Water level measuring device and method for measuring the water level of a water container

Abstract

A water level measuring device is disclosed which comprises a pipe head 2 which has a pipe receiving section 3 so that it can be connected to a vertical pipe 17, and an environment facing section 4. T

Description

The present application relates generally to a water level measuring device and method for measuring the water level of a water container, and more specifically to a device and method that accurately determine the water level without requiring physical contact with the water. KR101849730B1 relates to a system to monitor a river flood based on local meteorological measurements, predicting flood probability of a river with a riverside parking lot to provide the flood probability to a parking lot user and an integrated closed cable television (CCTV) control center. US20200064175A1 provides a pressure sensor system for measuring a liquid pressure and deriving a liquid level from the measured pressure using gas pressure sensing devices. US20220180724A1 shows an integrated flood monitoring unit comprises a sensor capable of at least detecting one or more floodwater levels or measuring water levels and assembly of a data acquisition module, and a wireless transmitter that is specially adapted to be mounted one top and at least partially inside of a hollow pole secured in a vertical orientation at a fixed geographical location to monitor water levels, with the sensor being located nearer the bottom of the pole. These approaches present limitations. PROBLEM STATEMENT This application addresses the problem of measuring the water level of a water container. The application provides an improved device and improved method for measuring the water level by utilizing a vertical pipe with air pressure sensors, a control unit, a solar cell assembly for energy storage, and a satellite navigation system for geolocation. The control unit calculates the differential pressure between the air pressure sensors and triggers the transmission of the differential pressure signal and position data to a superordinate network. Additionally, the control unit ensures that the energy storage remains above a predetermined state of charge level by utilizing the solar cell assembly. Embodiments of the invention are associated with various advantages and / or technical effects. There is disclosed a device comprising: - a pipe head with a pipe receiving section and with an environment facing section, - a solar cell assembly, - an energy storage, - a first air pressure sensor being located at the pipe receiving section, and a second air pressure sensor being located at the environment facing section, - a control unit, - a satellite navigation system data communication unit, and - a data communications unit for transmitting data, wherein the control unit is adapted to provide a differential pressure signal of the air pressure signals of the first air pressure sensor and of the second airpressure sensor and to trigger the communications unit to transmit the differential pressure signal and a position data from the satellite navigation system data communication unit to a superordinate network, wherein the control unit further provides a charging of the energy storage by the solar cell assembly and an operation of the steps of providing a differential pressure signal of the two air pressure signals and of triggering the data communications unit to transmit the differential pressure signal and a position data from the satellite navigation such that the state of charge of the energy storage stays above a pre-determined level. The device provides an accurate measurement of water level in a water container by utilizing a vertical pipe that separates the pipe receiving section from the environment facing section, allowing for precise measurement of the differential pressure between the two air pressure sensors. The device incorporates a control unit that ensures the state of charge of the energy storage stays above a pre-determined level, thereby ensuring continuous operation and reliable transmission of the differential pressure signal and position data to the superordinate network. The device utilizes a solar cell assembly to charge the energy storage, eliminating the need for external power sources and making it suitable for remote or off-grid locations. The device provides the advantage of monitoring the water level of a water container accurately and efficiently. The device ensures the fluidity of the water container by measuring the differential pressure between the air pressure sensors. The device is controllable, allowing for precise measurement and control of the water level. The device is serviceable, as it includes a control unit and data communication unit for transmitting data to a superordinate network. The device allows for interpolation of the water level data by measuring the geolocation and transmitting position data from the satellite navigation system. In a development, method for measuring the water level of a water container, comprises the following: - providing a vertical pipe that is connected to a pipe head and that separates a pipe receiving section with a first air pressure sensor from an environment facing section with a second airpressure sensor, - measuring the differential pressure between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, - measuring the geolocation, - transmitting the differential