The Three Counties Showground is using investment from the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) to improve public safety and enhance site management using wireless technology.
The Three Counties Agricultural Society, the charity that operates the venue has partnered with CyRIC IoT for the deployment of advanced wireless solutions for weather monitoring.
The primary focus of the weather assessment was to explore options for real-time wind speed monitoring and lightning risk alerts, crucial for ensuring the safety of temporary structures and event attendees.
Advanced wireless technologies will also be used to monitor air quality, legionella risk across the showground’s toilet blocks and to improve irrigation opportunities across the site by monitoring the pH balance of its water borehole.
Matt Smith, RSPAWIR project manager, said: "Recent incidents involving high winds have highlighted the need for improved weather monitoring at event venues. The current wind speed monitoring system at the showground in Malvern is reliant on the soon-to-be-retired 3G network and requires an upgrade. Additionally, the existing system's location and coverage are inadequate, necessitating a more comprehensive solution which we have been able to support through the RSPAWIR."
CyRICIoT have deployed a LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) solution. This advanced wireless technology will enable Three Counties Showground officials to monitor wind speeds across the entire site and provide localised lightning risk alerts. The proposed system includes:
- A central weather station and multiple wind speed sensors strategically placed around the showground.
- Portable wind speed stations for flexible deployment during various events.
- A lightning detection system to enhance public safety.
Ben Russell, head of operations at the Three Counties Agricultural Society, added: "In our experience wind gusts at the Showground can be very localised at different points across the 90-acre site, which means our current weather station does not always detect when wind speeds are increasing in one area.
"The new system will pinpoint potential hazards as they occur and allow for timely responses and improved decision making during busy live events. Near real-time data on wind speeds and lightning risks will help us to ensure the safety of more than 30,000 people and up to 500 temporary structures which may be present at any one time during our main shows.
"External event promoters can also access weather data to manage their infrastructure, potentially lowering insurance costs and preventing equipment damage.
“The other monitoring projects will allow us to maintain our health and safety protocols by optimising the use of advanced wireless technologies."
Matt added: "Overall, the new systems will provide the Three Counties Showground with a modern, reliable, and flexible solution to meet their weather monitoring needs and to further support efficient site management and safety.”
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