How a Wind Sensor Operates

The operation of a wind speed sensor

A physical tool called a wind speed sensor is used to measure wind speed. The top three wind cups rotate due to the wind created by the airflow, and the internal sensing element is driven by the central axis to produce an output signal that can be used to calculate wind speed.

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The operation of a wind direction sensor

A physical instrument that measures and transmits wind direction data is called a wind direction sensor. It functions by causing a wind vane arrow to rotate. It then sends the measurement data to the coaxial encoder board and outputs the pertinent wind direction value simultaneously.

What is the operation of an ultrasonic wind sensor?

The wind speed component parallel to the propagation direction will have an impact on the sound waves’ propagation time in the air, according to the ultrasonic anemometer’s working principle. Ultrasonic transmitters and receivers positioned at opposite ends of the sampling space make up the fundamental parts of the sonic anemometer.

Parts of wind sensors

The wind vane is the primary sensing component within the wind direction sensor, and its rotational bearing is used to calculate the current wind direction value.

Three carbon fiber wind cups and a cup holder make up the three-cup wind component, which serves as the wind speed sensor’s sensing element. A slit optocoupler and a multi-tooth rotor make up the converter. The rotation of the live-axis rotor cup in the slit optocoupler produces the frequency signal when the wind cup is rotated by the horizontal wind force.

The wind speed sensor’s transducer makes use of a precisely conductive plastic potentiometer. A variable resistance signal output is produced at the movable end of the potentiometer when the wind direction changes because the tail wing rotates through the shaft, driving the potentiometer shaft to rotate as well.

What issues do wind sensors have?

During the application process, there might be some issues with the wind sensors. An examination of the causes of wind sensor issues is provided below:

Issue with wind speed sensor

Stuck rotation and rigid

If the new wind speed sensor experiences this, it might be the result of an internal component that is loose causing a problem with the bearing rotation. Once the device has been powered on, measure the wind speed sensor. Please get in touch with the manufacturer to have the sensor replaced if it’s defective. Turn the wind cup by hand on the wind speed sensor’s top. A problem with the device connection is indicated if the wind cup does not rotate smoothly. With the help of a technician, you can manage it.

In order to determine whether there are any obstructions around the wind cup impeding its rotation, the surface of the old wind speed sensor needs to be cleaned before it can be used again. For example, the wind cup’s frosting, the sensor’s tilt, and leaf cover. A tiny feather lodged on the wind cup can significantly alter the result.

Second, in order to remove the dirt and other stolen items from inside the sensor, it must be physically disassembled after the aforementioned issues are resolved. The sensor shaft may become obstructed by small gravel particles when exposed to wind and sand. To prolong the equipment’s service life, users should do routine maintenance and cleaning while utilizing the wind speed sensor. Lastly, internal parts of the wind speed sensor are prone to aging or falling off if it is used for an extended period of time. Currently, you must either purchase a new wind speed sensor or replace the sensor’s accessories.

The wind is not moving.

The wind speed sensor reading could be zero for one of three reasons: First, the device’s sensor, a reed switch, started to malfunction. There are occasions when correct operation can be restored by lightly tapping the anemometer’s main body above the wind speed axis. It is inclination to confirm the reed switch issue if possible, but it must be fixed eventually. Make replacement arrangements with technical and professional staff.

Second, a damaged cable and sporadic contact between the speed conductors could be another cause of intermittent speed readings. Rotate the wind speed shaft, connect to the backup device, and inspect the cable and power supply system for issues. The wind speed sensor’s rotating component is operating normally if the shaft rotates flexibly and there is no audible noise. Verify if the reading contains data. Verify other sections if there is data. Regardless of whether data is present or not, the wind speed sensor is broken and has to be replaced.

Lastly, the likelihood of this cause is minimal if the initial wind speed is excessively high. The reading will always be zero if you are measuring at a place where the current wind speed is too low, even if the wind speed sensor’s starting wind speed cannot be reached. Users should therefore take measurements at various locations and at various times to avoid this scenario. Determine whether to show the reading in various wind situations.

The wind speed sensor and other anemometers differ significantly from one another.

Users rarely believe that the readings on their anemometer are not accurate enough. Low-speed readings can be the result of several actual anemometer issues. The most obvious is that either the reed switch is broken, which could lead to the connection with other anemometers, or there is a stiff bearing on the wind cup shaft, which can be fixed in accordance with the directions in the reasons above. A divergence from the reading has occurred.

The wind speed measurement speed will change as one rises in elevation. As a result, the two installed wind speed sensors ought to be placed at the same height and angle. In addition, there is one more, less evident explanation. Particularly in inland regions, the wind does not blow continuously; instead, it typically blows in short bursts that feature sharp highs and lows.

The measured values between different pieces of equipment are not comparable because the majority of wind speed sensor manufacturers on the market use different equipment measurement principles and have significantly different wind speed ranges measured by their instruments.

The wind speed sensor’s issue with indirect reading

If the wind sensor with the Modbus output is the one malfunctioning, the improper wiring connection is the root of the issue, and the circuit needs to be examined.

A connection line issue or an unstable terminal device connection could be the reason for the 4-20ma wind speed sensor to fail.

The network wind speed sensor failed because of the unstable current network environment, interrupted signal transmission, and unstable signal itself.