Water Velocity Meter Measuring Flow Velocity, Water Level, and Flow Rate in Natural Rivers, Irrigation Canals, and Open Channels

Water Velocity Meter is a non-contact measurement device utilizing a K-band planar microstrip array antenna to provide real-time monitoring of flow velocity, water level, and flow rate in natural rivers, irrigation canals, and open channels. Unaffected by weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, atmospheric moisture, or waterborne pollutants, this device provides precise data support for hydrological monitoring and water resource management.

Based on microwave technology, Water Velocity Meter employs a K-band planar microstrip array antenna to measure water flow velocity and water levels via a non-contact method. The device utilizes the Doppler effect principle to measure the surface velocity of the water flow, while simultaneously employing Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar technology to perform high-precision water level measurements. By integrating built-in software algorithms, it calculates real-time cross-sectional flow rates and cumulative flow volumes based on the velocity-area method.

The core technological advantage of this sensor lies in its planar microstrip array antenna design, which is characterized by concentrated energy emission and low power consumption. The device integrates various functions—including vertical angle compensation, flow velocity averaging, and signal strength detection—and is capable of automatically identifying the direction of water flow while performing internal vertical angle corrections. During the measurement process, the direction of the transmitted radar waves is aligned parallel to the water flow and maintained at a specific angle relative to the water surface; the device automatically measures this specific angle internally and applies it during the flow velocity calculation.

In terms of environmental adaptability, Water Velocity Meter demonstrates significant advantages. Due to its non-contact measurement approach, the device is immune to corrosion from wastewater and remains unaffected by factors such as sediment, river pollutants, and surface debris. The measurement process is not disrupted by climatic conditions—including temperature fluctuations, fog, or atmospheric moisture—enabling the device to operate normally across a wide temperature range of -35°C to 70°C. With an IP68 protection rating, the device is well-suited for long-term operation in a wide variety of harsh outdoor environments.

Water Velocity Meter can be widely applied for non-contact flow measurement in various settings, including natural rivers, main and branch irrigation canals, open drainage channels, underground drainage networks, and flood warning systems. The device is suitable for measuring flow in open channels with diverse water quality conditions, cross-sectional shapes, and widths; whether the channel features a trapezoidal, circular, or U-shaped cross-section, precise measurements can be achieved simply by configuring the appropriate cross-sectional parameters. Particularly in water environments characterized by high flood levels, rapid currents, high sediment loads, or heavy pollution, this device serves as an effective alternative to traditional contact-based measurement methods, successfully resolving the common issues of wear and clogging associated with conventional flow meters.

In terms of data output and system integration, the sensor supports various communication protocols—including RS485 and 4–20mA—and is compatible with the standard Modbus-RTU protocol, facilitating seamless integration into existing automated hydrological monitoring and reporting systems. The device can operate autonomously or be combined with data loggers and wireless transmission modules to form an automated flow measurement system, thereby enabling remote, real-time flow monitoring. Furthermore, its low-power design allows for solar-powered operation, effectively meeting the requirements for long-term, unattended deployment in field environments.