Title - ANTI-VANDALISM MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING PHYSICAL WATER VARIABLES IN OPEN CHANNELS AND ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE FOR SAID SYSTEM

Abstract

An anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels, comprising: a first member, comprising a base with a plurality of perforations for inserting a plurality of anchoring means for fixing the first member to a system installation surface; a second member, which is fixed onto the first member of the system by means of a plurality of anchoring means; a third, externally disposed member, which is fixed to the first and second members from inside the system by means of anchoring means; and a fourth member, pivotally disposed on the lower part of the third member; wherein the first member comprises a plurality of compartments for housing a plurality of devices for operating the system and for monitoring physical variables to be protected by the system;and wherein the system comprises a power generating device and a plurality of safety devices, so that the fourth member is fixed to the third member of the system. A procedure for assembling an anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels.

Description

ANTI-VANDALISM MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING PHYSICAL VARIABLES OF WATER, COMPRISING: A FIRST MEMBER; A SECOND MEMBER; A THIRD MEMBER; AND A FOURTH MEMBER; WHEREIN THE FIRST MEMBER COMPRISES A PLURALITY OF COMPARTMENTS FOR HOUSING A PLURALITY OF DEVICES. ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of canal monitoring systems and, specifically, to an anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in natural and artificial open canals.

[0002] The assembly of the components of the described anti-vandalism system allows, among other things, the protection of the internal elements that allow water monitoring from theft and damage that it may suffer from third parties or from the weather conditions present at the installation site, as well as allowing the improvement in the accuracy of the telemetry of the system thanks to the thermal insulation provided, therefore, not only providing a safer system, but also a system that offers better performance in operation compared to the solutions currently existing.

[0003] The system of the invention essentially comprises a first member, comprising a base with a plurality of perforations for introducing a plurality of anchoring means for fixing the first member to a system installation surface; a second member, which is fixed onto the first member of the system by means of a plurality of anchoring means; a third member, arranged externally, which is fixed to the first and second members from the inside of the system by means of anchoring means; and a fourth member, pivotally arranged on the lower part of the third member; wherein the first member comprises a plurality of compartments for housing a plurality of devices for operating the system and for monitoring physical variables to be protected by the system;and wherein the system comprises a power generating device and a plurality of safety devices, so that the fourth member is fixed to the third member of the system.

[0004] Preferably, the devices for the operation of the system and for the monitoring of physical variables correspond to a plurality of batteries, at least one 238517 1731159 of 20 anti-humidity device, at least one power, measurement and telecommunications controller device, at least one ultrasonic sensor, and at least one wireless communication antenna; wherein the power generating device is comprised by the fourth member, which further comprises an anti-impact cover over said power generator, wherein both the power generating device and the anti-impact cover are supported by a rear support of the power generating device.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for assembling the vandal-proof mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels, as described above. BACKGROUND

[0006] Remote monitoring or telemetry technology, specifically for measuring physical variables in surface water distribution networks in natural and artificial open channels, has advanced significantly in recent decades, but still faces several challenges to become a cost-effective and robust solution. The physical variables of greatest interest for monitoring water distribution in open channels are flow rate and runoff level, in addition to other variables related to water chemistry. In this regard, the main problems for measuring these variables are time accuracy and the vandalism to which the components of these systems are exposed.

[0007] Currently, one of the main reasons for the low number of telemetry points in many natural and / or artificial canal networks, as mentioned previously, is the destruction or theft of these installations by third parties. These individuals see an opportunity to illicitly obtain the measuring equipment and other components within these systems for later sale. This is largely due to the isolated locations of these systems, along canals where there is typically no human traffic. This, combined with the darkness of these areas at night due to the lack of lighting, allows these individuals to exploit the weak security offered by the measuring systems and steal their components.Additionally, the use of one or more solar panels on a mast to power the electrical components of the system significantly increases the visibility of this equipment, increasing the likelihood of theft, as well as the cleaning that must be done on these panels so that they do not lose efficiency. 238517 1731159 of 20

[0008] Another factor that affects the deterioration of these facilities is the environmental characteristics of the places where they are located, which can cause in a short period of time the malfunction of one or more of the components of the system, due to pollution, high / low temperatures and / or humidity present in the environment.

