Abstract: A tower clearance real-time monitoring system (100) and a method therefor. The tower clearance monitoring system (100) comprises an image capture device (101), a blade position processing device (102) and a core algorithm processing device (103). The image capture device (101) is used to capture an image of a wind turbine in an operating state, and the image comprises a blade portion and a tower portion; The blade position processing device (102) is used to determine whether the captured image represents valid data so as to send valid data to the core algorithm processing device (103). The core algorithm processing device (103) is used to use valid data to calculate a tower clearance value for a blade, and to send a calculation result to a wind turbine main control system (104) of a wind turbine.

Abstract: A technique provides a modular sensing device having multiple separable modules attached end to end. The modules are selectable based on mission requirements, with different modules and combinations thereof selected for different mission types and/or requirements.

Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a wind turbine is connected to a wind turbine tower through a yaw system and includes a front region coupled to a rotor having a rotor hub and at least one rotor blade. The nacelle assembly includes a nacelle having a cover structure to house wind turbine components and an add-on wind flow deflector system that is coupled to an outside of the cover structure. The wind flow deflector system guides wind flowing to the nacelle for reducing a drag of the nacelle when a wind direction is misaligned with respect to the longitudinal wind direction in a yaw system failure event.

Abstract: A method of collecting measurements for estimating one or more air data parameters of an aerospace vehicle is disclosed. The method includes converting, by an array of optical sensors, incident light into an optical signal indicating a measurement for estimating the one or more air data parameters. The array of optical sensors is disposed along a skin of the aerospace vehicle. The method includes measuring, by an interrogator, a wavelength of a combined optical signal, wherein the combined optical signal is a combination of the optical signals generated by each of the optical sensors that are part of the array. The method further includes converting, by the interrogator, the wavelength of the optical signal into an electronic signal indicating either the measurement for estimating the one or more air data parameters. Finally, the method includes sending the electronic signal indicating the measurement to a platform network.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided, including: at least one sensor for measuring a wind; actuators (motors, control surfaces, etc.); a data base embedded aboard the aircraft, the data base associating various values of wind measurement with various set points for the attention of the actuators. The aircraft furthermore includes a system of analysis and control, arranged so as, or programmed so as: to receive values of wind measurement originating from the at least one sensor; searching, inside the data base, for a correspondence of the wind measurement values originating from the at least one sensor, and determining (as a function of this search) the directives to be dispatched to the actuators, and dispatching these determined directives to the actuators.

Abstract: A method for determining a correction function for a wind turbine, a method and system for determining an alignment correction function for a nacelle of a wind turbine, and a method for operating a wind turbine are provided. Measurement values of the power measure of the wind turbine and of the leeward wind direction are assigned to measurement values of the leeward wind speed, corrected by a correction function, and are grouped into at least one wind-speed bin on the basis of instants at which the measurement values were recorded. A model function is determined and outputted for a relationship between the power measure and the leeward wind direction for the wind-speed bin, and an alignment correction function is determined for a target alignment of the nacelle relative to the measured leeward wind direction on the basis of the model function.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to drifters that float and take measurements at, or very near, a surface of a body of water. The drifters may have a design that reduces wind force effects but does not diminish Stokes drift force effects. The drifters may have two opposing exterior surfaces with antennas and sensors on each of the opposing surfaces so that the drifters may always utilize at least some of the antennas and sensors, regardless of the drifter's orientation in the water.

Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a wind vane of a wind turbine, a method for monitoring a wind turbine, and a method for operating a wind turbine are provided. The method comprises: measuring first and second wind speeds with anemometers and a wind direction with a wind vane, a multiplicity of measurement values being recorded over a defined time period; determining differences between the first and second wind speeds; determining a model function for a relationship between measured wind directions and determined differences, at least one first model function being determined for a first wind-speed bin and at least one second model function being determined for a second wind-speed bin; determining at least one intersection point value of the measured wind direction where the first model function and the second model function intersect; and outputting the intersection point value as an installation angle of the wind vane.

