channels

This integrated radar sensor utilizes a K-band planar microstrip array antenna. Designed for low-power operation, it features automatic vertical-angle compensation and is resistant to corrosion from sewage or damage from sediment. It is well-suited for high-velocity flood conditions and offers versatile connectivity, supporting the Modbus protocol for seamless integration into various water-monitoring and reporting systems.

The device employs a 24GHz K-band planar microstrip array antenna, which focuses energy efficiently and ensures low overall power consumption—allowing for long-term, autonomous operation in standard environments when powered by solar energy. As a non-contact measurement instrument, it eliminates the need for physical contact with the water, thereby avoiding issues like sewage-induced corrosion or sediment accumulation. It requires minimal civil engineering work, is highly resilient against flood damage, simplifies operation and maintenance, and eliminates the safety risks associated with personnel having to work near the water’s edge.

The sensor offers a flow velocity measurement range of 0.1 to 20 meters per second and a water level measurement range of up to 30 meters. Velocity measurement accuracy is maintained at ±0.01 m/s or 1% of the full-scale range. The device supports bidirectional flow detection and has an effective measurement range of up to 10 meters, ensuring stable performance even during high-velocity flood events. The hardware includes protection circuits against reverse polarity and overvoltage, while the fully waterproof enclosure is designed for long-term, reliable deployment in exposed outdoor environments.

Equipped with both digital and analog interfaces and compatible with the standard Modbus-RTU protocol, the sensor supports optional wireless data transmission. It can be integrated directly into existing urban water-monitoring, sewage-management, or environmental-reporting systems without requiring extensive modifications to the existing infrastructure. The device supports multiple measurement trigger modes—including periodic, triggered, manual, and automatic—and begins continuous data acquisition upon power-up. Its simple installation process requires no complex civil construction, making it ideal for both routine hydrological monitoring and critical, high-stakes emergency observation tasks, such as flood response operations.