Anemometer: What is it, what is it for and how it works

An anemometer is a instrument used to measure wind speed. Its operation is based on the detection and quantification of the air movement, which allows to obtain precise information about the intensity of the wind in a given place.

This device is fundamental in areas such as meteorology, aviation and energy industry, since it allows climatic predictions, planning flights or determining the best location for the installation of wind turbines. In addition, the anemometer is useful in outdoor activities such as navigation or paragliding, where knowing the wind speed is essential for safety.

The wind speed is a critical variable in the understanding of climatic patterns and in the formation of storms, cold fronts, hurricanes and other weather events. The precise measurement of wind speed allows meteorologists Model and predicted more accurately the future climatic conditions. The wind influences the movement of air masses, clouds and low and high pressure systems, so knowing its speed is key to anticipating climate changes.

The anemometer has several key applications, since its main function is to measure the wind speed, but this information is used in different fields:

• Meteorology: In the study and prognosis of the climate, the anemometer is essential to obtain data on the speed and direction of the wind. These data help predict storms, hurricanes and other meteorological phenomena. Wind speed, along with other variables such as atmospheric pressure and temperature, is essential to create precise forecasts.
• Aviation: In airports and weather stations, it is used to measure the wind in real time. Wind measurements are totally necessary for pilots to adjust their take -off and landing maneuvers according to wind conditions. The safety of flights depends largely on this type of information.
• Energy Industry: In the renewable energy sector, especially in wind energy, the anemometer is used to measure wind speed and determine the best places to install wind turbines. A correct measurement ensures efficiency in energy generation.
• Navigation: Both in the sea and on land, the anemometer is a basic tool for navigators. Knowing the wind speed allows them to make safe decisions on the route to follow and how to handle the candles in sailing vessels.
• Outdoor sports: Activities such as paragliding, Windsurf or Kitesurf need to know the wind speed precisely. This not only optimizes the performance of those who practice these sports, but also guarantees their safety.

The operation of an anemometer varies according to its type, but all share the same goal: to measure the wind speed. Let’s see what is the operation of the most common types:

• COVER AEMOMETER: It is one of the most used models. It consists of three or four cups (glasses) mounted at the horizontal arms that revolve around a vertical axis. When the wind blows, the cups move, and the faster the assembly rotates, the greater the wind speed. A sensor or accountant measures the number of turns giving the cups in a certain period of time, and this information becomes a speed reading.
• Propeller anemometer: This type of anemometer resembles a small fan or propeller. The propeller is mounted on a horizontal axis, and when the wind goes through it, it turns it. The amount of rotations per minute translates into wind speed. This type of anemometer is more precise to measure winds that blow in a specific direction and is commonly used in advanced weather stations.
• Hot wire anemometer: It consists of a small electrically heated thread, often made of a material such as platinum or tungsten. When the wind passes on the thread, it cools it, which causes a variation in its temperature and, therefore, in its electrical resistance. Measuring this resistance variation, wind speed can be calculated. This type of anemometer is especially useful for measuring very low wind speeds and is common in scientific or industrial research.
• Pressure anemometer: The wind is measured based on the pressure exerted on a pitot tube or other measurement device. The wind passes through an opening, and the pressure generated by the air flow is compared to the ambient pressure. The pressure difference is used to calculate wind speed. This type of anemometer is frequently used in high precision applications, such as aviation.
• Ultrasonic anemometer: They use sound waves to measure wind speed. They use several transducers that emit and receive sound waves. The wind affects the speed and direction of the sound waves, and these changes are analyzed to determine the wind speed and direction. They are very precise and have no moving parts, which makes them less prone to wear, so they are used in advanced and weather scientific applications.

In any of these anemometers, the basic principle is that The wind interacts with some type of sensor or mechanism (Cups, propeller, hot thread, sound waves), and this interaction produces data that, through different calculations, allow to determine the wind speed.

Now that you know what an anemometer is, you may be interested in this article where we explain when it is considered a strong wind.

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