X-band radars have been historically used to obtain high-resolution observations of severe weather and precipitation events primarily for research on tornado genesis and storm morphology. Such radars have been operated for short intensive observation periods. Recent enhancements have included dual polarization for precise rainfall estimation and advanced applications such bird and bat detection. In 2003, the Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) pioneered the idea of using networks of short-range X-band radar networks for on-going operations and public safety, deploying them on towers and rooftops as part of the permanent infrastructure. A concept of operations was demonstrated in Oklahoma. The fundamental work carried out by CASA spurred industrial adoption through transfer of technology and know how and several of CASA’s industrial partners began to offer X-band radar solutions commercially.
In its next phase, CASA has established an innovation ecosystem to continue to move the concept of X-band radars and radar networks into commercial and public operations. The CASA Dallas Fort Worth Living Lab for Severe Weather Warning Systems (CASA WX) is set up as an operational plug-and-play infrastructure for radar manufacturers to demonstrate capabilities to potential customers in a risk reduced environment. With over one thousand users spanning public safety officials from fifty cities and counties, airport managers, airline dispatchers, utility companies, TV stations and the local National Weather Service forecast office, radar manufacturers receive first hand feedback on data quality and value proposition for different customer segments. This helps them determine the performance- price combination appropriate for these different customer segments.
TV stations in the U.S. have always been at the forefront in the adoption of new technology that can help drive viewership and ad revenues. With weather coverage being a driver of viewership, TV stations are always looking for ways in which use of weather technology can drive ratings and help in the critical role they play in the severe weather integrated warning system. One of the participating radar vendors has successfully been able to introduce X-band radar offerings to a participating TV station with a national footprint, based on the joint evaluation of the technology and the potential of the market in the risk-reduced test environment offered by CASA WX. Other radar vendors have been able to introduce innovations into their X-band radar offerings based on the stringent requirements of participating storm water managers regarding precipitation measurement accuracy, timeliness and hyper-localization of rain rate and accumulation information. Similar lessons have been learned in terms of needs of federal agencies such as the National Weather Service, participants in the aviation sector and utility companies.
This presentation will describe CASA’s unique innovation environment and share results on how it has been leading to product and customer insights for participating radar manufacturers, bringing X-band radar technology into public service and making them commercially viable.
- Indicates paper has been withdrawn from meeting
- Indicates an Award Winner