HailSens Hail Monitoring System

Automatic Sensing and Classification of Hail

HailSens is an advanced sensor system for monitoring hail events in real-time. The detection of hail impacts (as opposed to other types of icy or watery precipitation) relies on vibration measurement. HailSens provides accurate, reliable results both quickly and automatically. A practical tool that saves time and prevents false measurements.

HailSens revolutionizes the technology for sensing hail: It combines sophisticated measuring technology with online provision of data. HailSens automatically detects hail, and classifies individual hailstones with respect to their size and damage potential. The sensing area of approximately 0,2 m² ensures that a representative sample of hail pellets generates impacts on the vibrating plate thereby increasing measurement reliability. HailSens saves data, transfers it in real-time to evaluation software for statistical evaluations and display of impact results in graphics and tables, and - last but not least - provides early warnings using web technology.

The HailSens is available either as standalone unit R&D/INS or as the sensor SYNOP integrated in an automatic weather station.

Two Options: R&D/INS and SYNOP

Option 1: R&D/INS

HailSens R&D/INS units operate autonomously sending data over UMTS/3G/4G with every single impact to the cloud-based hailsens.online application. This is the optimal tool for network operators with a strong interest in collecting large amounts of data on individual hail events and pellet impacts. HailSens forwards the data via remote wireless communication. The data can be classified into hail damage classes by hailsens.online cloud application.

Option 2: SYNOP

HailSens SYNOP systems send serial data telegrams (statistical summary of the past minute) over RS-485 connections to a local data acquisition system. This device is ideally suited for Met Office’s monitoring network stations reporting to the WMO. HailSens provides output via RS-485 and data telegram providing both hail YES/NO and quantity information for external generation of SYNOP/METAR codes (i.e. ice pellets > 5 mm according to WMO).