Thunderstorm Warning System auto-triggers alarms and all-clears.
Press Release Summary:
Model TWX300 uses real-time lightning information from Vaisala's lightning detection networks in combination with on-site electric field mills to monitor approaching thunderstorms and those that may develop overhead. Automated lightning threat identification and warning system analyzes information to determine threat level in user-defined warning area, and sends warnings and all-clear messages through remote alarm display systems, email notifications, and relays.
Original Press Release:
Vaisala Introduces Thunderstorm Warning System TWX300
Vaisala announced the availability of the Thunderstorm Warning System TWX300, a third-generation automated lightning threat identification and warning system. Vaisala expects to have the new system installed and operational at 11 airports in the United States, Canada and Thailand by the end of 2007.
The TWX300 uses real-time lightning information from Vaisala's scientifically validated lightning detection networks in combination with on-site electric field mills to monitor approaching thunderstorms and those that may develop overhead. The TWX300 then analyzes the information to determine the threat level in a user-defined warning area. It sends warnings and all-clear messages through remote alarm display systems, email notifications and relays.
The TWX300 works in environments that are most vulnerable to lightning and need continuous, up-to-the-second lightning tracking and automated warnings. These include:
o Airports
o Explosives testing sites
o Launch facilities
o Mining and blasting operations
o Munitions depots
o Refineries
o Sporting facilities
"Operations and safety managers can rely on the TWX300 to support safety goals, improve operational efficiency and eliminate the subjective nature of ceasing activities due to the threat of lightning in a particular area," said Vaisala's Nic Wilson, TWX300 product manager.
The introduction of the TWX300 has also given Vaisala and the larger meteorological community an opportunity for research advancement. Vaisala recently entered cooperative partnership agreements with the Tucson Airport Authority and American Airlines at Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport. The partnerships are designed to better understand the impact of lightning on airport ground operations. Each partner will use the TWX300 to manage lightning ground stops and all-clears, providing local system archive information to Vaisala Thunderstorm's Research and Applications group. This information will support ongoing research efforts to improve thunderstorm warning methodologies.
The TWX300 replaces the TWX1200, which, when introduced in 2004, represented an industry-leading advancement in terms of thunderstorm prediction, lightning tracking ability and automation. The TWX300 is the next step for lightning-sensitive operations, providing a sophisticated means of proactive lightning risk management.