Abstract: Provided are a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonic anemometer, a 3D wind velocity measuring method, and a wind turbine. The 3D ultrasonic anemometer includes: an ultrasonic sensor including three pairs of ultrasonic transceivers arranged in different directions, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is installed at a rotation body rotating around a rotation axis and rotates around the rotation axis together with the rotation body; a signal processor outputting a 3D sensed wind velocity sensed by the ultrasonic sensor; and a coordinate converter converting the 3D sensed wind velocity into a 3D fixed wind velocity on a fixed coordinate system by using a rotation angle ? of the rotation body.

Abstract: A device for accurate wind measurement includes a bench carrying a camera having camera optics and a moving object connected to the camera by a string. The camera is generally directed downward and takes images of the object's movement while influenced by gravity and aerodynamic forces and is configured to stream the images to a digital signal processor or computer, which is adapted to decode the images and compute the object location and spatial angles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unmanned aerial vehicles. The method includes: when the magnetometer is invalid or encounters strong magnetic interference, assuming that a track angle is equivalent to the head direction, and accelerating the aircraft in a head direction; determining whether a speed obtained after the aircraft is accelerated reaches a preset value; if the speed reaches the preset value, obtaining the track angle of the aircraft according to the speed; obtaining a current location and a home point of the aircraft by using a positioning system that can provide global or local coordinates, to obtain a heading angle of the aircraft; determining whether a difference between the heading angle of the aircraft and the track angle of the aircraft is less than a fixed value.

Abstract: A windsock assembly for indicating a direction of wind includes a base that is mountable on a roof of a vehicle. An antenna is pivotally coupled to and extends upwardly from the base. A windsock is coupled to the antenna such that the windsock is exposed to wind to indicate a direction of the wind. A lighting unit is coupled to the antenna and the lighting unit emitting light outwardly from the antenna when the lighting unit is turned for illuminating an area proximate the antenna.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a buoy and system for monitoring divers and other underwater objects. In many embodiments, the buoy has capabilities to monitor a diver, obtain position information about the diver and use that information to move itself to an effective range for continued monitoring. The buoy can connect and communicate with a communication device attached to a diver to communicate, position, biometric and other data. In one embodiment, the buoy comprises a propulsion system for propelling the buoy, an acoustic communication module for communicating with the diver and a propulsion controller for controlling the propulsion system to move to the effective range. Other embodiments provide a power generation system using a power generating buoy comprising an inertial weight, an energy converter and a connecting linkage. The system may comprise a single or multiple buoys and can include an electrical storage such as an electrical battery.

Abstract: A wind sensor, such as a sonic anemometer, may be utilized to cause a trolling motor to activate to propel a watercraft toward a virtual anchor location, route, or destination, in response to detection of an occurrence or wind. In some instances, the trolling motor may be steered to a direction opposite a wind direction when activated. The trolling motor may also be oriented to a corrective direction based on a comparison of a current location to the virtual anchor location, route, or destination. Propelling the watercraft may also include determining a propulsion correction based on wind speed, wind direction, and/or watercraft characteristics. Depending on the configuration, the wind sensor may be integrated into the housing of the trolling motor.

Abstract: A wind turbine for converting wind energy into electric energy using a primary and secondary pivotable wind rotor. The rotors of the wind turbine have a horizontal and a vertical axis. The secondary rotor rotates independently from the wind, enabling a continuous production of electric energy, which is advantageous in that the turbine overcomes drawbacks in intermittent wind speeds.

Abstract: An electronic navigational system may automatically develop nautical routes, may retrieve previously-developed nautical routes, or may combine previously developed route(s) or route segment(s) with an automatically developed route or route segment(s).

