P.O. Box 26, FIN-00421 Helsinki, FINLAND
Email: metinstruments@vaisala.com
PWD10, PWD12, PWD20 and PWD22
Present Weather and Visibility Sensors
Features/Benefits
All models:
• Accurate measurement of prevailing
visibility
• Compact and light-weight
• Easy to install
Additionally PWD12 and PWD22
models:
• Indicate the cause of prevailed
visibility
• Detect precipitation type
• Measure the intensity and
accumulation of precipitation
• Estimate snow accumulation
Tel: +358 9 894 91
Fax: +358 9 8949 2485
www.vaisala.com
Vaisala PWD-series of present weather detectors and visibility sensors provide you off-theshelf accuracy and realiability. They are a sensor family that grows with your needs.
Thousands of Vaisala present weather
and visibility sensors are installed
around the world, working reliably and
accurately in diverse applications and
climates. In the Vaisala PWD-series of
present weather detectors and visibility
sensors, you will find the mix you
require of visibility measurement range
(MOR), characterization of reduced
visibility, precipitation type
identification, precipitation
accumulation/intensity measurement,
and report formats (WMO, NWS code
tables).
Proven measurement
principles for present
weather
The Vaisala Present Weather Detectors
PWD12 and PWD22 identify
precipitation type by accurately
estimating the water content of
precipitation with a capacitive device
(Vaisala RAINCAP® sensor element)
and combining this information with
optical forward scatter and temperature
measurements. These three
independent measurements are
processed through sophisticated
algorithms in order to produce an
accurate evaluation of the weather type
according to the WMO and NWS code
tables.
Accurate visibility
measurement
Calibrated with reference to a highly
accurate transmissometer, Vaisala
PWD-series sensors use the proven
forward-scatter measurement principle
to measure Meteorological Optical
Range (MOR). The visibility sensor is
well-protected against contamination:
the optical components point
downwards and hoods protect the
lenses against precipitation, spray and
dust. This weather-proof design of the
PWD sensors provides accurate
measurement results and reduces the
need for maintenance. The optional
hood heaters are recommended for
wintry conditions to prevent ice and
snow accumulation.
Economical visibility
measurement for road
weather applications
With a measurement range of 10...2,000
meters, the Vaisala Visibility Sensor
PWD10 offers economical and reliable
visibility measurement for road weather
applications. The PWD10 is
recommended for road weather
systems which alert drivers to e.g.
reduced visibility.
130
Vaisala Instruments Catalog 2005
Ref. B210435en rev. A
PWD-series PRESENT WEATHER, VISIBILITY
The Vaisala Present Weather Detector
PWD22.
The PWD22 is recommended for Automatic
Weather Observation Systems (AWOS).
PWD12 is ideal for road weather
applications.
PWD-series sensors can be used in
planning the road maintenance.
For sophisticated road
weather applications
The Vaisala Present Weather Detector
PWD12 provides accurate visibility and
present weather measurement in the
road environment, where low visibility is
a serious safety hazard and significantly
reduces traffic flow rates. With a
visibility measurement range of
10...2,000 meters, the Vaisala Present
Weather Detector PWD12 is ideal for
road weather applications. The PWD12
also indicates the cause of reduced
visibility to give you a full picture of
weather conditions. Its ability to detect
precipitation and identify precipitation
type gives the road authority valuable
information for the short-range planning
of road maintenance operations.
For meteorological and
aviation applications
With a visibility measurement range of
10...20,000 meters, the Vaisala Present
Weather Detector PWD22 is a two-inone forward scatter visibility and
present weather sensor. The PWD22 is
recommended for automatic weather
stations (especially low-power AWSs)
that are used for general meteorological
and aviation applications. The PWD22's
ability to detect freezing precipitation
makes it possible to issue warnings
when the weather presents safety
hazards for road and air traffic.
The PWD22 is equipped with two
Vaisala RAINCAP® sensor elements to
improve detection sensitivity during
light precipitation events – even light
drizzle is detected. The PWD22 also
reports present weather in WMO
METAR code format so it is easily
integrated with AWOS systems.
Wherever visibility
measurement is needed
With a measurement range of 10...20,000
meters, the Vaisala Visibility Sensor
PWD20 offers long-range visibility
measurement for diverse applications
covering harbors, coastal areas, heliports,
windmill parks – indeed, any locations
or areas where visibility measurement is
necessary.
Easy installation
PWD sensors are less than one meter
long. All are compact, light-weight,
come with a cable and connector for
easy installation, and can be mounted
in many ways on any existing mast.
Expandable measurement
capabilities
The measurement capabilities of the
Vaisala PWD-series sensors can be
extended when your measurement
needs grow. All PWD-series sensors can
be economically upgraded to ensure
that your PWD sensor gives full value
for many years to come.
