Non-Contact FMCW Radar Water Level Sensor for River & Urban Flood Monitoring
High-Precision IoT Water Level Measurement for Rivers, Reservoirs, and Smart City Drainage Systems
Product Manual (pdf)
Product Introduction
The KH.WLX Non-Contact FMCW Radar Water Level Sensor is a high-precision hydrological monitoring device designed for continuous real-time water level measurement in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals, and urban drainage systems.
Using advanced FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar technology, the sensor measures water level without physical contact, making it highly reliable for long-term deployment in harsh and unstable environments such as flood-prone rivers, stormwater systems, and smart city drainage networks.
It is widely used in flood early warning systems, smart city waterlogging control, river hydrology monitoring, and water resource management platforms, providing stable, maintenance-free, and highly accurate data for IoT-based water monitoring networks.
How It Works
The radar continuously emits frequency-modulated electromagnetic waves toward the water surface.
The system calculates water level by analyzing the frequency shift of the reflected signal.
This non-contact measurement method ensures:
- No physical contact with water
- No corrosion or sensor fouling
- No performance degradation due to sediment or debris
Key Features
FMCW Radar Non-Contact Measurement
Advanced radar technology provides accurate water level detection without immersion, eliminating maintenance issues common in traditional pressure or float sensors.
Ultra-High Precision & Fast Response
Measurement accuracy up to ±2 mm, with 1 mm resolution and response time as fast as 100 ms, suitable for real-time flood monitoring systems.
Stable Operation in Harsh Conditions
Reliable performance even under:
- Heavy rainfall
- Fog and humidity
- Strong waves or turbulence
- Floating debris and sediment
- Polluted or urban drainage water
Compact & Flexible Installation
Ideal for deployment on:
- Bridges and riverbanks
- Urban drainage channels
- Culverts and stormwater outlets
- Narrow or hard-to-access hydrological sites
Industrial-Grade Protection Design
IP68-rated housing with anti-condensation structure, lightning protection, and outdoor durability for long-term unattended operation.
Low Power Consumption for IoT Systems
Optimized for solar-powered hydrological stations with intelligent low-power standby mode.
Strong Anti-Interference Capability
Stable operation in complex electromagnetic environments such as urban infrastructure and industrial zones.
Flexible Communication Interfaces
Supports RS485 Modbus/ASCII protocol, enabling seamless integration with:
- IoT hydrological monitoring platforms
- SCADA systems
- Remote telemetry stations
Multi-Frequency Radar Options
Available in 24 GHz / 60 GHz / 80 GHz versions, suitable for different measurement ranges and installation heights.
Application Scenarios
River & Reservoir Hydrological Monitoring
Real-time water level tracking for water resource management and environmental observation.
Urban Flood Control & Smart City Systems
Core sensor for sponge city drainage systems, urban waterlogging monitoring, and flood prevention networks.
Stormwater & Drainage Pipeline Monitoring
Used in underground drainage networks and sewer systems for flood risk control.
Mountain Flood Early Warning Systems
Provides rapid response data for flash flood detection and disaster prevention.
Water Infrastructure & Utility Systems
Supports pumping stations, water supply networks, and wastewater treatment monitoring.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Distance Measurement Range | 0.15–10 m or 0.15–40 m optional |
| Measuring Accuracy | ±2 mm |
| Resolution | 1 mm |
| Startup Time | 100 ms |
| Working Voltage | 9–24 VDC (typical 12 V) |
| Working Current | 20 mA |
| Output | RS485 communication, default baud rate 9600 bps, ASCII / Modbus protocol switching |
| Transmitting Frequency | 24 GHz / 60 GHz / 80 GHz optional, bandwidth 4G |
| Output Power | 13–20 dBm |
| Beam Width | 14° (horizontal), 10° (vertical) |
| Operating Temperature | -45 ℃ to +85 ℃ |
| Protection Level | IP68 |
| Installation | Non-contact, compact, and maintenance-free |


