He AEMET's measuring station automation project It is based on the technical design of the enclosure or physical infrastructure that houses the electronic equipment, commonly known as automatic weather station module or weather shelter. This element is essential because it allows us to guarantee environmental protection, electrical stability, communications security, and instrumentation maintenance during long periods of autonomous operation.
More than fifteen weather radars are located in major Spanish cities.
Physical infrastructure of an AEMET automatic station
Concept of the technical cabin
Each automatic weather station incorporates a small technical enclosure or climate-controlled cabinet which acts as the station's control center. This room houses all the electronic systems responsible for:
- data acquisition
- communications
- power supply
- equipment protection
- remote monitoring.
This enclosure is usually installed next to the sensor mast within the fenced enclosure of the meteorological garden.
Physical structure of the passenger compartment
Outdoor technical cabinet
The passenger compartment usually consists of a watertight metal cabinet designed for outdoor use.
Its main features include:
- structure of galvanized steel or aluminum
- corrosion protection
- degree of protection IP65 or higher
- security locking system
- controlled ventilation.
Typical dimensions are usually between:
- 1200 mm and 2000 mm in height
- 600-800 mm wide
- 400-600 mm deep
This allows for housing all the necessary electronic equipment.
Interior layout of the passenger compartment
Several functional modules are organized inside the technical cabinet.
Data acquisition system
The central part is installed weather datalogger, which is the equipment that collects the information from the sensors.
This equipment includes:
- analog inputs
- digital tickets
- communication ports
- storage memory.
The datalogger is connected via cabling to all the sensors on the weather mast.
Communications system
The cabin incorporates telecommunications equipment that allows data to be sent to the control center.
These include:
- 4G / LTE modem
- industrial router
- outdoor antenna
- data transmission system.
Antennas are usually installed on a small mast or on the sensor mount itself to improve coverage.
Electrical protection system
Various protective elements are installed inside the cabinet:
- surge protection
- fuses
- magnetothermal
- protection against lightning strikes.
These protections are especially important because the stations are usually installed in open areas exposed to thunderstorms.
Cable management
The sensor wiring is organized by:
- internal channels
- connection terminals
- watertight connectors.
Each sensor has its own connection channel to the datalogger.
The wiring is designed to:
- minimize interference
- avoid signal loss
- facilitate maintenance.
Remote monitoring
Automation allows monitoring the status of the technical cabinet.
The monitored variables include:
- indoor temperature
- battery voltage
- power status
- communications status
- datalogger status.
If a fault is detected, the system generates an alert in the control center.
Thanks to its modular and robust design, the national network of weather stations can operate in a reliable, autonomous and continuous throughout the Spanish territory, even in remote locations or adverse weather conditions.
