The StormHarvester system controls water levels within attenuation or harvesting tanks by linking a valve or attenuation pump directly to a highly accurate rainfall runoff prediction algorithm.
StormHarvester Controller onsite
StormHarvester Control Centre at StormHarvester HQ
Data from Met Office
Client Dashboard and Interface for data representation
The StormHarvester control centre receives site-specific rainfall predictions from various International Meteorological agencies including the British Met office. The controller runs this data through an algorithm estimating the likely runoff volume for the upcoming rain events. The site controller then automatically takes action to ensure there is adequate volume available within the attenuation tank based on the predicted runoff volume.
The StormHarvester controller receives communication links from the control centre at regular intervals. The controller is instructed of the current safe level of the lake, pond or reservoir. The system then takes action to lower water levels, if required, by temporarily opening an actuated valve or activating a set of pumps.
Live operational data and system warnings are displayed on a portal. This provides a simple interactive interface to ensure operational staff are fully aware of current site conditions and any warnings/system automation taking place.
The StormHarvester active attenuation system was developed and tested over 5 years in association with Queens University in Belfast. The system holds a test certificate from the UKAS accredited Hydraulic laboratory at Queens University.
5 Day Forecasts
3 Day Forecasts
1 Day Forecasts
Every 5 minutes new forecast data analysed
Atmospheric Pressure Forecasts monitored
Factor of Safety applied when predicting runoff volumes
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The StormHarvester rainfall forecast and runoff prediction technology works by checking forecasted information and determining a “safe level” for water within the tank every 5 minutes.
For the majority of rainfall events (low intensity and short duration events) the system only lowers the water level in the tank by a small percentage. In practice, water levels in the tank are regularly already well lower than the small percentage reduction required given that water is constantly being pumping out of the harvesting tank for reuse on the associated site.
The more intense rainfall events (short intense rainfall events (cloudbursts) are predicted using a combination of atmospheric pressure and rainfall forecasts. Cloudburst events will only occur when certain atmospheric pressure conditions are present. The StormHarvester system therefore continually monitors forecasted atmospheric conditions and when conditions conducive to a cloud burst are predicted automatically drains all tanks in the area effected at greenfield rates in preparation for the storm event.
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Both the valve and the site controller have built in rechargeable battery backup packs to allow the system to continue working in the event of power failure. The system can operate satisfactorily for several days without power. Once the power is reconnected the system will automatically recharge the batteries.
The StormHarvester “controller” and “control centre” carry out system handshakes at 5-minute intervals ensuring that any loss in communications are quickly and automatically detected
The system automatically identifies partial and complete valve blockages and automatically alerts the owner of the infrastructure.
Emails and SMS messages are automatically sent to pre-programmed phones and email addresses in the event of any failure, blockage or flood warning scenarios.