DE10233989A1 - Wind velocity measurement device, e.g. for a ship, comprises a very light sphere connected by a shaft to a deflecting plate whose deflection is detected by at least three reflective light barriers to determine the wind vector - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and device for measurement of wind velocity comprises a plate of any chosen geometrical shape, ideally square that is mounted in a freely pivoting or sprung manner. The plate is connected at its mid-point by a, possibly sprung, shaft to as light as possible a sphere, e.g. of Styrofoam or hollow plastic. Deflection of the sphere by the wind causes the plate to move relative to three or four reflective light barriers. Movement of the plate is analyzed with a computer program enabling determination of a wind vector. The measurement values are transmitted to an evaluation computer for wind vector determination by radio, e.g. using Bluetooth (RTM), or by cable or optical fiber.

Description

Method and device for measurement of flow velocity and direction are generally known. They exist e.g. from a Sensor for the wind speed and a sensor for the wind direction.

The former consists e.g. from a impeller with half shells whose speed of rotation is a measure of the wind force, the second from a wind vane, the position of which indicates the direction of the wind there.

The disadvantage is that two sensors are needed further that the sensors have moving parts that are subject to wear subject. Another disadvantage is that winds that the wind turbine, or the sensor at an angle, Blowing from above or from below, are not so easy to measure.

In De 3221 530 A1 explains a speedometer that is firmly clamped and probably equipped with load cells. However, this does not mean that the wind direction can be measured easily, which was also not the subject of the application.

The wind measuring device should look similar DE 296 02 943 U1 function. Here the buoyancy of a buoyancy body with wing profile. However, the wind direction cannot be measured with this.

The utility model G 91 15 727.7 already uses a ball to record the wind directions. The explanation "... that three ... force sensors are attached in one ball "is probably kept too general and also leaves do not recognize the expert how the wind power is transmitted to the force sensors should. But this is for an economical interesting construction of importance and last but not least plays the weight of the force sensors play an important role in the inertia of the System.

With all described procedures or devices, the force sensors are fixed to the receiving devices for the Wind pressure (ball or wing) connected. This creates, due to the torsion of the force sensors, Incorrect measurements that are not easily caused by electronics or a Computer program can be compensated. The design of the device does not depend last from this mechanical connection. Furthermore, the evaluation electronics expensive and high energy consumption. This matters when a battery or Solar cell operation and modern radio transmission of the measured values (Bluetooth) should be used.

The invention has the task asked to develop a method and a device that the does not have the aforementioned disadvantages and the simple, inexpensive, energy-saving Uses sensors and the contactless and the wind forces without torsion and wind directions, also falling and rising winds, recorded, evaluated and displays. Furthermore, the measured values should be transmitted wirelessly, being about solar cells and batteries also have a separate power supply No cable required. This also means that an energy-consuming power supply is no longer required. Since the sensors measure without contact, can create an optimal, flat and task-related design of the mechanical Components are done.

The use of reflex light barriers also allows the movable plate to float, e.g. B. on one Magnetic field, to be stored without the field having a negative influence on the Measurement. If the ball is attached to a resilient stem, become strongest too Winch measurable without break be what reliability the device significantly increased.

1

light Bullet, e.g. made of styrofoam or hollow body made of plastic

2

feather

3

Retroreflex

4

plate for measuring the inclination of the device carrier, e.g. a ship

5

portable plate

6

firm plate

Claims (4)

Method and device for measuring flow velocity and direction, characterized in that a plate any geometric, ideally square, shape floating freely or resiliently mounted, furthermore that the plate has a central, possibly resilient, stalk that has one at its end if possible light ball, e.g. made of styrofoam or a hollow body made of plastic. Below The plate has at least three, ideally four, reflex light barriers arranged each movement of the plate as a change in distance grasp the strength of the wind pressure acting on the ball is proportional to pressure and direction the distance of the plate to the reflex light barriers. This change is measuring, evaluating with a computer program and as three-dimensional Display can be displayed, the transmission of the measured values to Calculator about Radio, e.g. Bluetooth, cable or optical fibers are used. Method and device for measuring flow velocity and direction according to claim 1, characterized in that the Bullet, plate or casing is equipped with solar cells, which in addition to the power supply to the electronics, a battery for operation charge in the dark. Method and device for measuring flow velocity and direction according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an identical plate with the identical sensors, protected from the wind, for example below the device listed in claim 1, weights applied to the plate simulating roughly the conditions of the measuring device when there is no wind, and that inclinations of the object carrying the anemometer, for example ships, can thus be compensated for using a suitable computer program. Method and device for measuring flow velocity and direction according to the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable plate is inductive, can be stored magnetically or on an air cushion.