Abstract: A tornado data acquisition system comprises a kite having a cable coupled thereto. The data acquisition also includes a winch rope rotatably coupled to a mounting plate and a sensor module coupled to the kite. The sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors for generating sensor signals corresponding to tornado characteristics. A data acquisition system wirelessly receives the sensor signals and stores the data corresponding to the sensor signals in a memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for indicating the presence of a directional differential pressure between separated adjacent spaces are provided. A differential pressure set point indicator may be configured to correlate multiple potential angles of inclination of an elongated conduit to respective threshold differential pressures between two spaces which generate net flow of fluid sufficient to cause a lightweight ball to move from one region of the conduit to an opposing region. The elongated conduit may be adjustable in length so as to accommodate installation of the device into walls of varying thickness. The device may include a sound attenuator that reduces noise upon impact of the ball with either end of the conduit. The device may also include a sealing material that is flexible yet firm enough to provide both a seal with the exterior surface of the conduit and support for the conduit when oriented in a tilted configuration.

Abstract: System and method for remotely sensing the cross-flow orientation of a fluid (including a gaseous fluid) over an extended range. A Fourier transform of beam wander of a single beam can be used to determine the orientation of the flow field. Many applications depend upon accurate flow orientation data to provide correct information such as, for example, citing of turbines on wind farms and atmospheric/ocean weather prediction.

Abstract: A solar-powered windsock assembly indicates wind direction and relative wind speed while also providing a light for illuminating the assembly at night. The assembly includes an elongated tube having an open top end, an open bottom end, and a perimeter wall extending between the open top and bottom ends. A support apparatus is coupled to the tube and extends upwardly away from the open top end wherein the support apparatus is configured for coupling the tube to a mounting pole and directing wind therethrough. A plurality of solar cells is coupled to the tube and electrically coupled to a power supply wherein the solar cells recharge the power supply. A light is coupled to the tube and is operationally coupled to the solar cells wherein the light is configured to emit light energy through the tube when the power supply delivers power to the light.

Abstract: A wind sensor has a housing and a wind detection element, which is rotatably mounted on the housing and is formed by a wind wheel having a cup-star including a plurality of cups, wherein at least one ohmic heating element is incorporated in the wind wheel. Structures are provided for transferring energy between the housing and the ohmic heating element rotating with the wind wheel. The structures can include a primary coil arranged in the housing and a secondary coil arranged in the wind wheel, wherein the secondary coil is connected to the ohmic heating element. The plurality of cups of the wind wheel are each mounted by way of flat webs, wherein the webs extend into the cups and divide the cups into two regions, and the at least one heating element is embedded in the webs and extends into the region of the cups.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for indicating the presence of a directional differential pressure between separated adjacent spaces are provided. A differential pressure set point indicator may be configured to correlate multiple potential angles of inclination of an elongated conduit to respective threshold differential pressures between two spaces which generate net flow of fluid sufficient to cause a lightweight ball to move from one region of the conduit to an opposing region. The elongated conduit may be adjustable in length so as to accommodate installation of the device into walls of varying thickness. The device may include a sound attenuator that reduces noise upon impact of the ball with either end of the conduit. The device may also include a sealing material that is flexible yet firm enough to provide both a seal with the exterior surface of the conduit and support for the conduit when oriented in a tilted configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for indicating the presence of a directional differential pressure between separated adjacent spaces are provided. A differential pressure set point indicator may be configured to correlate multiple potential angles of inclination of an elongated conduit to respective threshold differential pressures between two spaces which generate net flow of fluid sufficient to cause a lightweight ball to move from one region of the conduit to an opposing region. The elongated conduit may be adjustable in length so as to accommodate installation of the device into walls of varying thickness. The device may include a sound attenuator that reduces noise upon impact of the ball with either end of the conduit. The device may also include a sealing material that is flexible yet firm enough to provide both a seal with the exterior surface of the conduit and support for the conduit when oriented in a tilted configuration.

Abstract: A sensor system that includes a sensor module and a display module, in which the sensor module includes a streamer rotatable about a rotation axis in response to air flow, and the display device is configured to report the status of the streamer in a human perceptible form.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to using remote sensing equipment such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device to detect wind characteristics for use by wind turbines of a wind park. A wind park controller may received raw wind data from the remote sensing device and determine one or more turbines that can use the raw wind data. The raw wind data may be converted to customized data for each of the one or more wind turbines. Upon being provided the customized wind data, the one or more wind turbines may adjust one or more operational characteristics to improve power production or avoid damage to turbine components.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring a property of a gas, such as the amount of liquid in a stream of the gas. The apparatus comprises a source of beta particles (20), a detector (23) capable of detecting beta particles, means (18) to support said source and said detector spaced apart from each other such that gas may enter the space between the source and detector and that the source is positioned to emit beta particles towards said detector; wherein said detector comprises a scintillation material in optical communication with a photodetector (26), and means (24) to physically isolate said photodetector from said gas.