pressure signal of the two air pressure signals and position data from the satellite navigation system data communication unit to a superordinate network, - and the control unit further provides charging of the energy storage by the solar cell assembly and an operation of the steps of providing a differential pressure signal of the two air pressure signals and of triggering the communications unit to transmit the differential pressure signal and a position data from the satellite navigation such that the state of charge energy storage stays above a pre-determined state of charge level. The method provides an efficient and accurate measurement of water level in a water container by measuring the differential pressure between the first and second air pressure sensors, which are separated by a vertical pipe connected to the pipe head. The method also incorporates the measurement of geolocation, allowing for the transmission of accurate position data along with the differential pressure signal to the superordinate network, enabling precise monitoring and analysis of water levels. The method further ensures the state of charge of the energy storage stays above a predetermined level, guaranteeing continuous operation and reliable transmission of the differential pressure signal and position data from the satellite navigation system data communication unit. The application provides a pipe head 2 with a pipe receiving section 3 and with an environment facing section. The environment facing section is partly exposed to the elements, and especially to the daylight, to the environmental air pressure and to the environmental air temperature. An energy storage 14 is used for capturing energy of any kind, but especially electrical energy for later usage. A data communications unit 10 is provided for transmitting data, wherein a data is any piece of information suitable for use in a computer, wherein the control unit 8 further provides a charging of the energy storage 14 by energy that is harvested by the solar cell assembly 5 and an operation, i.e. an active process, of the steps of providing a differential pressure signal 11 of the two air pressure signals and of triggering the data communications unit 10 to transmit the differential pressure signal 11 and a position data 12 from the satellite navigation system. A satellite navigation system is in practice a system for calculating one's position and velocity using radio signals transmitted from space satellites as reference. The control also comprises the charging to be done such that that the state of charge, i.w. the value of the charge level of the energy storage 14 system relative to its capacity stays above a pre-determined level. That makes sure that the subject matter of the application is always operative for emergency cases. For example, if the application detects that there is no relevant change in the water level value beyond a pre-determined threshold value and at the same time the SOC of the energy storage 14 is low, near to another pre-determined threshold value, there is no need to transmit any information, and to rather wait until the next sunshine from the environment produces energy in the solar cell assembly 5 that improves the SOC. In a development, a method for measuring the water level, wherein a water level is an elevation of the free surface of a stream, lake or reservoir relative to a specified vertical height, or of any water container, comprises measuring the geolocation, wherein a geolocation is determining the approximate physical location of an object. The control unit 8 can be provided as a circuitry, or a control board, or a control box. Measuring the differential pressure can be a pressure differential, or a pressure gradient, or a pressure difference, or an atmospheric pressure between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. DEFINITIONS The term "water level measuring device", as used herein, refers to a device that measures the water level of a water surface. The term "pipe receiving section" is understood to mean a section of the pipe head that receives air pressure from that part of the pipe head that is facingtoward the water surface. The term "environment facing section" refers to a section of the pipe head that is facing the environment. The term "solar cell assembly", as used herein, refers to an energy producing device having a solar cell module. The term "control unit", as used herein, refers to a device which is adapted to provide a differential pressure signal of the air pressure sensors and triggers the data communications unit to transmit data to a superordinate system, such as a central monitoring system. A "satellite navigation system ( GPS ) data communication unit" designates a data communication unit that is adapted to receive data from a satellite navigation system (GPS) and to transmit the data via a data comminication unit to a superordinate network. The term "data communications unit", as used herein, refers to a communication unit for transmitting data to a superordinate network and a central monitoring system. The term "differential pressure signal" refers to a differential pressure signal of the two air pressure sensors. The term "position data" refers to a position information and a position data from the satellite navigation system. A "superordinate network" designates a network that is allocated above the device of the application. It can include a central monitoring system. An "air pressure signal" designates the electrical signal value that represents the pressure of the air in the pipe or the environmental air pressure. The term "air pressure sensor" refers to a pressure sensor which is located at the pipe receiving section and to a pressure sensor being located at the environment facing section. The term "communications unit", as used herein, refers to a communication unit for transmitting data. The term "vertical pipe", as used herein, refers to a pipe that is connected to the pipe receiving section and to the environment facing section. The term "state of charge" is understood to refer to the level of charge of the energy storage. The term "charge energy storage" is understood to refer to a device that provides energy storage for the solar cell assembly. The term "pre-determined state" is understood to refer to a level of charge that is above a predetermined value. A "charge level" designates the state of charge of the energy storage. A "pre-determined level" designates a level that is determined by the user of the water level measuring device. The term "temperature sensor" is understood to mean a temperature sensor which can measure the water level of an energy storage. The term "water level measuring system", as used herein, refers to a device comprising one or more water level measuring devices. The term "water level" refers to the water level of a tank or an air pressure sensor. A "water container" designates a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank, a water reservoir, a water tank,. The term "differential pressure" is understood to refer to a pressure difference between the two air pressure sensors. The term "first pressure sensor" refers to a pressure sensor that measures the water level of a water container. A "second pressure sensor" designates a pressure sensor that is located at the environment facing section of the pipe head. ORIGINAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE The application provides a portable, integrated, autonomous and real-time flood monitoring system, its components and assemblies, and methods to provide flood monitoring data. This application is related to flood monitoring systems, specifically an integrated, low-cost, portable and reliable method for mass area monitoring for sudden flooding. It combines advanced air pressure and temperature sensors for accurate and real-time reading of flood water levels, ultra-low power loT device with integrated ultra-long life battery (optional integrated solar charging), and loT mobile network for internet connectivity. It is accurate, highly resistant to environmental disturbances, self-sufficient without necessarily requiring additional infrastructure such as power or internet cable or nearby Wi-Fi coverage, etc., it is capable of generating real-time alertsx7. It is also easy to deploy and costs a fraction compared to existing flood monitoring system. Other flood monitoring system are facing challenges to make them scalable in real life environment: 1. Unreliable sensors: underwater pressure sensor, sonar / radar sensor and camera / vision sensor are easily affected by debris, floating objects and weather condition, many require regular maintenance like cleaning. 2. No real-time integrated data processing: visual data generally require significant amount of processing in the cloud or by human, pressure / sonar sensor etc require additional costly equipment to be installed on site 3. require additional power supply: many of such systems consume significant power, requiring either direct power supply or large solar panel+large battery, which take up large space and are costly to install 4. require internet connectivity: supporting internet cable or nearby internet enabled wifi equipment is required to help such other system to transmit data back to central monitoring. This again increases the difficulty / cost in both installation and maintenance. To address these challenges, the proposed technology uses multiple pressure and temperature sensors, with an integrated data processing and data transmission loT device that processes the sensor data in real time, and send immediate alert using it's integrated loT mobile network modem over existing cellular network (like 4G or even 2G network) to remote central monitoring system or push message to designated people via mobile phone. The entire device is palm sized and portable (about the size of an 8cm cube). This flood data is natively geo-tagged with the device's built-in GPS capability, reducing the need to track down the data source location and improving the accuracy and usefulness of such flood data. The device is power efficient, capable of operating on its built-in battery for up to 3 months, and is capable of self-charging via an optional integrated solar panel to operate for years. Deployment is simple: 1. attach the device to an empty pipe (like the most common water pipe), 2. fix the pipe vertically, slightly above the ground or water level where flooding could occur (like next to a wall, tree, bridge pier). The END of the application. This innovation provides accurate flood detection and, most importantly, is exponentially less expensive and easier to install, making it a viable solution for widespread use in developing areas. In the face of global warming, the world is experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding. These climate changes disproportionately affect developing regions, which often lack the infrastructure and resources to cope with such disasters. As a result, millions of people in these areas are vulnerable to the devastating effects of flooding, including loss of life, property damage and long-term displacement. The need for an effective flood monitoring system has never been more urgent. Other flood monitoring methods, while useful, can have several limitations: 1. Reliability issues: Existing underwater sensors require constant cleaning due to debris that interferes with readings, and sonar / radar-based systems can be disrupted by floating objects or other obstructions. 2. Complex installation: Most existing sensor systems lack an integrated method for transmitting data to central monitoring systems. This requires the installation of additional equipment, power supplies, and communication cables, making deployment difficult and costly. 3. Weather dependency: Solutions that use height markers combined with Internet-enabled cameras can be affected by adverse weather conditions or darkness, which are common during flooding events. The application addresses these challenges by providing: 1. Accurate flood detection: Using two pressure sensors, the system can accurately measure water levels without being affected by common disturbances such as debris or floating objects. 2. Integrated communication: The built-in loT device with wireless communication capabilities ensures real-time data transmission to central monitoring systems without the need for additional equipment or wiring. 3. Easy deployment: The all-in-one design, combined with low power consumption and potential solar charging, allows for easy installation and long-term operation without frequent maintenance. 4. Cost Effectiveness: The solution is exponentially more affordable than other methods, making it feasible for mass deployment, especially in developing areas where resources may be limited. By addressing these needs, the application provides a beacon of hope for communities in developing regions. It provides them with an affordable and reliable tool to monitor flood risk in real time, enabling timely evacuations and reducing potential loss of life and property. In a world grappling with the effects of climate change, innovations such as the application are not only beneficial, they are necessary to protect vulnerable populations from the growing threat of natural disasters. 1. Advanced sensing mechanism with robustness: The application combines dual pressure sensors with temperature sensors to achieve highly accurate water level measurements. This integration not only ensures accuracy under varying environmental conditions, but also provides robustness against environmental disturbances. While other systems may be affected by debris, floating objects, or other external factors, the application's design ensures consistent and reliable readings, making it resilient to such challenges. The dual pressure sensor approach also eliminates the need to find an additional data source for the current atmospheric pressure at a given location. 2. Fully integrated loT device: An optional feature of the application is an all-in-one loT device that handles data collection, processing, and transmission. This integration reduces the need for multiple devices or systems to perform these functions separately. The device's ability to process and transmit data in real time ensures that flood monitoring is both immediate and reliable. 3. Integrated positioning capability: The device has a built-in satellite navigation system, or GPS, which allows for accurate geo-tagging of flood measurement data, further enhancing the usefulness of such data and eliminating the need for additional work to record / locate the flood location. 4. Compact self-sufficiency: The application's design encapsulates power and Internet connectivity in a portable, palm-sized form factor. This compactness, combined with self-sufficiency in power and connectivity, is groundbreaking. It ensures that the device can operate independently in various locations without relying on external power sources or Internet connections. 5. Ease of use and cost effectiveness: A novel aspect of the application is its ease of deployment. Its design reduces the complexity often associated with other flood monitoring systems. In addition, the integrated nature of the device and its self-sufficiency lead to significant cost savings, both in initial setup and ongoing maintenance. This makes it an economically viable solution, especially for regions with limited resources. 6. Versatility and broader applications: Beyond its flood monitoring function, the application has the potential for a number of broader applications. Its advanced sensing mechanism can be augmented with alternative sensors to detect CO2 levels, hazardous gases, humidity, and even indicators of landslides. This adaptability, combined with its built-in data processing capabilities, makes it suitable for scenarios ranging from environmental monitoring to urban safety and beyond. An embodiment of the application is described in the figures. Figure 1 shows: 1. H1 is the bottom of the pipe to the ground surface (or surface of probable flood area or normal water level surface). 2. H4 is the height of the pipe used, a common 1-3 meter water pipe is sufficient. 3. When there is a flood, the water level will rise above the ground surface, causing the bottom of the pipe is sealed by water, due to the presence of air in the pipe, there will be a difference in water level inside the pipe vs outside the pipe, 4. The difference of AH = H3 - H2 is calculated based on the pressure sensor reading of Pb and Pa, the difference of temperature between Ta and Tb are used to further improve the accuracy of AH data. 5. The H2 can be calculated based on the pressure difference AP1 = PaO - Pa, where PaO is the last air pressure in the pipe before the water enters the pipe, Pa is the current air pressure in the pipe. The H2 = AP1 / PaO*H4 (most other factors are negligible when detecting flood with cm level accuracy). 6. When TaO (last temperature reading before water enters the pipe) and Ta (current temperature reading) have significant difference, TaO / Ta is further used to improve the accuracy. 7. Once AH and H2 are determined, the flood level H3 = H2 + AH + H1 (known since installation). 8. The unit then records the H3 data with the GPS to geo-tag this data. 9. Then send the H3 data and temperature information to the central monitoring system to visualize the flood level or trigger necessary actions such as alerts, etc. This is done using the built-in 4G / 2G capable loT mobile network modem, the 4G loT network is available in more developed areas, and 2G mobile network is generally available in developing areas, making this transmission possible in a wide range of areas. 10. The device is powered by built-in rechargeable battery, the attached solar panel is used to charge the internal battery. Since the power consumption is minimal, the attached small solar panel can produce enough power to charge the device with just one sunny day in a few weeks. One aspect of this technology depends on the integrated loT device with GPS location, ultra-low power consumption, mobile network connectivity to solve the common problem of data logging / processing and data transmission, with integrated multiple environmental sensors such as pressure and temperature, accelerometer, even optional extension of other environmental sensors such as CO2, humidity, etc. 1. General environmental monitoring: a variety of environmental monitoring can be done with such a system, such as other liquid level monitoring, general weather condition (temperature, air pressure in the area), or with additional sensors to detect fire, dangerous gas, earthquake, etc. Figure 2 shows the flood finder device. Figures 3 and 4 show how to attach the flood finder to a standard pipe. Figure 5 shows the installation of a flood finder to detect water level change or sudden flood near a river. 1. The innovation device is an integrated device, portable and autonomous (about 8cm cube size). 2. It is easy to install, when the device is shipped to the customer, all they need is a normal plastic water pipe with standard connector, attach the device and ensure secure sealing. 3. Then the device with pipe can be installed anywhere to start operation. 4. We provide a cloud-based web platform to monitor and control the flood finder, users can also configure to receive mobile notifications via their phone. 5. In general use, no ongoing on-site maintenance is required. The application provides a flood monitoring method that allows large areas to be monitored for sudden flooding. Unlike using underwater sensors to detect water levels, the application requires less cleaning due to water-borne debris. In addition, there may be an integrated mechanism for data transmission, reducing the need for additional equipment and costs. Using sonar or radar above the water surface for water level detection is possible but different from most embodiments of the application. The application is not easily disrupted by floating objects or other obstructions. Providing an integrated data transmission system provides additional benefits. Unlike combining buoys with web-enabled cameras for water level monitoring, the application is less susceptible to adverse weather or low light conditions and does not require continuous transmission and monitoring of video footage. Another way to achieve water level measurement is to use a single pressure sensor in an air tank. This application not only measures an initial air pressure as one of the two essential factors for accurate water level monitoring, but also provides additional knowledge of the external atmospheric pressure. This can lead to more inaccurate measurements, making flood detection unreliable. In addition, the application provides better autonomous data transmission and power, less complicated installation and maintenance. Some solutions employ multiple pressure sensors or other methods for robust flood detection, and these may also consist of multiple separate components for sensing, data processing, transmission, battery, solar, etc. Some embodiments of the application utilize a simple design that reduces both the cost and complexity of installation and maintenance. The application reduces the need for periodic cleaning and provides an integrated transmission system, making it less expensive and less difficult to deploy. The application is less susceptible to failure and can provide an integrated data transmission system, making it less costly and less complex. Weather dependencies are less relevant and the reduced need for continuous monitoring makes the application solution more reliable. The application does not need to rely on estimated barometric pressure and can be self-sufficient in power and data transmission, making it more reliable. Depending on the application, there is less need for separate installation of various components, making it less cumbersome and significantly reducing implementation costs. The application provides a robust, integrated flood monitoring system. By using dual pressure and temperature sensors, we ensure accurate and interference-resistant water level readings. The all-in-one loT device handles data collection, processing and transmission, ensuring self-sufficiency. Its compact design makes it easy to deploy, and its low cost makes it suitable for developing regions. The ability to integrate additional sensors for broader applications, such as detecting hazardous gases or landslides, increases its versatility. The application provides improved accuracy in all weather and light conditions, reduces the need for separate power and Internet connections, and delivers real-time flood data directly. This feature of the application works by comparing the pressure inside a pipe (compressed by external flooding) with the external atmospheric pressure. This method is highly reliable and unaffected by visual readings from cameras. In addition, the system integrates both power and communications, simplifying installation and maintenance. The application does not require the installation of a specific set of cameras and sensors. Separate provisions for power and Internet connectivity are not required. This reduces installation and maintenance costs and improves real-time data processing. The application provides complete integration into a single device. This integration not only simplifies setup and deployment, but also provides a more cost-effective solution for real-world applications. Housed in a compact form factor of less than an 8 cm cube, the application seamlessly combines data collection, logging, processing, and transmission. It features an array of integrated sensors, a built-in battery, a solar panel, cellular connectivity (via 4G / 2G loT networks), and a built-in GPS for precise geo-tagging. This design enhances the usability of flood data and minimizes installation efforts. Users can easily connect it to a commonly available, low-cost.5-inch water pipe and be up and running in no time. The application does not present a fragmented approach with multiple separate components, such as a large data collection box paired with a pipe, a separate data processing unit connected by cables, and a separate solar charging unit, which is a modular design that can complicate installation and maintenance. In addition, the application provides a means of GPS functionality that provides accurate device location data. Discrepancies in this initial recording, which can lead to significant inaccuracies in flood warnings and potential misreporting of flood locations, are avoided. The application provides two air pressure sensors, rather than a single sensor approach, to detect water levels. This dual sensor mechanism, combined with full integration of data acquisition, logging, processing, and direct cloud transmission, ensures both unparalleled accuracy and ease of deployment. One strength of the application is its ability to detect internal air pressure changes due to water level fluctuations and measure atmospheric pressure in real time. Accurate air pressure readings are critical; without them, flood level measurements can be off by several to tens of centimeters. To further improve accuracy, temperature sensors are incorporated to refine accuracy to the sub-centimeter level. The device is integrated, combining data collection, logging, processing and transmission into a single unit. It is equipped with a built-in battery, solar panel and cellular connectivity (via 4G / 2G loT networks). Users can easily connect it to a widely available, standard, low-cost.5-inch water pipe for immediate operation. The application does not rely solely on a single water level sensor in a pipe, which may or may not be pressure-based. If it's the latter, sensors typically require rigorous maintenance due to direct water contact and are susceptible to significant interference. The design of this application, with integrated water sensing and data processing components, does not always require external power and communication channels. This approach reduces cost and simplifies deployment and maintenance. The application calls for a vertical pipe facing down, so a small net is provided at the bottom opening to prevent animals from entering and to ensure that the bottom opening is not too close to the ground when installing. Another embodiment provides a small plastic dome structure to be placed on top of the solar panel to prevent dust accumulation over time. The application benefits from the innovative use of non-contact air pressure sensors, which are more reliable than traditional water contact sensors. This, combined with its compact design, makes it more user-friendly, easier to install, and less expensive. The application can work better than other designs because it uses multiple pressure sensors, so it can obtain the flood level independently without estimating the local atmospheric pressure, so our accuracy can be down to the centimeter level. And by integrating 4G and 2G data networks in one device, embodiments of the application can be deployed almost anywhere with cellular coverage. One solution uses backward GSM SMS, which is being phased out in many areas, while another solution uses WIFI, which requires a nearby WIFI base