{"id":108749,"date":"2023-01-27T11:45:59","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T11:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34.38.16.0\/?p=108749"},"modified":"2024-06-20T08:31:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T08:31:35","slug":"sonic-wind-sensors-with-cup-and-vane-wind-sensors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lsi-lastem.com\/es\/sonic-wind-sensors-with-cup-and-vane-wind-sensors\/","title":{"rendered":"Technical Pills: Comparing sonic wind sensors with cup and vane wind sensors"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Technical Pills: Comparing sonic wind sensors with cup and vane wind sensors<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"sonic\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Choosing the right\u00a0wind sensor technology<\/strong>\u00a0for any automatic weather station or wind measurement system is a very important topic. Whether you choose ultrasonic or mechanical cups and vane wind sensors will depend on various aspects that need to be taken into consideration.<\/p>

The aim of this article is to provide an\u00a0in-depth technical guide<\/strong>\u00a0that will be useful when\u00a0comparing<\/strong>\u00a0different types of sonic wind sensors and cups and vane sensors, in order to make your choice in an informed manner, in line with your needs and specifications.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Anemometro\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Speed and direction wind sonic sensor<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Anemometro\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Wind speed cup sensor<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Anemometro\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Wind direction vane sensor<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\u00a0<\/div><\/div>
\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Choice based on mechanical strength<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Mechanical strength<\/strong>\u00a0is an important factor to consider when choosing a wind sensor. Sonic ones are generally stronger, as they have no moving parts; but this does not mean that cups and vane sensors are fragile.<\/p>

Let\u2019s analyze some aspects of these technologies:<\/p>

  • Rotor and vane breakage<\/strong>\u00a0is a very rare event, which occurs in extremely strong wind situations, exceeding 65 m\/s (234 km\/h). These wind speed events occur only during strong hurricanes, when the mechanical support structure of the sensors and the sensors themselves are at risk of destruction, also due to flying objects dragged by the force of the wind that may hit the sensors.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Anemometri\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Anemometri\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n
    \n
      \n \t
    • One of the problems of cups and vane wind sensors is the possible breakage of the rotor and vane due to the\u00a0weight of accumulated snow and\/or ice<\/strong>\u00a0in particularly cold climates. To avoid this, there are different models of\u00a0heated wind sensors, however, these models consume considerably higher levels of energy and are therefore not suitable for systems powered by batteries or solar energy.<\/li>\n
      \t
    • The shafts and bearings designed for the latest generation of cups and vane sensors have, in most cases, no limits to their operation for their entire life. Problems of\u00a0\u201cseizing\u201d of the bearings or misalignment<\/strong>\u00a0of the shafts are events that can only occur in situations where the sensor is installed on slopes subject to strong and constant winds coming from below compared to the axis of the sensor.<\/li>\n \t
    • <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t

      Choice based on the quality of the measurement\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
        \n \t
      • The\u00a0quality of the measurement<\/strong>\u00a0is a crucial factor in choosing a wind sensor.\u00a0Sonic wind sensors<\/strong>\u00a0are potentially better then cups and vane types due to their\u00a0measurement principle; however, it is important to take some factors into consideration:<\/li>\n
        \t
      • Sonic wind sensors are particularly recommended in situations where\u00a0extremely low wind speeds<\/strong>, less than 0.2 m\/s, need to be assessed. This is due to their better specification in terms of measurement threshold compared to cups and vane wind sensors.<\/li>\n
        \t
      • Sonic wind sensors are particularly suitable to assess the\u00a0intensity and duration of wind gusts<\/strong>, as they have virtually no delay distance, hence an ability to respond rapidly to sudden wind speed changes.<\/li>\n
        \t
      • When it comes to\u00a0total measurement accuracy<\/strong>, however, it is important to\u00a0make a distinction<\/strong>.\u00a0Sonic wind sensors with a top sonic sound reflecting plate,\u00a0due to their geometry, have generally worse accuracy, especially at high wind speeds, when turbulence phenomena occur between the two sides of the measuring chamber. These phenomena are difficult to correct with the adjustment performed within wind tunnels during the calibration process, as the wind in nature has a much bigger turbulent behavior, with a larger variable origin angle in terms of amplitude and frequency, compared to the air flow generated inside a wind tunnel, which tends to be laminar. These turbulences increase as the wind speed increases and it is for this reason that at high speeds the general accuracy of the sonic sensor can deteriorates significantly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"anemometro\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        Wind behavior in tunnels with \u201csonic\u201d sensor during its calibration<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"anemometro\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        Wind behavior in tunnels with cups sensor during its calibration<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"anemometro\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        Wind behavior in nature with sonic sensor<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

