What are the differences between wind sensors?

Wind sensors – anemometers are important instruments for weather forecasting because the weather is a determining factor in many different industrial sectors, from agriculture to shipping.

Wind is defined as the movement of air in any direction. There are many factors that impact wind. The wind is created when air moves from areas of high pressure toward areas where the air pressure is low. The speed of wind varies from calm to the very high speeds of hurricanes. Seasonal temperature changes and the Earth’s rotation also affect wind speed and direction.

Wind sensors for measuring speed – Anemometers

The unequal heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface cause wind. Around the globe, winds occur in various magnitudes including trade winds, jet streams, sea breezes and local gusts. To measure the energy borne of these winds, scientists mostly rely on wind sensors called anemometers.

Anemometers are devices used by meteorologists to measure wind speed. Several wind sensors – anemometers exist to measure wind speed. The most widely used anemometer for the measurement of wind speed nowadays is the cup anemometer.

Cup anemometer – Wind sensor for measuring speed

The cup or rotational anemometer is one of the oldest types of anemometers. The cups are placed onto a vertical axis, and when the wind presses against them, this causes the cups to rotate around. The faster the cups rotate, the faster the wind speed. Cup anemometers usually have digital readouts. Researchers, educational institutions and meteorologists worldwide use this type of anemometer for research and commercial activities.

Cup wind sensors for measuring speed electronically measure the wind by counting the revolutions per minute. Meters per second (m/s) is the unit for velocity and the unit recommended by the World Meteorological Organization for reporting wind speeds. Historically, wind speeds have also been classified using the Beaufort scale, which is based on visual observations of specifically defined wind effects at sea or on land.

The accuracy of the readings can be affected by the angle of the vane and the minimum air velocity needed to rotate the cups. Factors that can affect wind sources are elevation, nearby landforms such as valleys or mountains, and trees or buildings that may block the wind. Anemometers near mountains, valleys or canyons may have increased wind flow.

Andivi wind speed sensors ANDWM1

Wind sensor ANDWM1 for wind speed has built-in electronics that convert the measured wind speed into a linear analog output signal in the range: from 0-10V, from 4 mA to 20 mA. This allows for a wide range of connections to existing control systems and different control units. The wind speed sensor is available in versions with operating voltage: 24 AC / DC or 230 VAC. The wind sensor can be supplied with heating what ensures a higher level of data accuracy in cases of extreme temperatures.

Wind sensors for measuring direction- Vane anemometers

Knowing the direction of the wind is an important part of predicting weather because wind brings us our weather. A variety of instruments can be used to measure wind direction, such as the windsock and wind vane. Both of these instruments work by moving to minimize air resistance.

A wind vane, is a tool for measuring wind direction and was probably one of the first weather instruments ever used.

Wind direction is measured by a vane consisting of a two parts – thin horizontal arm carrying a vertical flat plate at one end with its edge to the wind and at the other end a balance weight which also serves as a pointer. The arm is carried on a vertical spindle mounted on bearings which allow it to turn freely in the wind. The way a weather vane is pointed by prevailing winds indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing.

Wind sensors for measuring speed and direction

Wind velocity measurements are related to the wind speed and wind direction measurements. The most commonly used one is the measuring method that employs the wind force as a source of movement and/or rotation of the sensor moving parts.

A vane anemometer thus combines a propeller and a tail on the same axis to obtain accurate and precise wind speed and direction measurements from the same instrument

Mechanical wind sensors use moving parts and are connected to a data logger or other data recording device. The “cups” for speed and “vane” for vectorial change measurement physically move with changes in the wind and give accurate readings of speed and direction.

Wind is both beneficial and damaging. The most dangerous parts of wind are storms, the high winds that can blow down trees, take roofs off of houses or strand boats at sea. On the other hand, wind is an important part of many renewable energy projects like Wind power plants and is necessary for sailing or flying a kite, air transportation of pollen to preserve plant species, industry, and transportation. Wind speed and wind direction are both extremely significant to weather forecasting.