Wind measurement

Application

Wind measurement systems (LIDAR, SODAR and wind measurement masts)

The challenge

Wind measurement systems in locations of potential wind farms require a reliable off-grid power supply for up to 12 months. Generators compromise acoustic measurements, batteries have to be replaced every two to three days.

More about wind power

Lighting of obstructions

Long autonomy, high reliability

EFOY Pro Fuel Cells supply power for many months, maintenance-free and off-grid. With four 28 litre EFOY fuel cartridges, an EFOY Pro Fuel Cell can run a 20 Watts wind measurement system for 8 months without any user intervention. If used in conjunction with solar modules, it closes the power gap in bad weather, therefore preventing loss of data caused by a disruption in power.

Maintenance-free power even for long periods

The EFOY Pro is maintenance-free, consumption can be precisely calculated in advance, enabling long-term planning capability. Regular on-site servicing for maintenance and repair of generators is eliminated, therefore saving significant costs.

Environmentally friendly

The EFOY Pro Fuel Cell is operated in an environmentally friendly way without compromising measurement results.

Compact and lightweight

With the EFOY Pro, wind measurements can be flexibly carried out in different locations. LIDAR and SODAR equipment can be run without being noticed.

Wind Measurement

Meteorologists and scientists use wind measurement to study and research weather patterns and trends. Wind measurement is essential in forecasting wind speeds used in several industries such as aviation, agriculture, building, and construction.

What is wind?

Wind is air moving from a high-pressure region to a low-pressure area. Wind measurement studies two main aspects of wind for creating climate profiles in different areas. These are wind speed and direction.

We can experience wind in different forms, from light breezes to strong tornadoes and thunderstorms. The differences in atmospheric pressure are used in wind measurement to analyze these climatic conditions. ^[1]

How is wind direction measured?

Wind is an indicator of current and future weather trends. The wind carries moisture and temperature elements from one place to another. Measuring wind direction is important for making forecasts and predicting climate conditions based on the movement of the wind. Heat and pressure influence the direction of the wind as winds typically flow from high to low pressure zones. ^[2]

What measures wind direction?

Weather scientists use a wind vane to measure the direction of wind. The instrument is made of an arrow mounted on a platform. As the wind blows, the tail of the wind vane moves the pointer to show where the wind is coming from.

Importance of wind direction in wind measurement

• It is used to design buildings and houses as it helps to direct the wind flow.
• It helps to manage environmental issues by directing odors and smells from industrial processes away from residential areas.
• The direction in wind measurement also guides farmers when applying aerosol-based fertilizers and pesticides.
• Wind direction helps meteorologists identify wind characteristics, which helps track weather patterns.
• Wind measurement in maritime activities also aids navigation, showing pressure zones in the water bodies. ^[3]

What is used to measure the speed of wind?

The accuracy of wind measurement is crucial to making timely decisions. Wind patterns reveal existing and looming environmental conditions. This is essential in early warning systems, mapping of optimal navigation routes, and supporting crop farming.

What tool is used to measure wind speed?

An anemometer is an instrument to measure wind speed. Wind speed is the aspect of wind measurement used to classify types of winds and pressure systems. Anemometers vary in shape and size; however, they generally have four shafts arranged like the spokes of a wheel on a base. Cups are attached at the end of each shaft so that they move with the wind speed.

Importance of wind speed in wind measurement

• Informs scientists on the movement of climatic patterns
• Helps in the early detection of tornadoes, hurricanes, and storms
• Used in airports to calculate optimum landing and take-off conditions

Other wind measuring equipment

• Windsock – It is used to measure strength in wind measurement. A wind sock can also measure the direction of wind.
• Hand-held anemometer – It is an instrument used to measure wind speed. They are portable and can be used to measure wind speed in different environments and analyze regional patterns.
• Sonic anemometers – A modern type of anemometer that utilizes sonic waves. They record minor differences in wind speed by measuring the slightest variations in the movement of sound waves. It is a precise tool for wind measurement used in scaling and complex forecasting.

Wind power industry

Wind power has become popular in the last few decades as the world contemplates cleaner and renewable energy sources. Wind power plants have sprung up in expansive parcels of land to harness the wind as an energy source. Wind measurement helps to identify and differentiate which wind characteristics to harness.

Designated power farms have wind turbines that may obstruct aviation. Regulations require lighting of obstructions to ensure aircraft are not obstructed. ^[4]

Benefits of wind energy

• It is an all-inclusive industry. Wind energy industries are some of the fastest-growing industries
• Wind energy is a sustainable source of energy
• It is cost-effective. The price per kilowatt of wind energy is low throughout the distribution system
• It is a competitive business model on a price-value scale with other energy sources. ^[5]

What else should I know about wind measurement?

There are many challenges associated with wind measurement. The effect of human activities on the weather is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the 21st century. Wind measurement is affected by man-made factors, which reduces the accuracy of these findings. However, scientists still rely on wind measurement as a yardstick for weather patterns. Furthermore, there are more sophisticated tools that use new technologies.

Conclusion

Wind measurement gives us an informed overview of the weather. Data obtained from wind measurement is applicable in many industries and fields. By innovating and creating more precise measurement tools, we can develop more uses for an environmentally-conscious method.

Further questions and answers about wind measurement