Ultrasonic wind sensors can provide you with wind speed and direction data at the same time. Their features include fast sampling, no moving parts, compact design and high accuracy. Read on to find out which type of sensor best suits your needs. They can also be used in meteorological applications, such as wind farms and windmills.
Fast sampling
An ultrasonic wind sensor is a type of sensor that can accurately measure wind speed and direction using the ultrasonic time difference method. This method involves superimposing the speed of sound in the air with the speed of air flow. This method is a very efficient way to measure wind speed, as the speed of sound in the air is directly related to wind speed. A computer can then calculate the wind speed and direction from the difference between the time the sound waves arrive and leave the sensor.
The sonic derived temperature can be inaccurate by several degrees Celsius due to the speed of sound. The measurement is normally used for calculating heat fluxes, so this type of sensor is not a good choice for absolute temperature measurements.
No moving parts
For wind profiling applications, ultrasonic wind sensors offer low-cost, low-maintenance and easy installation. There are no moving parts to wear out or break, and they also have a long lifecycle. No moving parts means low-maintenance and zero repair costs. In addition, ultrasonic sensors are ice-resistant. They are tested to MIL-STD-810F, the US military standard for ice resistance. Compared to traditional cup and vane sensors, ultrasonic wind sensors offer more value and are less expensive to operate.
Another benefit of ultrasonic wind sensors is their inertia-free operation. This means they can measure sudden changes in wind speed and direction. In fact, the National Weather Service switched to using these sensors in all of its Automated Surface Observation Systems (ASOS), which serve as the primary U.S. weather observation network. In 2000, the National Weather Service began a sensor upgrade program, requiring all Automated Surface Observation Systems (ASOS) to switch to ultrasonic wind sensors. The Federal Aviation Administration also mandated all sensors to measure variable gusts at three-second intervals.
Accurate readings
Accurate readings of ultrasonic wind sensors can help predict wind speed and direction. In a recent study, Donnell et al. (2018) used a TriSonica mini sonic wind sensor mounted at 0.8 rotor diameters above the propeller discs to measure wind speed and direction. The results showed an average error of 3 % when compared to a reference instrument. Although the results were not statistically significant, they showed that the device could be trusted to give accurate wind readings when tested against a ground-based Young model 81000 sonic anemometer.
In the North American wind industry, reliable wind measurement equipment is essential. As a result, ultrasonic sensors are becoming more common. Although the traditional mechanical wind sensors are often considered the standard, many forecasters are beginning to see ultrasonic wind sensors as viable options. For instance, the National Weather Service recently upgraded 883 Automated Surface Observation Systems (ASOS) with these high-tech sensors. The new sensors are designed to measure variable gusts of wind at 3-second intervals.
Cost
The cost of an ultrasonic wind sensor varies widely, from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand. This technology measures wind speed and direction by measuring the time taken by a sound pulse to travel a certain distance. Unlike mechanical sensors, ultrasonic sensors do not have moving parts, which reduces their maintenance costs. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors are ice-resistant, having been tested to MIL 810F, the US military’s standard for ice resistance.
Ultrasonic wind sensors are commonly used for wind profiling and wind turbine control. There are several types of ultrasonic wind sensors available, including sodars, two-dimensional mast mounted anemometers, and three-dimensional mast mounted anemometers. Two-dimensional sensors measure wind speed and direction along a horizontal plane, while three-dimensional sensors measure wind speed and direction in three-dimensional space. These sensors are commonly used in meteorological research and for small-scale wind flow measurements in the laboratory.