Abstract: A wind turbine is proposed which has a plurality of construction sections each having at least one connection region for connecting at least two construction sections to one another, a plurality of fasteners to fasten at least two connection regions of two construction sections to one another, and an identifier for each fastener to distinguish it from other fasteners. A testing device to test the fasteners of a construction section of a wind turbine having a tool section for tightening and/or retightening the fasteners to obtain a desired tightness and/or to test the fasteners with regard to tightness, and a detection unit for detecting an identifier of each fastener.

Abstract: An integrated security system for oil-field and gas-field sites is disclosed. The system utilizes state-of-the-art technologies including “logical QR emblems” and powerful, advanced RFID tags. The system is particularly valuable for emergency responders, since it facilitates immediate, secure display of critical site data-according to predetermined classifications, e.g., emergency triage for an accident or terrorist event.

Abstract: A system for monitoring wind characteristics in a volume including a plurality of non-coherent laser anemometers operative to measure wind characteristics in a plurality of corresponding sub-volumes located within the volume and a data processing subsystem operative to receive data from the plurality of non-coherent laser anemometers and to provide output data representing the wind characteristics in the volume.

Abstract: A wind current indicator device is provided for use in assisting in the hunting of wild game animals and includes a thin strand of fiber having a lightweight feather affixed at a first end and a swivel member affixed to opposite second end. The swivel member includes two rotating loops on opposite sides, wherein the first rotating loop is secured to the strand of fiber while the second rotating loop is secured to a second strand of fiber that is adapted for attachment to an object, such as the barrel of a rifle. In operation, wind currents lift and carry the feather, pulling the strand taut, indicating the direction of the wind current. Each of the rotating loops independently pivots and rotates in response to changes in wind current direction, thereby avoiding twisting and entanglement of either strand portion.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus capable of measuring a wind pressure, and in particular, a bidirectional wind pressure detecting apparatus having wind pressure sensors installed at an air introduction port and an air ejection port, respectively, to measure a wind pressure regardless of a direction of the air.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first substrate having a sensor part for measuring a measured factor and a second substrate that is to be detachably stacked on a lower side of the first substrate, the second substrate including: a signal processing part that processes a measurement signal obtained by measurement by the sensor part; a power supply part for feeding power to the sensor part; and at least either a memory that stores measurement data obtained by being processed in the signal processing part or a communication part for transmitting the measurement data by wireless, wherein the second substrate is in common use for a plurality of kinds of first substrates different in measured factor measured by the sensor part from each other.

Abstract: A wind or gas velocity profiler integrated with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensors in an open or enclosed space is disclosed in the present invention. There are three main embodiments disclosed in the present invention. Through the preambles of the independent claims, the advantages and merits of such measurement apparatus with MEMS flow sensor will be demonstrated as well. A silicon-based MEMS flow sensor can greatly reduce the sensor fabrication cost by a batch production. The integration with MEMS flow sensor makes the invented anemometer operate in the ways of better measurement accuracy, lower power consumption, higher reliability and a compact dimension compared to traditional anemometers such as cup anemometer, thermal anemometer and ultrasonic anemometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting the direction of the fluid flow through a dialyzer, as well as an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus which comprises a device for detecting the direction of the fluid flow through the dialyzer. The devices and methods according to the present invention are based on the change in a physical and/or chemical property, for example the substance concentration or the temperature, of a fluid flowing into the one chamber of the dialyzer and the measurement of the change in the physical and/or chemical property of the fluid flowing out of the one chamber of the dialyzer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a site for a wind turbine within a confined geographical target region on the basis of an estimate of a maintenance parameter comprises determining a wind climate at the target region, the wind climate including e.g. average wind speed, pre-dominant wind directions, or turbulence intensities. A function expressing the maintenance parameter of the wind turbine as a function of the flow characteristics is defined, and the function is applied to the geographical position to compute an estimated value of the maintenance parameter at that position. Meteorological measurements may be used to obtain the flow characteristics. Wind measurements performed at one location may be numerically extrapolated by numerical methods, e.g. by CFD, to other locations. The maintenance parameter may be expressed as a maintenance risk, number of component replacements, or as a maintenance cost per energy unit. Three-dimensional visualization of wind turbines, e.g.