[0009] As a consequence of these problems, frequent inspections and maintenance are necessary to check the operating status of the system components and verify that none of them have been compromised or damaged by third parties.

[0010] In this context, the solutions currently used for flow measurement in open channels are varied, but only a few are used for remote monitoring (telemetry). These solutions correspond to the following methods: volumetric flow measurement, gravimetric flow measurement, chemical tracers, the Gauckler-Manning equation, area-velocity measurement, and measurement by hydraulic structure (flutes and weirs), with the latter two methods being the most widely used for flow telemetry.

[0011] Volumetric and gravimetric flow measurements are generally used for point measurements, taken manually, providing an instantaneous flow rate reading (point measurement) rather than continuous monitoring. Measurement using chemical tracers is also used for instantaneous measurements, but it has the disadvantage of requiring a supply of the chemical for the measurement, in addition to the periodic recalibration of the measuring instruments. Furthermore, flow measurement using the Gauckler-Manning equations is rarely used for flow monitoring, since its coefficient (Gauckel-Manning coefficient) varies over time, causing flow measurements derived from runoff depth measurements to become increasingly less accurate.Regarding the area-velocity method for measuring flow rates in open channels, the most commonly used sensors are Doppler and transit-time sensors with multiple transducers. These must be fixed to the bottom or one of the walls of the open channel, which presents safety concerns due to their complete exposure. Finally, the most widely used method today is flow measurement using hydraulic structures, due to its robustness and simplicity. This type of measurement provides a one-to-one relationship between head and flow rate (discharge curve) thanks to the transition from subcritical to supercritical flow, allowing for the isolation of downstream hydraulic conditions.In this way, the flow rate can be monitored continuously, only from the measurement of the critical runoff height, which is usually done thanks to an ultrasonic sensor or pressure sensor, which can. 238517 1731159 of 20 can be through a stilling well or directly onto the free surface of the water in the canal.

[0012] However, the hydraulic structure measurement method also has several unresolved problems. First, constructing the stilling basins requires stopping or bypassing the canal flow to build the intake pipes. This basin construction impacts the cost and time of the project, in addition to the indirect costs associated with stopping the canal flow. A small building or a lockable drum can be installed over the stilling basin to contain and protect the equipment used to measure and record the basin level. In both cases, the power supply system (photovoltaic panel) and communication antenna must be installed separately, as described in Chinese utility model CN202092719U, which discloses a water level telemetry device using a level sensor powered by a photovoltaic solar generation system.One of the problems with photovoltaic panels is the visibility of the measuring equipment from a distance, due to its elevated installation. This could attract the attention of people interested in stealing one or more components or vandalizing the installations. Furthermore, these systems are exposed to potential damage to the solar panels from hail or bird strikes.

[0013] Additionally, in the case of stilling basins with steel lids, air temperature stratification occurs inside the steel drum. This causes the temperature compensation of the ultrasonic transit-time sensor to not accurately reflect the average air temperature between the water and the sensor, decreasing its accuracy throughout the day and generating erroneous measurements. Furthermore, a unique characteristic of stilling basins is their near-zero internal velocity, which leads to the accumulation of solid sediments and algae growth. This can render the basin unusable due to blockages in the intake pipes. One way to mitigate this effect is by positioning the intake pipe at a higher elevation, which makes it impossible to measure the flow level for low flow rates below the pipe's midline.

