Anemometers

An anemometer, also called a wind measurer or wind gauge, is an environmental measurement device that is used to measure the speed of wind. It is a common instrument in weather stations and other applications requiring precise wind measurement, such as scientific research or outdoor construction and installation. To learn more, please see our complete guide to anemometers.

Anemometers can accurately monitor the wind speed in real time and provide the data for the measurements in various ways. There are several types of anemometers and each one functions differently depending on what type it is and what type of wind measurement application it is used for. Most handheld wind speed monitors, for instance, are rugged and durable to withstand the elements that they may be presented with, as well as being weatherproof for long-term mounted measurements. Other anemometers may be designed for more controlled environments.

Types of Anemometer

The types of anemometer depend on the type of measurement application it is used for. Below are some common types:

• Cup Anemometers: The simplest type of anemometer which is mounted on a pole and consists of a set of two, three or four spinning cups that blow in the wind. As the wind gets stronger, the cup formation spins faster, and the anemometer captures the speed of the airflow and displays it as a digital readout.
• Vane Anemometer: These types are also known as propeller or windmill anemometers. Like cup anemometers, they use wind blades that turn, instead of cups. Some handheld propeller anemometers are also called impeller wind monitors because their propellers blades are protected by a caging unit to protect your hand.
• Pressure-Tube Anemometer: This anemometer uses the pressure generated by the wind to measure its speed.
• Hot-Wire (Thermal) Anemometers or Constant Current Anemometers: A hot-wire anemometer is commonly made for hand-held usage and works by heating a thin wire to a specific temperature and then measuring how much the wire is cooled by the airflow. It calculates how fast the wind is blowing by measuring how quickly the wire cools down and how cool it gets.
• Thermal Anemometers with Velocity/Temperature Profiling: These have the smallest sensor which measures both velocity and temperature. They are commonly used in wind tunnels for circuit board and heat sink analysis.
• Ultrasonic Anemometers: These professional standard anemometers measure wind speed using high-frequency sound. It has two of three pairs of sound transmitters and receivers mounted at right angles to one another. Built in electronic circuits measure the time it takes for the sound to make its way from each transmitter to the corresponding receiver. The circuits measure the difference in speeds of the beams and use that to calculate how fast the wind is blowing.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes when Purchasing Anemometers in Australia

Selecting the right wind measurement device is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable data. When purchasing anemometers, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Overlooking Calibration Certification: Ensure that the wind speed meter comes with proper calibration documentation or offers readily available calibration services. A traceable calibration certificate provides assurance that the wind gauge meets specified accuracy standards, which is especially important for applications requiring regulatory compliance or high accuracy.
• Sacrificing Measurement Resolution for Cost: While budget is a consideration, carefully determine the minimum detection threshold and resolution required for your specific application before selecting a model. A cheaper wind meter with insufficient resolution may not provide the granular data needed for accurate analysis, particularly when measuring subtle changes in wind velocity. For instance, in environmental monitoring or HVAC balancing, even small variations in airflow can be significant.
• Neglecting to Check Compatibility with Existing Systems: If you intend to integrate the wind anemometer with your existing data logging or control systems, thoroughly verify the signal output types (e.g., analogue voltage, current loop, digital protocols like RS-232 or Modbus) and communication protocols to ensure seamless compatibility with your infrastructure. Incompatibility can lead to significant integration challenges and data acquisition issues, resulting in more costs for rectification or re-purchase down the line.

Applications of Wind Anemometers

Wind anemometers provide accurate and real-time measurements that give valuable insights into airflow patterns. This allows users to evaluate environmental conditions, in order to help make informed decisions for applications like:

• Weather Enthusiasts and Hobbyists: Personal weather monitoring, tracking local wind speed and gusts, and understanding microclimates around homes or properties in various Australian terrains.
• HVAC Installation and Repair Personnel: Accurately measure airflow in air conditioning units, heating, or ventilation systems, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency in Australian buildings and homes. Home inspectors and facility managers may also use them to assess ventilation rates and identify potential airflow issues.
• Environmental Scientists: Ecological studies, atmospheric research, and climate monitoring across diverse ecosystems, from coastal regions to arid inland areas.
• Agriculture: Checking environmental conditions such as wind direction and speed prior to crop spraying or controlled burning, ensuring safe and effective farming practices.
• Discrete Manufacturing: Testing the aerodynamic properties of vehicles and components in wind tunnels, such as in automotive or aerospace industries. They can also be used to monitor airflow in ventilation systems within manufacturing plants, ensuring worker safety and process efficiency.
• Process Manufacturing: Monitor airflow in critical sectors like chemical processing or food production to prevent the buildup of hazardous gases or ensure proper ventilation in F&B facilities for maintaining product quality and safety standards.
• Energy and Utilities: Site assessment, turbine control, and performance monitoring of wind farms in the green energy sector. They are also used in power plants for monitoring ventilation and cooling systems.
• Facilities and Intralogistics: Assess airflow patterns in large warehouses and logistics facilities for ventilation and temperature control, ensuring comfortable and safe working conditions.

Your Trusted Anemometer Supplier & Manufacturer

RS is a trusted and widely utilised supplier and distributor of anemometers and other wind measurement devices in Australia.

We offer a comprehensive range of wind velocity meters and wind speed indicators from leading brands such as Kestrel, Extech, KIMO, and our own in-house RS PRO line. Our selection is catered to multiple applications and usage models, from handheld models for spot checks to robust, weather-resistant units for continuous monitoring. We also carry temperature probes, gas leak detectors, and other environmental measurement devices to help you achieve accurate and precise calibration.

Partner with RS Australia for your anemometer needs and benefit from our extensive product selection, quality assurance, and dedicated customer support. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.