Abstract: A ship motion prediction system is described that includes a plurality of surface platforms and a central computer having a communications interface. The platforms each include a propulsion system for movement of the platform, a plurality of sensors operable for gathering sensor data relating to an environment proximate the platform, a processing device communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and the plurality of sensors, and a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processing device. The central computer includes a communications interface, and the processing device is programmed to transmit sensor data to the central computer via the transceiver and the communications interface. The central computer is programmed to transmit commands for operation of the propulsion system to the processing device via the communications interface and transceiver.

Abstract: A powder dispenser useable as a golf accessory includes a body of flexible material for housing a quantity of powder and a cap for controlling discharge of the powder. The cap includes an orifice for discharging the powder and a gate controlled by rotating the cap relative to the body to provide selective fluid communication with the powder within the body.

Abstract: Wind safety sensor, comprising a physical device for measuring at least one parameter associated with the action of the wind, comprising a bidirectional radiofrequency communication means, capable of transmitting a signal to at least one mobile home automation element when the parameter exceeds a threshold, comprising an assignment table for at least one first threshold and one second threshold relating to distinct types of mobile home automation elements and such that the transmitted signal comprises an identifier of the type for which the threshold has been exceeded, a code controlling a safety action and/or an identifier of the safety sensor. Home automation installation comprising such a sensor and control device for such a home automation installation.

Abstract: The invention is the use of a number of barometric pressure sensors roughly surrounding one or more target location or locations for which wind is being predicted. Based on a historical relationship between the observed pressures at the sensors and the observed wind at the target locations, the prediction of winds a few seconds into the future is possible. It is anticipated that these pressure observations used to train the prediction engine may be supplemented with some other local data such as area wind direction, temperature, and time of day. Further, in some applications the training of the prediction engine may be only prior to its use, while in other applications, the training may be updating the prediction engine while the instrument is operating. In the specification, a theoretical foundation for the pressure/wind relationship is explored for signal magnitudes.

Abstract: An airflow detecting device includes a pivot rod, a first vane portion hingedly secured to the pivot rod and a second vane portion hingedly secured to the pivot rod. The airflow detecting device further includes a sensor assembly coupled to the first vane portion and the second vane portion. The sensor assembly generates a signal when the one of the first vane portion and the second vane portion is moved relative to the other of the second vane portion and the first vane portion when effected by airflow. The airflow detecting device further includes a control module secured to the pivot rod and coupled to the sensor assembly to receive the signal from the sensor assembly. The control module is configured to determine the direction and the amount of airflow based on the signal from the sensor assembly. Other embodiments of airflow detecting devices are further disclosed.

Abstract: A device for determining the flow regime and/or the direction of a fluid flow close to an element exposed to the flow, such as a sail, includes at least one dog-vane (1). The device further includes at least one flexible strip (2), one region (5) of the strip being fastened to the element (7) exposed to the flow and another region (15) of the strip being free relative to the element, so as to enable the strip and the free region extending substantially parallel to the element to flex, the dog-vane being fixed via one of its ends to the free region of the flexible strip. The device includes conversion element (3, 3?, 3A, 3B, 3?A, 3?B, 3C, 3D, 3?C, 3?D) for converting the deformations undergone by the strip into an electrical signal, relative to a reference position, and processing element (4) for processing the electrical signals.