[0014] Now, regarding the measurement of the runoff level by hydraulic structure, measured directly on the channel, several approaches have been developed that address this concept due to its simplicity in relatively narrow channels. One of the difficulties with this concept is the requirement for supports on both sides of the channel, which is difficult in relatively wide channels (for example, channels wider than 6 meters), requiring a mounting structure that needs a truck for transport and perhaps 238517 1731159 of 20 a crane for its assembly. Examples of this type of installation are found in US patents US6907779B1 and US8474327B2. Patent US6907779B1 describes a continuous flow measurement recorder for measuring water flow in an open channel, where an ultrasonic sensor obtains measurements upstream in an artificial channel arranged within the open channel. Furthermore, patent US8474327B2 describes an acoustic flow meter assembly for pipes or open channels, using an acoustic transducer to measure fluid velocity. It is noted that in both patents, the components of the respective systems can be easily vandalized or damaged, either by third parties or due to environmental conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, none of the state-of-the-art systems, whether those using stilling basins or similar installations, provide a satisfactory solution to the problem of measurement error in the distance between the sensor and the water's surface. This problem arises from differences in air temperature along the ultrasonic wave's path. Therefore, using an incorrect reference temperature results in an inaccurate speed of sound used to calculate the distance. This is primarily due to the characteristics of the sensor installation sites, which either lack sufficient thermal insulation or an arrangement of components that allows for measuring a reference temperature closer to the average temperature between the sensor and the water.

[0016] Finally, regarding flow telemetry using the area-velocity method, this can be performed in multiple ways. The most commonly used methods are: transit time, consistent Doppler, inconsistent Doppler, laser Doppler, among others. A common element of all these measurement methods is that the measurement components must be mounted on the walls or bottom of the channel, separate from the area where the signals are interpreted, recorded, and transmitted. This arrangement of the components in and around the channel leaves them vulnerable to theft, often requiring the measurement area to be fenced off to prevent the theft or damage of this equipment.

[0017] Therefore, it is necessary to have a vandal-proof mounting system for monitoring the physical variables of water in open channels that offers a comprehensive solution for accurate and reliable measurement of these variables, as well as a compact and secure design. This allows the user to rely on the system's autonomy and robustness, enabling the installation of multiple systems along a channel without the need for constant inspections and / or repairs. This avoids, among other things, the need to shut down the channel to add a measurement or to carry out additional civil works required for the system's operation, thus providing a system that can be 238517 1731159 of 20 quickly installed at the place of operation, without the need for specific equipment or specialized personnel. 238517 1731159 of 20 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention relates to an anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in natural and artificial open channels, which allows measurements to be made in an environment free of physical and climatological interference, in addition to providing security and autonomy to its components, preventing damage or theft of one or more of them.

[0019] In this regard, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels comprises: - a first member, comprising a base with a plurality of perforations for introducing a plurality of anchoring means for fixing the first member to an installation surface of the system; - a second member, which is fixed onto the first member of the system, by means of a plurality of anchoring means; - a third, externally arranged member that is attached to the first and second members from inside the system by means of anchoring devices; and - a fourth member, pivotally arranged at the bottom of the third member; wherein the first member comprises a plurality of compartments to house a plurality of devices for the operation of the system and for monitoring physical variables to be protected by the system; and wherein the system comprises a power generating device and a plurality of safety devices, so that the fourth member is fixed to the third member of the system.

[0020] This modality of the invention allows obtaining a compact and low-visibility system, which, through the assembly of its four members, provides a solution that makes it much more difficult for third parties who wish to damage or steal one or more of its components to compromise it.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the devices for the operation of the system and for the monitoring of physical variables correspond to a plurality of batteries, at least one anti-humidity device, at least one energy, measurement and telecommunications controller device, at least one ultrasonic sensor, and at least one wireless communication antenna. 238517 1731159 of 20

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the power generating device is a photovoltaic solar panel.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the power generating device is comprised by the fourth member, which further comprises an anti-impact cover over said power generator, wherein both the power generating device and the anti-impact cover are supported by a rear support of the power generating device.

