Cold Weather Transit Technology Program. Volume 5. Icing Precursor Measurement: The Automated Weather Station

摘要

The Cold Weather Transit Technology (CWTT) Program has been authorized by the United States Congress to develop new and effective methods for assuring the dependable operation of transit systems in severe cold, ice and snow. The primary focus of the current phase of the CWTT research and development program is on issues surrounding the development of the radiofrequency third rail deicing system. The results bring the total number of systems research and developed to the prototype stage to three. In addition to the radiofrequency deicer system, the other systems, which were developed in an earlier phase of the program, are the high pressure water jet third rail deicer and electrically heated rail. The work described in the report has been directed at the development of the automated local weather station. Works in progress by highway departments and airfields around the nation and abroad are referenced. A gas-electronic thermometer for thrid rail temperature measurement has been designed and initially tested. The basic weather measurements required for testing are described and approaches to definition of a prediction algorithm discussed.