Abstract: A model hull testing method, platform, and system are disclosed that acquire model hull performance data about one or more hulls in an open-water environment, preferably testing two hulls simultaneously as they encounter essentially the same sea state. Avoiding tow-tank testing by providing a powered watercraft as an open-water testing platform, the method proceeds by supporting the model hulls on the testing platform, so they float in outboard positions, and then by acquiring data about hull performance as the testing platform and model hulls move together through an open body of water. A complement of data acquisition components acquires digital and analog data about the testing environment and model hull performance, preferably including platform motion, time and location information, wave characteristics, apparent wind speed and direction, and model hull drag and motion, with all data being recorded on an onboard laptop computer for later processing and analysis.

Abstract: A model hull testing method, platform, and system are disclosed that acquire model hull performance data about one or more hulls in an open-water environment, preferably testing two hulls simultaneously as they encounter essentially the same sea state. Avoiding tow-tank testing by providing a powered watercraft as an open-water testing platform, the method proceeds by supporting the model hulls on the testing platform, so they float in outboard positions, and then by acquiring data about hull performance as the testing platform and model hulls move together through an open body of water. A complement of data acquisition components acquires digital and analog data about the testing environment and model hull performance, preferably including platform motion, time and location information, wave characteristics, apparent wind speed and direction, and model hull drag and motion, with all data being recorded on an onboard laptop computer for later processing and analysis.

Abstract: An arrangement with a nacelle and with at least one instrument of a wind turbine is disclosed. The instrument is connected with a rod. A channel penetrates the wall of the nacelle. The channel interacts with the rod in a way that the rod and its assigned instrument are moved through the channel between a first and a second position. The instrument is positioned inside the nacelle at the first position for installation and/or service purposes, while the instrument is positioned outside the nacelle at the second position for operation purposes of the instrument.

Abstract: A resin weathervane having a weathervane tube mounted within a resin weathervane figurine with a stabilizing support structure coupled to an exterior portion of the weathervane tube and a belt of flexible material wrapped at least partially around the tube and the stabilizing support structure wherein a resin mixture poured into a mold forms a resin weathervane of a desired configuration with the resin bonding the tube, the stabilizing support structure and the flexible wrap.

Abstract: A vane anemometer includes an anemometer body forming a receiving chamber that has a side wall forming retention slots for receiving and retaining therein an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an upper cage forming retention tabs and coupling slots, a lower case forming coupling tabs and notches, and an impeller set rotatably supported between the upper cage and the lower case. Each coupling tab of the lower case forms a coupling pawl engageable with each coupling slot of the upper cage to couple the upper cage and the lower case together. The retention tabs of the upper cage are received in the notches of the lower case and each includes a retention nub, whereby the retention tabs form engagement with the retention slots of the receiving chamber of the anemometer body to easily mount the impeller assembly to the anemometer body in a secure manner.

Abstract: The masthead wind direction indicator illuminator of the present invention provides three significant improvements over the prior art including elimination of wiring and switches, greatly extended lighting element life and automatic on/off control. Elimination of wiring and switches greatly reduces the complexity of the illuminator system, use of LED light source elements greatly increases the life of the illuminator, and use of a light sensitive switching element provides automatic control of the illuminator.

Abstract: A method for measuring the wind direction signal of a wind turbine is described. The wind direction signal is measured in the wake of a wind turbine rotor. The measured wind direction signal is sorted using at least one sorting parameter. The sorted wind direction signal can be optimised using at least one optimising parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar protection installation (1) comprising at least one mobile window blind (2), at least one drive means (3), at least one control unit (4), and at least one wind sensor (5). The wind sensor (5) is used to detect overload caused by the wind on the window blind, by the detection of variations in tension and/or pressure leading to deformations of the window blind. The wind sensor is provided on and/or in the window blind (2).

Abstract: An air monitoring device (100) includes an outer casing (101) configured to receive an airflow (102) comprising particulate; a bore (103) located inside the outer casing (101); and a collection probe (104) located inside the outer casing (101), the collection probe (104) being configured such that there is a gap (105) between an exit of the bore (103) and an entrance of the collection probe (104), such that particulate in the airflow (102) having a diameter larger than a threshold flows through an interior of the collection probe (104).