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Automation and accuracy improvement of field calibration for tipping-bucket rain gauges using laser sensors and roller pump

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study developed a portable automated calibration device (PRC-20AP) for tipping-bucket rain gauges (TBRGs) and quantitatively evaluated its performance through comparison with a conventional manual device (burette). Experiments were conducted under rainfall intensities of 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 mm/h, with a target total rainfall of 20 mm. Each condition was tested 15 times to calculate relative errors and expanded uncertainties. The results showed that, for total rainfall measurements, the automated device outperformed the manual method in terms of accuracy and uncertainty under low-intensity conditions (≤20 mm/h). At intensities above 20 mm/h, the manual device exhibited smaller relative errors, which was attributed to structural factors that led to reduced actual rainfall intensity. However, the automated device consistently demonstrated lower expanded uncertainties across all conditions, indicating superior precision and repeatability. For rainfall intensity measurements, the automated device showed better accuracy and lower uncertainty across the entire test range. At 100 mm/h, the relative error improved by 5.78 %, and the expanded uncertainty decreased by 0.17 mm/h (approximately 65.9 %). These findings confirm that the automated calibration system is an effective alternative for enhancing the precision and reliability of rainfall measurements, offering practical advantages over manual methods for field applications.
DOI: 10.1016/j.flowmeasinst.2025.103063
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,080
OpenAlex ID: W4414144807
FWCI: 0.311
Cites: 23
Cited by: 1
Related to: 10