        \n\t\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"anemometro\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

        Wind behavior in nature with cup sensor<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

        \n\t\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
        • In operating conditions in an\u00a0external environment<\/strong>, the sonic wind sensor receives the wind in its reflecting plate chamber from angles of incidence that are not necessarily horizontal. In wind conditions that are more angled than the horizontal plane, the \u201croof\u201d and the \u201cfloor\u201d of the reflecting plate chamber determine a shielding action to the air flow; these flows are instead more easily appreciable using cups speed sensors. Overall, a sonic wind sensor (i.e. top sound reflecting plate chamber type), has a potential underestimation of the wind speed measurement, which does not follow, as it should, the response curve with respect to the cosine of the flow angle with respect to the horizontal plane.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"sonic\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"sonic\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
          \n
          \n
            \n \t
          • In conditions of\u00a0heavy rainfall and strong wind<\/strong>, the presence of\u00a0water drops<\/strong>\u00a0moving between the sonic transmitters and receivers can alter the transit time of the ultrasonic wave. The transit time is the fundamental element that allows the measurement of both wind speed and direction. Therefore, during heavy rains, the effectiveness of the measurement with sonic sensors can worsen, a problem that occurs to a lesser extent in cups and vane sensors.<\/li>\n
            \t
          • Cups wind sensors<\/strong>\u00a0also have problems with turbulence created by the geometry, but generally have a better linearity response. This facilitates the adjustment of the measurement through correction formulas programmed into the data acquisition system.<\/li>\n
            \t
          • Sonic sensors<\/strong>\u00a0are potentially\u00a0more accurate<\/strong>\u00a0in measuring\u00a0wind direction<\/strong>\u00a0as well. However,\u00a0their geometry provokes wind reflection\u00a0 at different angles;\u00a0this means that, to ensure data accuracy, calibration must be performed at each potential angle of attack. Wind vane sensors may also have delay-problems due to the waving of the wind vane with respect to the direction axis; in this case, the calibration in the tunnel fails to reproduce the specific outdoor wind conditions. In fact, in nature, the direction of the wind, as its speed increases, does not remain within a laminar flow, but has a flag proportional to the speed.\u00a0However, in meteorology, wind direction is frequently evaluated over 16 or 18 sectors, so it is not important to try to get very high wind direction resolutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t\t

            Choice based on energy consumption<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
            \n
            \n
              \n \t
            • In order to function effectively and maintain measurement accuracy,\u00a0sonic wind sensors<\/strong>\u00a0must be equipped with\u00a0suitable heating elements<\/strong>, to\u00a0avoid the formation of ice<\/strong>\u00a0in the measurement top sound reflecting plate chamber and to\u00a0remove any water<\/strong>\u00a0(e.g. rain, condensation, frost) from the sonic transducers and the roof of the reflection plate.<\/li>\n \t
            • On the contrary,\u00a0for cups and vane sensors<\/strong>, even in the presence of rain, condensation, frost, ice and even without a heating system, the operation is less critical. Firstly, because rain and condensation cause little disturbance to the measurement and, secondly, because frost and ice tend to be partially removed by the motion of the rotor and vane. In the event of a mechanical lockout, the cups and vane sensors would resume functioning as soon as the temperature returned above freezing, unlike the sonic sensor, which would need to dry out completely to fully resume functioning.<\/li>\n \t
            • However,\u00a0ice<\/strong>\u00a0can also represent a problem for cups and vane sensors in\u00a0climatic conditions when no wind<\/strong>,\u00a0simultaneous snowfall and subsequent drop in temperature<\/strong>: these conditions can determine the formation of frozen masses on the body of the sensor, compromising the operation\u00a0and the mechanical integrity of the rotor and\/or vane.<\/li>\n
              \t
            • Overall, the\u00a0cups and vane sensors<\/strong>\u00a0are much\u00a0simpler sensors<\/strong>, equipped with electronics optimized for low-power consumption. Therefore, if the measuring system is to be powered by\u00a0battery and solar panels<\/strong>, the choice of cup and vane sensor is the most advisable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t\t

