Abstract: | Water scarcity presents a significant challenge in arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), necessitating innovative technologies to address the increasing demand for freshwater and advancements in weather modification technology. Cloud seeding, a weather modification technique, has emerged as a promising solution, utilizing scientific methods to enhance precipitation by releasing seeding materials into suitable clouds. Current technologies face limitations including inadequate sensor integration, limited altitude capabilities, and a lack of autonomous operation in severe weather conditions. To address these limitations, this project proposes the development and deployment of autonomous swarm of fixed-wing small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) specifically designed for cloud seeding missions.
This research project aims to replicate and enhance the Colorado UAS system (Super RAAVEN) for precipitation enhancement through the deployment of autonomous swarm of fixed-wing sUAS. The initiative seeks to advance cloud seeding operations by designing and utilizing specialized sUAS tailored for distinct roles. The project involves the design and modification of two specialized UAS: one equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including the Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP), Multi-Angle Inertial Probe (MIP), and Portable Optical Particle Spectrometer (POPS), for comprehensive atmospheric and cloud microphysics data collection, and another engineered for precise seeding materials dispersion through an innovative internal pump mechanism. These systems will operate autonomously at altitudes up to 3000 meters with cruise speeds exceeding 20 m/s, the payload is around 4kg, and overcoming the limitations of current platforms. Advanced algorithms, such as the Rapid Evaluation of Convective Cell Environments for Seeding (RECCS) and Lidar Radar Open Software Environment (LROSE), will be integrated to optimize seeding operations, enhancing precipitation outcomes.
The proposed autonomous fixed-wing sUAS will undergo rigorous laboratory-based testing and validation, after which both sUAS will be flown in outdoor UAE-specific areas under specific conditions, ensuring reliability in severe weather data acquisition and enhanced precipitation. Furthermore, the project will develop improved UAS with advanced capabilities, such as an operating altitude of 3000 meters and a cruise speed exceeding 100 km/h, optimized for cloud seeding missions. Deliverables encompass system assembly, software verification, communication protocol validation, sensor calibration, ground and flight testing, and operational readiness for autonomous swarms of sUAS for precipitation enhancement through cloud sensing and seeding.
The outcome of this research will provide comprehensive performance evaluations, impactful data on precipitation enhancements, and actionable recommendations for future cloud seeding operations. Future work will focus on scaling the technology for larger cloud seeding operations, incorporating AI-driven predictive analysis, and developing next-generation UAS with enhanced endurance and payload capacities to address broader environmental challenges. This project positions the UAE as a global leader in innovative precipitation enhancement technology and establishes a new benchmark for sustainable water resource management. The collaboration between Khalifa University, the National Center of Meteorology UAE, North-West University, South Africa, and the University of Colorado Boulder USA aims to set a benchmark in the application of modern sUAS technology for environmental sustainability. |
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