[0024] The fact that the energy generating device is a photovoltaic solar panel, and that this is inserted together with the system of the invention, allows for a complete anti-vandalism mounting system, since all the components of the system are in a single unit, protected by its different members and by the anti-impact cover, which allows the photovoltaic solar panel to receive sufficient solar radiation to power the system's batteries, without the need for said solar panel to be exposed, as in some prior art solutions, where the solar panel is located on a pole or similar, being easily located by third parties.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the devices for operating the system and monitoring physical variables also include at least one camera to monitor the condition of the canal, to check for the presence of debris or foreign objects, and also to verify the water level. This helps the system operator to visually monitor the system's operation and the canal's flow rate, and to visually verify if the system provides data that might suggest a problem in the canal, such as water theft, obstruction due to debris, etc.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises at least one element for measuring water height, mounted on the third member.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the element for measuring water height is a radar device.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a module for measuring the flow velocity profile in the channel, either laterally or at the bottom of the channel, comprising two parts fixed to the inner members of the system and supporting a device with a plurality of transducers for measuring average velocity by Doppler effect, transit time or other similar method, the module extending to the channel wall or bottom, which is fixed to said channel wall by means of a plurality of anchoring means. 238517 1731159 of 20

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a housing element above the channel, fixed to the inner members of the system by means of anchoring, in which at its end is mounted a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring the surface speed and flow height in the channel.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises an element above the channel, fixed to the inner members of the system by means of anchoring, in which at its end is mounted a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring the surface speed and flow height in the channel.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises an additional module mounted to the lower part of the system, fixed to it by means of anchoring, in which there is a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring surface speed and flow height in the channel.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises an arm, preferably horizontal, mounted to the lower part of the system, fixed at one end to said lower part by means of anchoring, where at its other end an additional module is mounted, fixed to this by means of anchoring, where inside there is a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring the surface speed and flow height in the channel.This arrangement prevents interference between the radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and the canal wall when it is located in the housing element anchored to the canal wall, where the sound or electromagnetic wave can be interfered with due to its proximity to the wall, by hydraulic structures near the wall, or because the wall is an angled slope, so that when the canal level drops, the distance between the sensor and the free surface of the water would not be measured.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, the installation surface of the system corresponds to the upper edge of one of the channel walls.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the installation surface of the system corresponds to a bridge that crosses the canal transversely, and which is mounted on the upper edges of the canal walls by means of anchoring. 238517 1731159 of 20

[0035] The present invention also relates to a procedure for assembling an anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels, based on the system described above, where the installation steps of the system components allow obtaining all the aforementioned advantages, in terms of allowing precise and interference-free measurement, as well as providing adequate security to prevent the destruction or theft of part or all of the system.

[0036] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly procedure for the anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels comprises the following stages: (i) fixing a first member to an installation surface of the system, by introducing a plurality of anchoring means into a plurality of perforations in said first member; (ii) attaching a second member to the first member by means of a plurality of anchoring means; (iii) fixing a third member, arranged externally, to the first and second members, from inside the system, by means of anchoring means; and (iv) pivotally a fourth member, at the bottom of the third member; (v) to house a plurality of devices to be protected by the system in a plurality of compartments of the first member; (vi) providing a power generating device in the system; and (vii) providing a plurality of safety devices on the fourth member, so that it is fixed to the third member of the system.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention, the step of arranging a power generating device in the system further comprises arranging said power generating device, together with an anti-impact cover over said power generating device, in the fourth member, wherein the power generating device corresponds to a photovoltaic solar panel.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, the procedure further comprises providing a rear support for the photovoltaic solar panel in the fourth member, to support said photovoltaic solar panel and the impact-resistant cover.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, the procedure further comprises mounting on the third member at least one element for measuring water height. 238517 1731159 of 20

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the procedure further comprises mounting on the inner members of the system a module for measuring the flow velocity profile in the channel, either laterally or at the bottom of the channel, comprising two parts fixed to said inner members and supporting a device with a plurality of transducers for measuring velocity by Doppler effect, transit time or other similar method, the module extending to the channel wall or bottom, which is fixed to said channel wall by means of a plurality of anchoring means.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the procedure further comprises mounting on the inner members of the system an element above the channel, fixed to said inner members by means of anchoring, where at its end is mounted a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring the surface speed and flow height in the channel.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, the procedure further comprises mounting an additional module to the lower part of the system, fixed to it by means of anchoring, in which there is a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring the surface speed and flow height in the channel.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention, the procedure further comprises mounting an arm to the lower part of the system, fixed at one end to said lower part by means of anchoring, where at its other end an additional module is mounted, fixed to this by means of anchoring, where inside there is a radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor and a device for measuring the surface speed and flow height in the channel.

[0044] From the above description, it is possible to appreciate that the invention provides a number of specific advantages, in addition to those already mentioned, compared to existing solutions: - The problem of the low reliability of stilling wells for measuring the flow height of the channel is solved, due to the accumulation of sediment in the well and the clogging of the pipe(s) that connect the well to the channel. - The problem of temperature stratification within the calm well is solved, which causes non-representative temperature measurements for calculating transit time. 238517 1731159 of 20 - The construction of the calming well to stabilize waves on the free surface of the channel is avoided, which means that the channel has to be stopped to install, build a bypass and modify its civil works, adding an additional cost to the construction of the work. - The high visual impact of solar panels and telemetry stations of existing systems and facilities is avoided. - Damage to the solar panel from weather effects (hail, branches colliding due to wind, among other effects) and collisions of birds against the surface of the panel are avoided. - The risk of the system or any component thereof being vandalized by third parties who wish to damage or appropriate it is minimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] As part of the present invention, the following representative figures are presented, which show a preferred configuration of the invention and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed subject matter. Figures 1 to 4 show a state-of-the-art channel monitoring solution; Figures 5 to 7 show additional state-of-the-art channel monitoring solutions; Figures 8 and 9 show an additional solution for state-of-the-art channel monitoring; Figures 10 and 11 show an isometric view of the main decoupled components of a first preferred configuration of the vandal-proof mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water, arranged in an open channel; Figures 12 and 13 show an isometric view of the first preferred configuration of the anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water, arranged in an open and armed channel; Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a second preferred configuration of the anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water, arranged in an open channel, according to a preferred configuration of the invention; 238517 1731159 of 20 Figure 15 shows a view of the anchoring means of the system, according to the first and second preferred configurations of the invention; Figure 16 shows a view of the first member of the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 17 shows a view of the devices arranged in the first member of the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 18 shows a view of the arrangement of the second member in the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 19 shows a view of the arrangement of the third member in the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 20 shows a view of the arrangement of the fourth member in the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 21 shows a view of the arrangement of the photovoltaic solar panel in the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 22 shows a view of the arrangement of the ultrasonic sensor and camera in the system, according to the second preferred configuration of the invention; Figure 23 shows a view of the system arrangement shown in Figure 21, mounted on a bridge over the canal, with an additional vandal-proof and thermally insulated mounting module, which contains the sensors for measuring water height and surface velocity of the canal; and Figure 24 shows a detailed view of the additional vandal-proof and thermally insulated mounting module, which contains the water height and surface velocity sensors for the channel, which can be seen in more detail in the vignette. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED OPTION

[0046] With reference to the accompanying figures, Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a prior art solution for channel monitoring, which utilizes a stilling basin. Several problems addressed by the present invention can be observed in this solution. One of these relates to the space required for the system installation (Figures 1 and 2), which occupies a large area that must be protected by a concrete structure, in addition to other protective measures such as fences, barbed wire, etc. Furthermore, the photovoltaic panel that powers the system... 238517 1731159 of 20 has high visibility, increasing the chances of attracting third parties to the system's location to vandalize it.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the stilling basin of the system in Figure 1, which is dirty and full of sediment. This is another problem that these systems have not been able to address. The accumulated dirt causes the basin's intake pipe to become clogged, preventing the true water level in the canal from being reflected. Furthermore, it is impossible to determine the precise moment when the transmission of water level from the canal to the stilling basin was delayed or obstructed. To avoid this, this type of system must be cleaned continuously, resulting in significant expenses. In addition, it is important to note the level of the associated civil works required for measurement, which necessitates stopping the canal to carry out this infrastructure. Therefore, the system is costly and time-consuming to install.

[0048] Regarding Figures 5 to 7, they illustrate various solutions aimed at addressing the civil engineering challenges associated with the state-of-the-art monitoring system. However, it is evident that these solutions are still vulnerable to vandalism by third parties who manage to breach the security systems and steal components. This is primarily because, while these solutions save installation space, they fail to reduce the visibility of the solar panel, which attracts thieves, and / or they opt to lower the system's level of protection, making it easily vulnerable, for example, with cutting tools or by prying.

[0049] Finally, Figures 8 and 9 show a state-of-the-art monitoring station with its intake pipes completely clogged due to algae buildup, highlighting the importance of constant maintenance for these types of systems to ensure their normal and accurate operation. Figure 9 specifically shows another view of the same monitoring station, where the door has been removed and the interior completely vandalized. Furthermore, the railing on the existing bridge has been almost entirely stolen, leaving only the central section, demonstrating the extent of vandalism in these isolated locations where continuous and effective monitoring is impossible. Therefore, there is a need for safer and more reliable canal monitoring systems that can provide continuous and accurate canal monitoring without increasing installation costs.

[0050] Furthermore, in a first preferred configuration, the vandal-proof mounting system (1) for monitoring physical variables of water in natural and artificial open channels, described by the present invention, is positioned and installed, according to what 238517 1731159 of 20 is shown in Figures 10 to 13, on an edge of the channel (100), where a first member (10) is arranged, consisting of a base (10a), a first element (10b), and a second element (10c), in a position that allows a portion of the base (10a) of said first member (10) to be above the water surface. The section of the first member (10) that remains above the edge of the channel (100) is fixed to it by means of at least three anchoring means (13), which are shown in detail in Figure 15.

[0051] In the same figures 10 to 13 it can also be seen that the system (1) has a second member (20), which is installed in the system (1) pivotally to the first member (10) or in such a way that it can be completely removed over the first member (10).

[0052] The assembly of the first and second member configures inside the system (1) a series of compartments that allow housing all the devices, sensors, energy storage and / or transformation elements, among others, necessary for the operation of the system (1), in a secure and inaccessible manner to third parties who wish to access it, given the way in which said members are anchored to the system (1).

[0053] Finally, Figure 13 shows that the system (1) also comprises a housing element (51) and a chamber (52), where the housing element (51) contains a radar or ultrasonic water height sensor (53) and a device for measuring surface velocity and flow height (54) in the channel (see Figure 24). The placement of the ultrasonic sensor (53) within the housing element (51) produces an unexpected effect, in addition to the thermal insulation effect within the system (1). This allows the thermocouples inside or outside the sensor (53) to be subjected to smaller temperature changes, closer to the temperature of the air mass between the sensor (53) and the water surface.This method allows for more accurate measurements, with less exposure to temperature changes that can lead to incorrect reference temperatures when calculating distance from the ultrasound wave transit time measurement. This is a technical improvement that none of the currently offered solutions describe or suggest for their measurements.

[0054] With regard to Figure 14, a second preferred configuration of the technology is shown, in which the vandal-proof mounting system (1) for monitoring physical variables of water in natural and artificial open channels is also positioned and installed on a channel edge (100), where, unlike the first preferred configuration, a base (11) of a first member (10) is arranged in a position that allows a part of the base (11) of said first member (10) to be over 238517 1731159 of 20 the water surface (see figure 16). As for the first configuration described, the section of the first member (10) that remains on the edge of the channel (100) is fixed to it by means of at least three anchoring means (13), which are observed in detail in figure 15.

[0055] Another important difference between the first configuration and the second preferred configuration described in Figure 14 is that the system (1) in the latter configuration is composed of four members (10, 20, 30, 40), which are anchored in this same order to form the system (1). The details of the anchorages of each of these members are shown in greater detail in Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20.

[0056] In this sense, as can be seen in Figure 14, the fourth member (40) has a different shape in order to be able to receive a power generation device, such as a photovoltaic solar panel.

[0057] As in the first preferred configuration, the assembly of the members (10, 20, 30, 40) configures inside the system (1) a series of compartments that allow housing all the devices, sensors, energy storage and / or transformation elements, among others, necessary for the operation of the system (1), also providing a secure and inaccessible solution for third parties who wish to access it, given the way in which said members are anchored to the system (1).

[0058] The manner in which the first member (10) is fixed by means of the anchoring means (13) is shown in Figure 16, where said anchoring means (13) pass through at least three holes (12) of the first member (10), thereby fixing it to the surface of the edge of the channel (100).

[0059] The number of anchoring means (13) required to fix the first member (10) to the installation surface (100) will vary depending on the difficulties present in the ground, such as defects, rebar or stones in the concrete, so the number of such anchoring means (13) will generally be between at least three anchoring means (13) and nine anchoring means (13).

[0060] In Figure 16, as well as in Figure 17, four compartments (14) are shown, in which the various devices (50) that enable the system to function and measure the physical variables of the water are located. These devices include a battery, a dehumidifier, a power, measurement, and telecommunications controller, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, and a wireless communication antenna, which can operate via 2G, 3G, 4G, etc. cellular networks and / or via independent wireless networks (5 GHz, 24 GHz, or similar bands). Together, these devices (50) allow the system to perform measurements in a 238517 1731159 of 20 remote, without the need for the user's presence, who can receive the measurements made by the system through a computer, smartphone, or any means capable of receiving information through the internet or Bluetooth.

[0061] The ability to transmit information wirelessly allows the system of the invention to connect several of these systems (1) along a channel, where one of them can act as a gateway for the other systems (1). This allows for a main system (gateway) that contains all the features described for the invention and smaller, additional systems (1) that only obtain essential information from the channel to be sent to the main system (1), so that it consolidates the received information and sends it to the user. Information transmission between systems can be carried out using LoRa radio waves or any other similar medium that allows for wireless information transmission.

[0062] Figures 18 and 19 show the arrangement of the second (20) and third member (30) in system (1), respectively. The second member (20) is fixed around the lateral faces of the first member (10) by means of a plurality of anchoring means. The third member (30) is fixed to the first (10) and second (20) members from their inner faces, also by means of anchoring means, which prevents these anchoring means from being detached from the outside.

[0063] With regard to Figure 20, this shows the arrangement of the fourth member (40) in the system (1), by means of pivoting mechanisms that allow said fourth member (40) to open for access to the devices (50) of the system (1). Furthermore, the arrangement of the energy generating device (41), corresponding to a photovoltaic solar panel, attached to the inner surface of the fourth member (40), is shown. This allows the system (1) to operate as a single, independent unit, avoiding the need to place other elements outside the system (1), where they would be exposed to vandalism. A rear support (43) is also shown, which supports the photovoltaic solar panel (41), along with the impact-resistant cover placed over it, so that they are perfectly positioned within the system (1).

[0064] Figure 21 shows an isometric view of the system (1), where the front of the fourth member (40) is visible. An impact-resistant cover (42) is placed on this front surface, protecting the photovoltaic solar panel (41) from damage while still allowing it to receive solar radiation normally. Two additional safety elements (44) are positioned below the impact-resistant cover (41), which attach to the third 238517 1731159 of 20 member (30), thus leaving both members (30, 40) fixed and secured, preventing third parties from accessing the components of the system (1).