              Choice based on maintenance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                \n \t
              • While on the one hand the\u00a0absence of moving parts<\/strong>\u00a0is considered an advantage, on the other hand it allows for easier\u00a0deposition of dirt<\/strong>\u00a0on the sonic sensors.<\/li>\n \t
              • Sonic sensors<\/strong>\u00a0experience problems when their sonic pulse\u00a0emitting\/receiving<\/strong>\u00a0elements are\u00a0clogged<\/strong>, or when the upper surface of the measuring chamber accumulates\u00a0 dirt. This can occur in the presence of\u00a0dust, sand, or other substances deposited<\/strong>\u00a0on the sensor surface. Furthermore, the top sound reflecting plate chamber is an ideal place for insect or small bird nests. If the sonic sensors are installed in areas characterized by a strong presence of dust, sand, dense vegetation, or at industrial sites, more frequent cleaning of the sensor will be necessary.<\/li>\n
                \t
              • The\u00a0cleaning<\/strong>\u00a0of the cup and wind vane sensors, installed in the sites described above, will be in any case necessary, albeit less often, in order to avoid the deposit of debris or contaminating substances which could, in the long run, compromise the integrity of the materials of which these sensors are made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
                \n\t\t\t\t
                \n\t\t\t\t\t

                Choice based on installation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
                \n\t\t\t\t
                \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                  \n \t
                • Sonic sensors<\/strong>\u00a0are easy to install as they do not require to be perfectly horizontal. Therefore, the structures that support them (poles and towers) do not necessarily have to be perfectly horizontal with respect to the ground plane. Conversely, for\u00a0cups and vane wind sensors<\/strong>\u00a0it is advisable to observe a\u00a0good horizontality of the rotor<\/strong>, to prevent the internal shaft from working non-horizontally, and of the vane, to prevent it from being unable to orient itself, due to the weight of its extremes, correctly at very low wind speeds.<\/li>\n
                  \t
                • If the choice falls on\u00a0sensors with separate cups and wind vanes<\/strong>, it is necessary to consider the\u00a0use of a fixing structure<\/strong>\u00a0for the two sensors (coupling bar) bearing in mind that there will necessarily be two electric cables directed to the acquisition system. Instead, sonic sensors do not require special mounting accessories and have a single connection cable to the acquisition unit.<\/li>\n
                  \t
                • Some models of\u00a0sonic sensors<\/strong>\u00a0are equipped with an\u00a0internal magnetic compass<\/strong>\u00a0which serves to avoid having to manually orientate the sensor with respect to the North. However, these compasses suffer from two problems: they point to the\u00a0magnetic north<\/strong>\u00a0and not the geographic north, which is required for correct measurement of wind direction; they are also subject to systematic errors due to the possible presence of ferrous materials nearby. These two problems often lead to having to deactivate the compass for automatic orientation and use, during the operations of installation, the classic method of orientation of the sensor through the use of an external compass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t\t

                  Conclusions\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                  When comparing sonic and mechanical cups and vane wind sensors, it can be said that there is no absolute best technology: the choice must be made by carefully considering the installation site, the required quality of the measurement results and the maintenance resources\u00a0 available.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

                  When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the\u00a0intended use\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0objectives<\/strong>; when this information is defined, the previously described variables can be evaluated, such as mechanical strength, measurement quality, energy consumption, maintenance and ease of installation.<\/p>

                  In conclusion, the evaluation is effective when it takes into account all the\u00a0different factors<\/strong>\u00a0previously mentioned. If the technology has been chosen according to the right criteria, it will positively affect the effectiveness and efficiency of the measuring system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

                  \n\t\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t\t
                  Contact us for more information<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t\t