Design and Development of a Digital Recording System for Automation of Class A Evaporation Pan Measurement

Abstract

Accurate tracking of open-water evaporative losses is increasingly important, with anticipated climate shifts toward more prolonged and more severe droughts. Adapting a sensor for the automation of pan evaporimeters will increase the reliability and accuracy of evaporation measurements, especially in areas where data reliability is questionable.  This research is aimed at designing, fabricating and testing a Class A pan digital recording (water level sensing device) system for laboratory use. The system includes a mobile app for monitoring and retrieving logged data, a logger system and user interface, an online database, and water level sensor monitoring. Along with sensors and a router, this system will be developed using the MCU ESP32 Micro-controller.  When compared to results from manual observations, the system’s accuracy in monitoring water depth will be used to assess its performance. This study’s findings should make it possible to assess evaporation almost instantly.