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Adaptive design of tipping bucket flow meters for continuous runoff measurement

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Author(s):
Schwamback, Dimaghi ; Persson, Magnus ; Berndtsson, Ronny ; Anache, Jamil A. A. ; Wendland, Edson Cezar
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; v. 11, p. 14-pg., 2023-12-01.
Abstract

Introduction: Runoff measurement and monitoring is a laborious, time-consuming, and costly task. Additionally, common runoff monitoring usually primarily provide water level, requiring information on the stage-discharge relation. Automatic equipment such as flow meter tipping bucket (TB) is a potential option to simplify and provide continuous runoff monitoring in small catchments. However, a proper description of how to size and adapt the design under different flow conditions is still lacking.Methodology: In this paper we present a novel standardized framework for the design of TB that can be used for low-cost and real-time runoff monitoring under many different conditions. The framework consists of an estimation of the runoff peak rate using the rational equation and a volumetric capacity estimate of the cavity based on runoff rate, operation speed, and inclination angle of TB when at resting position. The proposed framework was implemented in a case study where four TBs were designed for continuous runoff monitoring from experimental plots (100 m2) with different land use (sugarcane, soybean, and bare soil).Results: During field tests (five months), the designed TBs had a recovery rate of actual runoff ranging from 61% to 81% and were able to capture features poorly studied (starting/ending time and peak flow) that have potential importance in hydrological models.Discussion: The proposed framework is flexible and can be used for different environmental conditions to provide continuous runoff data records. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/03806-1 - Water availability and quality threats in a Guarani Aquifer System outcrop zone
Grantee:Edson Cezar Wendland
Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 19/24292-7 - Infiltration and runoff dynamics under different land uses and climate change in the Brazilian Cerrado area
Grantee:Dimaghi Schwamback
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 21/14016-2 - Hydrus model for the theoretical representation of vertical flow under different land uses commonly found in the Brazilian Cerrado biome
Grantee:Dimaghi Schwamback
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate