ADCP Virtual Tagline Measurement Using DGPS/RTK GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring discharge in rivers or streams using the Velocity Area Method are limited by the need for physical distance measurements with tape measures or incremental taglines, which are inaccurate and restrictive, especially in varying environmental conditions and complex measurement platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a controller with signal processing capabilities that combines ADCP measurements with GPS data to determine the distance between stations using a virtual tagline, employing Differential Global Position System (DGPS) or Real Time Kinematic GPS (RTK GPS), eliminating the need for physical distance measurements and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tape measure or incremental tagline is used to determine distance between stations, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy of distance measurement deteriorates due to environmental conditions and boat movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape measure or tagline system with an electronic GPS-based distance measurement system. The GPS receiver determines positions of the boat and stations, and the controller calculates distances electronically, eliminating the need for physical mechanical measurement tools and improving accuracy despite environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS satellites as intermediaries to transmit position information to the GPS receiver on the boat. This intermediary system enables accurate distance measurement without direct physical contact between measurement points, overcoming the limitations of tape measures and taglines in aquatic environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tape measure or incremental tagline is used to determine distance between stations, then the equipment requirement is simple, but the site selection becomes restricted requiring walkway or bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical access (walkway/bridge) with an electronic GPS-based system that can operate from the boat anywhere in the water. This substitution enables measurements at sites previously inaccessible to tape measure methods, significantly improving site selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The GPS-based measurement system serves multiple functions: determining boat position, determining station positions, calculating distances between stations, and providing location data for discharge calculations. This multi-functional system replaces multiple separate tools (tape measure, tagline, position markers) with a single integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If tape measure or incremental tagline is used to determine distance between stations, then the setup process is simple, but the accuracy of ADCP data collection deteriorates due to boat movement
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS receiver continuously tracks the boat's position throughout the measurement process, providing real-time position data that accounts for boat movement. This continuous positioning enables accurate distance calculation between stations even as the boat moves, maintaining ADCP data accuracy without requiring the boat to stop or slow down significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses GPS position feedback to continuously update the calculated distance between the boat and stations. The controller receives position data from the GPS receiver and dynamically adjusts distance calculations based on the boat's actual position, ensuring accurate discharge measurements despite boat movement during data collection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides more accurate and expedient river discharge measurements, capable of handling both high and low flow conditions, and allows for measurements in previously impractical sites, matching the accuracy of traditional moving boat techniques without the need for physical infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADV) and Acoustic Doppler Current Meters (ADCP)
Implementation Method 2
Global Position System (GPS) locations having start and end latitudes and longitudes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a measurement of a discharge of a streamflow in open channel conditions using a velocity-area technique featuring a signal processor configured to receive ADCP measurement signaling containing information about ADCP measurements taken in conjunction with the streamflow, GPS signaling containing information about GPS readings in conjunction with ADCP measurements, and signaling containing information about a projection or virtual tag line using two (2) Global Position System (GPS) locations having start and end latitudes and longitudes at a measurement site in a hydrographic operation for a measurement of a discharge in open channel conditions, and an instantaneous GPS position for a station; and determine control signaling containing information to take the ADCP measurements and the GPS readings in conjunction with the ADCP measurements, as well as corresponding signaling containing information about the measurement of the discharge of the streamflow, based upon a respective distance between each station in relation to the projection or virtual tag line, as well as ADCP signaling and the GPS signaling received, using Differential Global Position System (DGPS) or Real Time Kinematic GPS (RTK GPS).