[0065] Regarding Figure 22, it shows a view from the water surface towards the system (1), where the arrangement of a housing element (51) and a chamber (52) can be seen. These elements offer the same advantages described for the first preferred configuration, where the housing element (51) contains a radar or ultrasonic water height sensor (53) and a device for measuring surface velocity and flow depth (54) in the channel. The placement of the ultrasonic sensor (53) within the housing element (51) produces an unexpected effect, combined with the thermal insulation effect within the system (1). This allows the thermocouples inside the sensor (53) to be subjected to smaller temperature changes, closer to the temperature of the air mass between the sensor (53) and the water surface.This method allows for more accurate measurements, with less exposure to temperature changes that can lead to incorrect reference temperatures when calculating distance from the ultrasound wave transit time measurement. This is a technical improvement that none of the currently offered solutions describe or suggest for their measurements.

[0066] Regarding Figure 23, it shows an isometric view of the system, where a mounting on a bridge (100) that crosses the channel, which acts as the installation surface, can be seen. From this arrangement, an additional module (60) can be positioned and mounted to the lower surface of the system (1), containing both the height sensors (53) and the surface velocity measuring device (54) of the channel.

[0067] Finally, with respect to figure 24, it shows a detail of the additional module (60), which has anti-vandalism and technical characteristics, and which supports the sensors and devices (53, 53) that allow measuring the height and surface speed of the water.

[0068] The arrangement shown in Figures 23 and 24 prevents interference between the radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor (53) and the canal wall when it is arranged in the housing element (51), which frequently occurs in several existing state-of-the-art solutions, resulting in erroneous information to the system operator, leading to bad decisions that may ultimately result in having to implement costly solutions due to the bad measurements taken. 238517 1731159 of 20 NUMERICAL REFERENCES An anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels First member Base First element Second element Base Drilling Anchoring means Compartments Second member Third member Fourth member Power generating device Impact-resistant cover Rear support Security devices Devices Accommodation element Camera Radar or ultrasonic water height measuring sensor Device for measuring surface velocity and runoff height Additional module Installation surface

Claims

1. An anti-vandalism mounting system (1) for monitoring physical variables of water in open channels, which allows for more precise monitoring, provides security and autonomy to its components by preventing damage to or theft of one or more of them, and which can operate on both channel walls and bridges without the need for structural changes to the system, characterized in that it comprises: - a first member (10), comprising a base (11) with a plurality of perforations (12) for introducing a plurality of anchoring means (13) for fixing the first member (10) to an installation surface (100) of the system (1), wherein said anchoring means (13) are arranged inaccessible from the outside of the system (1); - a second member (20), which is fixed onto the first member (10) of the system (1), by means of a plurality of anchoring means, arranged inaccessible from the outside of the system (1);- a third member (30), arranged externally, which is fixed to the first and second members (10, 20) from the inside of the system by means of anchoring means, wherein said anchoring means are arranged inaccessibly from the outside of the system (1); and - a fourth member (40), pivotally arranged on the lower part of the third member (30); wherein the first member (10) comprises a plurality of compartments (14) for housing a plurality of devices (50) for the operation of the system (1) and for monitoring physical variables to be protected by the system (1); wherein the fourth member comprises a plurality of safety devices (44) for said fourth member (40) to be fixed to the third member (30) of the system (1); wherein the fourth member (40) comprises a power generating device (41) and an impact-resistant cover (42) over said power generator (41);and wherein the system (1) further comprises a housing element (51) above the channel, fixed to the inner members of the system (1) by means of anchoring means, wherein at its end is mounted a radar or ultrasonic level measuring sensor (53) and a device for measuring the surface velocity and flow depth in the channel. 18 Claims follow;