The air flows turn the cups at a rate that is approximately proportional to the wind speed. Originally created with four cups, the cup anemometer (also known as a rotational anemometer) consists of hemispherical cups mounted on horizontal arms, fixed on a vertical shaft. Measurement times are affected by the wind speed and direction blowing along the line between the transducers. The wind speed is calculated from the time it takes the ultrasound to travel to the opposite transducer. A microprocessor measures the time it takes to travel to the south transducer. On a typical sonic anemometer, a transducer sends a pulse of ultrasonic sound from the north-facing side of the sensor. Sonic (or ultrasonic) sensors operate without moving parts. Used in the Tempest Weather System, a sonic anemometer uses sonic pulses to detect air movement. The “cups” for speed and “vane” for direction change measurement physically move with changes in the wind and give accurate readings of speed and direction. Mechanical sensors use moving parts and are connected to a data logger or other data recording device. Sonic and mechanical sensors measure the wind in different ways. And while most people wouldn’t have much use for a large windsock in their backyard, they would likely benefit from a home weather station with a sonic anemometer in it so that they know the wind conditions at their location. For example, a wind direction indicator sailboat’s responsibility varies from one used to measure this information for an aircraft. There are many different tools and sensors that measure and record wind conditions, and not every kind is appropriate for your specific application. Surfers check wind conditions before they head into the water to identify the best surf spots, or avoid dangerous conditions. Utility companies measure wind speed and direction to anticipate fire risk, enabling them to turn off power to areas with wind speeds that could down powerlines. Meteorologists report wind speed and direction to help people better plan their days and prepare for hazardous weather. Changes to wind speed and direction can be hard to predict and occur without much warning, so it is important for us to be aware of these fluctuations for a number of reasons.
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