AARH Technology - StormHarvester

Active Attenuation - Technology
Flood Prevention and Rainwater Harvesting can now be done in One “Smart” Tank.
StormHarvester turns an ordinary attenuation tank into a “Smart” tank.

StormHarvester Control Centre.

The StormHarvester control centre receives site-specific rainfall predictions from various International Meteorological agencies including the British Met office. The control centre runs this data through an algorithm estimating the likely runoff volume for the upcoming rain events. The control centre then automatically sends this information to the on-site StormHarvester controller.

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StormHarvester Controller.

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.

StormHarvester Display Portal.

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. Warnings can also be sent to operatives, regulators and others via text message or email.

Weather Forecast Algorithm.

Forecast Data

5 Day Forecasts

3 Day Forecasts

1 Day Forecasts

Data Analysis

Every 5 minutes new forecast data analysed

Monitoring

Atmospheric Pressure Forecasts monitored

Safety

Factor of Safety applied when predicting runoff volumes

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.

Queen’s University Belfast.

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.

Failsafe Systems.

Battery back up in power failure scenario

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.

System identifies and automatically reacts in coms failure scenario

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

Automatically detects valve blockages

The system automatically identifies partial and complete valve blockages and automatically alerts the owner of the infrastructure.

Automated Warning System

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.

Active Attenuation - Technology