Specifications

A Remote Automated Water Quality Stream Gauging System Design 6
6
Ventilation is provided with two weather resistant vents located on either side of the
enclosure, these vents have insect proof screen mounted on the inner surface to prevent
insects entering the enclosure.
Tabs on the bottom edges allow the enclosure to be anchored onto the platform.
2.2.3. Data logger enclosure
The logger enclosure is one of the B&R EC range which can be purchased at many electrical
supply stores. These enclosures protect internal components against the ingress of dust and
water. It has a removable backing plate to allow easy installation of equipment and a
removable base plate for the installation of cable glands. The enclosure has four mounting
points located on the back. Custom fabricated brackets are used to attach the enclosure to
the solar panel mounting pole on both stand types.
The size required is somewhat dependant on the telemetry system. For example GSM or 3G
systems only require an EC3215 whereas a larger EC4315 enclosure is required to house
the larger satellite modem.
2.2.4. Solar panel mounting
The solar panel(s) are mounted on top of a pole that rises above all obstructions on the
platform. The pole can be rotated to the required direction prior to attachment. A tab is
welded to the top of the pole that has an aperture to allow the attachment of a solar panel
bracket. All parts of the bracket are bolted together for easy assembly/disassembly.
A bracket for a single solar panel can be constructed from a singe piece of 50 mm
galvanised angle iron. One side is attached to the panel presenting the upright for
attachment to the pole. This provides a pivot point to allow the angle of the panel to be set
accordingly.
A two panel bracket (Figure 2) is constructed from two lengths of galvanised steel flat bar
that are attached across both ends of the short axis of the two panels, joining them together.
Two lengths of galvanised angle are attached perpendicular to the flat bar with the vertical
wall facing outwards. A single bracket mount is then attached to the centre of between these
struts.
Figure 2 An example of a two panel bracket.
2.2.5. Sensor mount
The sensor mount provides a positive attachment point for the water quality instrumentation
and the sample hose intake. It is generally located in the centre of the channel and therefore
must be able to withstand the force applied by flowing water and debris build-up. All
components are constructed from hot dip galvanised mild steel and are designed to be
bolted together to form a clamp around a 125mm x 75mm rectangular hollow section (RHS)
pier as shown in Figure 3.