Author: Ames d.o.o.

You all have heard weather forecasts, about how fast the wind is blowing; but have you ever wondered how the wind speed is measured? The wind speed varies over a wide range and it isn’t something that can be measured using your stopwatch. So how is the wind speed measured? To your relief, scientists have invented an instrument known as Anemometer, to measure the wind speed and pressure. The term comes from the Greek word ‘anemos’, meaning wind and is used to describe any wind measuring instrument.

Depending on the type of application anemometers can be classified as pocket sized and hot wire anemometers. Anemometers find application everywhere – from industrial use to hobby applications. Now-a-days, the pocket sized handheld anemometers have become very popular, due to its portability, size, weight and ease of operations. With the handheld anemometer you can now monitor your air conditioning and ventilation systems. You can check the wind speed by yourself before kite flying or venturing into any adventure sports. You can even measure your site’s wind speed by yourself, for wind turbine projects even a 0.1 m/s difference wind speed can make the difference between a viable and unviable project.

These anemometers are very easy to use and transport and since they are lightweight they can be handheld as well. Moreover they can measure long term wind speed and record the data in their internal storage space. The data can be easily transferred to a computer or any other device for better storage and further analysis. Modern handheld anemometers come with LC displays and auto switch off features. This allows effective monitoring of wind speed.

Most of these mobile anemometers work on the principle of generation of eddy current and enables you to measure the wind speed, irrespective of your location. You can measure the wind speed in m/s, km/h, knots, or mph making it suitable for a variety of applications including yachting, wind surfing, ski jumping, and meteorology. More advanced devices works on optoelectronics, where the rotating cups turn a kind of paddle wheel inside the metallic canister. Each time this paddle wheel rotates it breaks a beam of light and generates an electric pulse. This pulse is timed and measured and used to calculate the wind speed. The sophisticated and complex anemometers uses ultrasound, doppler effect and laser technology to measure the wind speed. Hence get hold of a handheld anemometer and bring home a small makeshift weather station today!!!

Using the hand held anemometer ensures that you can monitor wind speeds by holding the unit in the palm of your hand as it does not require a fixed base to operate. It is a rugged and extremely versatile unit to use on any terrain and even at sea. The anodized aluminum construction of the unit ensure that it is almost indestructible and can be man handled to a certain degree and the display face is water resistant which is beneficial when being used at sea or in storm conditions.

Displays are recorded by the hand held anemometer with an accuracy of 4% and wind speeds can be measured in kilometers per hour, miles per hour or knots depending on personal requirements. It also measures wind gust speeds. The display will show the average wind speed, the current wind speed or just the maximum wind speed and can be set to your specific requirements.

The digital hand held anemometer is the ultimate unit for measuring air velocity and wind direction and is a must for any industry or sport where wind is a crucial factor.

The anemometer has changed little since it was first designed in 1450 but has been streamlined over five centuries and obviously due to the digital age it is now available as a mechanical or digital version and has had other features added to it such as wind direction which was not available with the very first units designed.

An added benefit is that you can mount the hand held anemometer unit to a vehicle if required to measure wind speed of approaching storms or hurricanes while the vehicle is in motion this feature is used when storm chasing as it is extremely effective. The hand held unit is generally used where other types of anemometers would prove difficult to erect permanently or when the user requires information on wind speed in multiple locations.

Although the invention of the original cup anemometer was noted in history as being down to Leon Battista Alberti, there are many that will argue that the idea came many years before. Through archaeological studies it has been shown that in fact the original idea comes from way back when the Mayans lived on earth. Whoever developed the anemometer originally may remain a mystery forever; however its place in both history and the modern world has not wavered.

The original cup anemometer created by John Thomas Romney Robinson was made from a series of four cups made to catch wind as it blows and spin the device for measuring the speed of wind. Almost a century later in 1926 John Patterson improved on the device by using three cups instead of four. It was then adapted again less than a decade later and improved upon so that the winds direction could also be detected by Derek Wilson in 1991.  The sonic anemometer then followed in 1994 using ultrasonic waves of sound to measure the velocity rather than cups. They were a breakthrough as they are able to take measurements even when there is only fine temporal resolution.

The original devices had a lot of moving parts making them prone to breaking over time, however the sonic version had very few so could be used for a longer period of time without needing to be replaced or repaired. The only problem with this device was that the results were not always accurate when rain was present as they could affect the sound waves.

The handheld anemometer is not only great for taking measurements but many of the modern types can also store information for comparison without the need to carry recording devices or write down the results in harsh weather. There are so many different kinds available that there is something out there for weather enthusiasts, those who like outdoor sports and even in the modern home to predict weather in real time before embarking on certain activities.

As the results are fast users are able to monitor both outdoor pressure and speed and even indoors where it can be used to check the effectiveness of air conditioners and similar. If you are planning to fly a kite, aircraft or even find out if it’s going to be a good day for the beach you can do so without access to the media or internet on a regular basis. The handheld versions are lightweight making them ideal for those who want to take up as little space and weight as possible such as hiking expeditions.

Data from the anemometers can often be transferred to a computer using ausb port or device, making it faster than ever to make comparisons and store information. This function has many applications such as use on a building site to check the structural safety of existing buildings or the safety of construction workers when on scaffolding. With so many applications the handheld anemometer is sure to be around for the foreseeable future.

An anemometer is a lightweight instrument for measuring wind velocity and direction. The hand held anemometer is the most popular anemometer available as it can be used in a multitude of application without the necessity of purchasing multiple units for permanent attachment at various locations. It will not only measure wind speed and direction but wind gusts too and can record in kilometers per hour, miles per hour or knots and can be set to read in hours or meters per second.

 

Each hand held anemometer is calibrated individually and has a calibration certificate when purchased. The units are tested for calibration purposes in a wind tunnel. Each battery will allow for approximately 2000 readings and each unit has a low power display to ensure that you are not caught unaware and run out of battery power when on location.

 

The original anemometer designed back in the 1450’s was a rather large unit and required a lot of space to erect. Today a hand held anemometer is available that literally fits into the palm of your hand and is designed for mobility. The units are tough and durable and can withstand a fair amount of man handling. The casing is made of anodized aluminum which is beneficial when using the unit out at sea as it can withstand the salt water and will not rust. The displays are all water proof which is also a plus when out at sea or in storm conditions. The hand held anemometer will even float if dropped in water.

 

The hand held anemometer is essential in a world of changing weather phenomena and has a wide range of uses even just for the casual sports enthusiast who needs to know wind speed such as golfers or kite flyers. It is extensively used by fire fighters and the military amongst a range of other professions where information on wind velocity is necessary.