station. The application also provides the following itemized list of embodiments. Item 1. A portable, integrated, autonomous, and real-time flood monitoring system comprising: a. Dual pressure sensors for accurate water level readings; b. Temperature sensors for refining accuracy; c. An integrated data processing and data transmission loT device; d. An loT mobile network modem for real-time data transmission; e. Built-in GPS capability for geo-tagging flood data; f. Ultra-low power consumption for extended battery life; g. Optional integrated solar panel for self-recharging; h. Easy deployment by attaching the device to a standard water pipe; i. Cloud-based web platform for monitoring and control; j. Ability to send mobile notifications for flood alerts; k. Versatility for broader environmental monitoring applications. Item 2. The flood monitoring system of item 1, wherein the dual pressure sensors and temperature sensors provide accurate and disturbance-resistant water level readings. 3. The flood monitoring system of items 1 or 2, wherein the integrated data processing and data transmission loT device ensures real-time data transmission to central monitoring systems without the need for additional equipment or cabling. 4. The flood monitoring system of one of items 1 to 3, wherein the built-in GPS capability allows for accurate geo-tagging of flood sensing data. 5. The flood monitoring system of of one of items 1 to 4, wherein the ultra-low power consumption enables the device to operate on its built-in battery for up to 3 months. 6. The flood monitoring system of one of items 1 to 5, wherein the optional integrated solar panel allows for self-recharging of the device for extended operation. 7. The flood monitoring system of one of items 1 to 6, wherein the device is easily deployed by attaching it to a standard water pipe and fixing the pipe vertically above the ground or water level where flooding could occur. 8. The flood monitoring system of one of items 1 to 7, wherein the cloud-based web platform allows for remote monitoring and control of the flood monitoring system. 9. The flood monitoring system of one of items 1 to 8, wherein the device is capable of sending mobile notifications to designated individuals for flood alerts. 10. The flood monitoring system of one of items 1 to 9, wherein the device can be used for broader environmental monitoring applications by integrating additional sensors for detecting CO2 levels, hazardous gases, humidity, and indicators of landslides. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. Embodiments of the application will now be described with reference to the attached drawings: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the application.; Figure 2 shows a pipe head of the device in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows how to attach the flood finder to a standard pipe; Figure 4 shows the flood finder attached to a standard pipe; Figure 5 shows the installation of a flood finder to detect water level change or sudden flood near a river. FIGURE DESCRIPTION In the figures, the same or similar features are referenced by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a water level measuring device 1 comprising various components. The device includes a pipe head 2 with a pipe receiving section 3 and an environment facing section 4. It also includes a solar cell assembly 5, an energy storage 14, a first air pressure sensor 6 located at the pipe receiving section 3, and a second air pressure sensor 7 located at the environment facing section 4. The device further includes a control unit 8, a satellite navigation system data communication unit, and a data communications unit 10 for transmitting data. The control unit 8 is adapted to provide a differential pressure signal 11 of the air pressure signals from the first and second air pressure sensors. It also triggers the communications unit to transmit the differential pressure signal 11 and position data 12 from the satellite navigation system data communication unit to a superordinate network 13. Additionally, the control unit 8 ensures the charging of the energy storage 14 by the solar cell assembly 5 and the operation of providing a differential pressure signal 11 and triggering the data communications unit 10, while maintaining the state of charge of the energy storage 14 above a pre-determined level. Furthermore, the water level measuring device 1 may include a temperature sensor located at either the pipe receiving section 3 or the environment facing section 4. The figure description of Figure 1 implicitly includes the water level measuring assembly, water level measuring system, or the method for measuring the water level, as they are described in separate claims. Figure 2 shows a representation of a pipe head 2 with a pipe receiving section 3 and an environment facing section 4. It also includes a solar cell assembly 5, an energy storage 14, a first air pressure sensor 6 located at the pipe receiving section 3, and a second air pressure sensor 7 located at the environment facing section 4. The device further comprises a control unit 8, a satellite navigation system data communication unit, and a data communications unit 10 for transmitting data. The control unit 8 is adapted to provide a differential pressure signal 11 of the air pressure signals from the first and second air pressure sensors. It triggers the data communications unit 10 to transmit the differential