Vaisala Instruments Catalog 2005
Ref. B210435en rev. A
131
Technical Data
P.O. Box 26, FIN-00421 Helsinki, FINLAND
Tel: +358 9 894 91
Fax: +358 9 8949 2485
Email: metinstruments@vaisala.com
www.vaisala.com
Present weather
PWD12PWD12
PWD12
PWD12PWD12
Identifies 4 different types of precipitation
(rain, drizzle, mixed rain/snow, snow)
Reports
39 different codes supported from WMO 4680 code table
PWD22PWD22
PWD22
PWD22PWD22
Identifies 7 different types of precipitation
Reports
WMO 4680 (SYNOP), 4678 (METAR) and NWS code tables
49 different codes supported from WMO 4680 code table
Fog, mist, haze (smoke, sand) or clear
WMO 4680 (SYNOP) and NWS code tables
(rain, freezing rain, drizzle, freezing drizzle,
mixed rain/snow, snow, ice pellets)
Fog, mist, haze (smoke, sand) or clear
Precipitation measurement
Measures Precipitation intensity, accumulation
Precipitation detection sensitivity 0.05 mm/h or less,
and amount of new snow
within 10 minutes
Visibility measurement
Operating principle Forward scatter measurement
PWD10 and PWD12PWD10 and PWD12
PWD10 and PWD12
PWD10 and PWD12PWD10 and PWD12
Measurement range (MOR) 10...2000 m (32...6500 ft)
PWD20 and PWD22PWD20 and PWD22
PWD20 and PWD22
PWD20 and PWD22PWD20 and PWD22
Measurement range (MOR) 10...20 000 m (32...65 600 ft)
Accuracy ±10%, range 10...10 000 m
±15%, range 10...20 km
Electromagnetic compatibility
CE-compliant
Compliance has been verified according to the following EMC
directives
Verification subject Standard
Radiated emissions CISPR 16-1,16-2
Radiated susceptibility IEC 61000-4-3,10 V/m
Conducted emissions CISPR 16-1,16-2
Conducted susceptibility IEC 61000-4-6
EFT immunity IEC 61000-4-4
ESD immunity IEC 61000-4-2
Surge IEC 61000-4-5
Accessories/options
Luminance sensor PWL111 for AWOS applications
Hood heaters for winter conditions
Support arm for mast installations
Pole clamp kit for mast top installations
Calibration set PWA11
Maintenance cable 16385ZZ
Dimensions
Electrical
Power supply 12 V DC...50 V DC (electronics)
Power consumption
PWD10 and PWD20PWD10 and PWD20
PWD10 and PWD20 3 W
PWD10 and PWD20PWD10 and PWD20
PWD12 and PWD22PWD12 and PWD22
PWD12 and PWD22 6 W
PWD12 and PWD22PWD12 and PWD22
Options 2 W (luminance sensor with dew heater)
Outputs RS-232, RS-485
24 V AC or 24 V DC for heater option
(electronics with dew heater @12VDC)
65 W (heater option)
Three programmable relay controls,
visibility alarm threshold and delays
configurable, fault alarm relay
0 ... 1mA, 4 ... 20 mA analog current
Mechanical
Dimensions 40.4 (w) x 69.5 (l) x 19.9 (h) cm
Weight 3 kg (6.61 lb)
(15.91" (w) x 27.36" (l) x 7.83" (h))
Environmental
Operating temperature -40 ... +60 °C
Operating humidity 0 ... 100 %RH
Protection class IP66
RAINCAP® is a registered trademark of Vaisala.
Specifications subject to change without prior notice.
©Vaisala Oyj
132
Vaisala Instruments Catalog 2005
Ref. B210435en rev. A
Nothing to report.
PRESENT WEATHER, VISIBILITY
On a day like this, the Vaisala Present Weather Detector
PWD22 can only report clear present weather and
visibility to 20 km.
The PWD22 is a two-in-one forward scatter visibility
and present weather sensor. It is ideal for automatic
weather stations used for general meteorological and
aviation applications.
In the Vaisala PWD-series of present weather and
visibility sensors, you will find the mix you need of:
• Visibility measurement range (MOR)
• Characterization of reduced visibility
• Precipitation type identification
• Precipitation accumulation / intensity measurement
• Report formats WMO 4680 (SYNOP) and 4678
(METAR)
The Vaisala Present Weather Detector PWD10 is
recommended for road weather systems, which alert
drivers to e.g. reduced visibility, the PWD12 for
sophisticated road weather applications that involve
activities such as road maintenance planning.
The Vaisala Present Weather Detector PWD20 is
recommended for measuring Visibility in other places
such as harbors, coastal areas, heliports and windmill
parks.
The measurement capabilities of the Vaisala PWDseries sensors can be extended when your measurement
needs grows.
All PWD-series can be economically upgraded to
ensure that your PWD sensor gives full value for many
years to come.
Vaisala Instruments Catalog 2005
Ref. B210435en rev. A
133
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