MOWIS - The mobile weather station that never sleeps

Basel-Stadt has been setting standards in air quality for decades. However, when it comes to the redevelopment of complex industrial sites or the monitoring of brownfield sites, stationary monitoring networks reach their limits. This is where the new “MOWIS” mobile weather station from KELAG Künzli Elektronik AG comes into play. It provides the critical meteorological data - fully autonomous, precise, and with a technological edge that holds up even in the depths of winter.

The Office for Environment and Energy (AUE) continuously monitors pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10/2.5), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at selected locations. Extreme caution is required when decommissioning former chemical sites in the canton of Basel-Stadt, and measurements taken in the immediate vicinity are essential.

However, a single measurement of VOCs or particulate matter tells only half the story. To accurately assess the spread of emissions from a construction site or a renovation site, knowledge of local meteorological conditions is essential. Which way is the wind blowing? How fast does it carry particles? Without precise weather data collected directly at the site, the source of an emission often remains a matter of speculation.

To ensure the highest data quality, KELAG relies on the top-of-the-line model in meteorological measurement technology for its MOWIS system: the Vaisala WXT536. This compact multisensor measures the six most important weather parameters: wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, air pressure, temperature, and relative humidity - all in a single device.

The WXT536 really shines in mobile applications: Since it uses ultrasonic technology for wind measurement, it has no moving parts. This makes it completely maintenance-free and resistant to mechanical shocks during transport or harsh conditions on construction sites.

While many autonomous systems on the market fail during the winter, the MOWIS offers a decisive quality advantage: It operates completely autonoumous despite having fully active sensor heating.

In meteorology, icy ultrasonic transducers or snow-covered sensors often lead to significant data gaps in winter -precisely when air quality in Basel is often at its most critical during stable inversion conditions. MOWIS reliably powers the Vaisala sensor’s integrated heater from its own energy storage system. This is made possible by the selection of highly efficient components:

The MOWIS can be installed on any flat roof or open field in no time at all, without any structural modifications.

By integrating MOWIS weather data into the Environmental Laboratory’s monitoring network, AUE Basel gains valuable insights for public health protection. When threshold values are reached, the simultaneous analysis of weather data from the Vaisala sensor allows for immediate clarification: Is the source a local emission from the construction site or an external source of pollutants?

The investment in mobile, autonomous measurement technology underscores Basel’s commitment to clean air and the responsible management of its industrial heritage. KELAG Künzli Elektronik AG is proud to be able to contribute to this important project with this innovative solution.