pressure signal 11 and position data 12 from the satellite navigation system data communication unit to a superordinate network 13. Additionally, the control unit 8 ensures the charging of the energy storage 14 by the solar cell assembly 5 and the operation of providing a differential pressure signal 11 and triggering the data communications unit 10, while maintaining the state of charge of the energy storage 14 above a pre-determined level. Figure 3 shows the pipe head 2 with a pipe receiving section 3 and an environment facing section 4, wherein a pipe is provided together with the pipe head 2. Figure 4 shows the pipe head 2 with a pipe receiving section 3 and an environment facing section 4, wherein a pipe is provided together with the pipe head 2. The water level measuring system consists of one or more water level measuring devices as described above. The method for measuring the water level of a water container involves the following steps: providing a vertical pipe connected to a pipe head 2, which separates the pipe receiving section 3 with the first air pressure sensor 6 from the environment facing section 4 with the second air pressure sensor 7. The differential pressure between the two pressure sensors is measured, along with the geolocation. The differential pressure signal 11 of the two air pressure signals and the position data 12 from the satellite navigation system data communication unit are then transmitted to a superordinate 5 network 13. Similar to the device, the control unit 8 ensures the charging of the energy storage 14 and the operation of the steps involved in providing the differential pressure signal 11 and triggering the data communications unit 10 to maintain the state of charge of the energy 10 storage 14 above a pre-determined level. REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST 1 water level measuring device 2 pipe head 3 pipe receiving section 5 4 environment facing section 5 solar cell assembly 6 first air pressure sensor 7 second air pressure sensor 8 control unit 10 9 satellite navigation system (GPS) data communication unit 10 data communications unit 11 differential pressure signal 12 position data 13 superordinate network 15 14 energy storage 15 temperature sensor 16 Central Monitoring System 17 pipe

Claims

1. Water level measuring device (1) comprising:- a pipe head (2) with a pipe receiving section (3) and with an environment facing section (4),- a solar cell assembly (5),- an energy storage (14),- a first air pressure sensor (6) being located at the pipe receiving section (3), and a second air pressure sensor (7) being located at the environment facing section (4), - a control unit (8),- a satellite navigation system (GPS) data communication unit, and - a (wireless) data communications unit (10) for transmitting data, wherein the control unit (8) is adapted to provide a differential pressure signal (11) of the air pressure signals of the first air pressure sensor (6) and of the second airpressure sensor and to trigger the communications unit to transmit the differential pressure signal (11) and a position data (12) from the satellite navigation system (GPS) data communication unit to a superordinate network (13), andwherein the control unit (8) further provides a charging of the energy storage (14) by the solar cell assembly (5) and an operation of the steps of providing a differential pressure signal (11) of the two air pressure signals and of triggering the data communications unit (10) to transmit the differential pressure signal (11) and a position data (12) from the satellite navigation such that the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage (14) stays above a pre-determined level.

2. Water level measuring device (1) according to claim 1, further comprisinga temperature sensor being located at the pipe receiving section (3) or at the environment facing section (4).

3. Water level measuring assembly comprising:- a water level measuring device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2,- a pipe (7) that is connected to the pipe receiving section (3), thereby separating the pipe receiving section (3) from the environment facing section (4).

4. Water level measuring system comprising one or more water level measuring devices according to claim 3.

5. Method for measuring the water level of a water container, comprising the following:- providing a pipe (7) that is connected to a pipe head (2) and that separates a pipe receiving section (3) with a first air pressure sensor (6) from an environment facing section (4) with a second airpressure sensor,5 - measuring the differential pressure between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor,- measuring the geolocation,- transmitting the differential pressure signal (11) of the two air pressure signals and position data (12) from the satellite navigation system data communication unit to a 10 superordinate network (13),- wherein the control unit (8) further provides charging of the energy storage (14) by the solar cell assembly (5) and an operation of the steps of providing a differential pressure signal (11) of the two air pressure signals and of triggering the communications unit to transmit the differential pressure signal (11) and a position data (12) from the satellite 15 navigation such that the state of charge (SOC) energy storage (14) stays above a predetermined state of charge (SOC) level.25

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