CloudSonde

由于云在降水形成和全球能量平衡中的作用，对云特性的了解是非常必要的。云中液态水的存在与相对于入射阳光高度反射的云有关。数值天气和气候模式的验证是了解当前一代模式的不足和优势的关键。虽然在多个地点从各种平台定期收集各种气象和成分参数的现场观测，但没有云特性的常规现场观测。遥感数据（如雷达）通常用于验证数值模式云产品。然而，从遥感技术的数据需要反演，以获得有用的信息云。这些数据反演需要根据观测结果进行验证，因为迄今为止进行的少量实地/遥感相互比较突出了重大差异。我们建议开发一种新的低成本，重量轻，低功耗的液态水传感器，适用于气象气球上的操作使用。来自传感器的数据可用于初始化数值模型，以改善天气预报，验证气候/天气模型，验证遥感检索，并监测气候状态。传感器的其他应用包括真实的时间雾监测和雾预报验证。该传感器也可以部署在无人机系统上，以便从危险环境中运行的低成本平台获得观测数据。该项目有三个不同的活动：（1）设计（2）测试和表征（3）与潜在的最终用户和行业接触设计：我们将开发基于PVM-100 A（颗粒体积监测器）的嵌入式传感器。PVM-100 A是由Gerber Scientific Inc在20世纪90年代制造的，但现在已经无法购买。由于其成本、尺寸、重量和功耗，PVM-100 A目前不适合在气象气球上使用。由于PVM-100 A设计的高灵敏度，PVM-100 A系统组件的小型化和现代化将导致高性能，低成本的散装传感器适用于气象气球上的操作使用。现代光电和电气元件的稳定性、效率和灵敏度远远高于20世纪90年代初的元件，这意味着使用现代低成本元件是一个可行的选择。新的设计特点也将被纳入，以简化仪器结构和开发知识产权。研究团队已经使用PVM技术超过20年。测试和表征：新传感器将在曼彻斯特大学的云室中进行测试。这些测试将在各种实验室条件下进行，以评估仪器性能。将测试环境温度、云水含量和云滴有效半径等参数的影响。与潜在的最终用户和行业接触：新传感器将与标准无线电探空仪包集成。有兴趣的最终用户和商业机构将被邀请参加曼彻斯特云室的演示活动。

An understanding of cloud properties is highly desirable due to the role of clouds on precipitation formation and the global energy balance. The presence of liquid water in clouds is associated with clouds which are highly reflective with respect to incoming sunlight. The validation of numerical weather and climate models is key to understanding the deficiencies and strengths of the current generation of models. While in-situ observations of various meteorological and compositional parameters are routinely collected at multiple sites from various platforms, there are no routine in-situ observations of cloud properties. Remote sensing data (e.g. radar) is commonly used to validate the numerical model cloud products. However, the data from remote sensing techniques requires inverting in order to obtain useful information on clouds. These data inversions are in need of validation against observations as the small number of in-situ/remote sensing inter-comparisons performed to date have highlight major discrepancies. We propose the development of a new low cost, lightweight, low power liquid water sensor suitable for operational use on weather balloons. Data from the sensor could be used to initialise numerical models to improve weather forecasts, validate climate/weather models, validate remote sensing retrievals, and monitor the state of the climate. Other applications of the sensor include real time fog monitoring and fog forecast validation. The sensor could also be deployed on Unmanned Aerial Systems to obtain observations from low cost platforms operating in hazardous environments.There are three distinct activities within the project:(1) Design(2) Testing and Characterisation(3) Engage with potential end users and industry Design: We will develop a miniaturised sensor based on the PVM-100A (Particle Volume Monitor). The PVM-100A was made by Gerber Scientific Inc, in the 1990s, but is no longer available to buy. The PVM-100A is not suitable for operational use on weather balloons in its current form due to its cost, size, weight and power consumption. Owing to the high sensitivity of the PVM-100A design, miniaturisation and modernization of the PVM-100A system components would results in a high performance, low cost bulk sensor suitable for operation use on weather balloons. Modern opto-electronic and electrical components have far greater stability, efficiency and sensitivity than those from the early 1990s, meaning the use of modern low cost components is a viable option. Novel design features will also be incorporated to simplify instrument construction and to develop Intellectual Property. The investigator team has been using PVM technology for over 20 years.Testing and Characterisation: The new sensor will be tested in a cloud chamber based at the University of Manchester. These tests will be conducted in a variety of laboratory conditions to assess instrument performance. The influence of parameters such as ambient temperature, cloud water content, and cloud droplet effective radius will be tested. Engage with potential end users and industry : The new sensor will be integrated with a standard radiosonde package. Potentially interested end users and commercial bodies will be invited to attend demonstration activities at the Manchester cloud chamber.