Geolux has installed a HydroStation monitoring system on a small irrigation stream, enabling real-time water level and discharge measurement with quick installation, remote data access via HydroView, and improved accuracy through a V-notch weir for low-flow conditions.
Monitoring Setup
The HydroStation integrates a radar-based water level sensor, surface velocity radar, lithium battery pack, solar panel, HydroCam camera, and GPRS datalogger. Installed on a bridge above the channel, it measures water level and discharge continuously.
Because the stream has very low expected discharge, an additional V-notch weir was installed to improve measurement accuracy under low-flow conditions. The monitored channel irrigates nearby fields, and the study aims to determine whether additional fields can be supplied or if construction upgrades are necessary.
Quick Installation and Calibration
HydroStation arrives preassembled, with sensors and solar panel already attached. On-site installation required only fastening the station to an existing bridge fence.
Calibration for discharge measurement is straightforward since the channel is rectangular and made of concrete. The HydroCam provides redundancy by photographing the staff gauge and documenting site conditions such as icing, driftwood, or debris accumulation.
Data Transmission and Analysis
Collected data is transmitted to Geolux HydroView, a cloud-based platform with a built-in database and user interface for real-time monitoring.
HydroView allows:
- Remote configuration of SmartObserver dataloggers
- Adjustment of connected instrument parameters
- Automated discharge calculation
Discharge can be computed using water level and velocity measurements, a predefined Q–H curve, or V-notch parameters combined with water level data.
Conclusion
This small-channel project demonstrates the flexibility of Geolux HydroStation for real-time hydrological monitoring. With simple installation, reliable instruments, and integrated HydroView software, accurate discharge measurement is possible even in low-flow irrigation systems.