Street-level forecasting
Currently, forecasters use various techniques, including rain radars; but these are far from accurate enough. TU Delft and TU Eindhoven are joining forces to accurately detect rain, with the aid of 5G technology. The goal: a forecast down to street level.
Climate change
To farmers and authorities for water and traffic management, accurate localisaton of precipitation is essential. Due to climate change, downpours are becoming increasingly severe on a local scale. Anticipating heavy rainfall is increasingly relevant to prevent crop failures and ensure a safe society.
Rethinking with 5G
Although water and humidity affect radio signals, practical research shows that 5G has great potential in complex, humid environments such as greenhouses. Therefore, Do IoT Fieldlab is actively testing 5G horticulture applications in the Tomatoworld greenhouse for other projects.
Scientists from TU Delft and TU Eindhoven currently use this phenomenon to their advantage. The idea is simple, yet ingenious. Heavy rainfall causes a weakened signal between the masts. This property can therefore function as a precis, local rainfall indicator.
5G versus 4G
5G is more sensitive to precipitation than 4G due to the higher frequency of this type of connection. As a result, 5G is less effective at bridging long distances. For the higher the frequency, the faster the connection, but the shorter the distance that can be covered. Moreover, high frequencies generate shorter waves, which are more easily blocked by obstacles such as walls or trees. That is why 5G masts are placed closer together than 4G masts. And due the smaller distance between 5G masts, rainfall can be detected more accurately. Possibly even at street level, within a range of 100 to 200 meters.
Approach
TU Eindhoven is researching the effect of different types of precipitation (heavy raindrops, drizzle, hail) on the 5G signal at The Green Village. And TU Delft is comparing the fluctuations in the 5G signal with actual weather data to validate the calculations. Together, we are working towards a future in which 5G is not only serves as an connection enabler, but also facilitates a better understanding of the interaction between technology and nature.
