Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (4) for measuring a direction of incident flow (2) with which a flowing medium flows against the sensor device (4), having a flow body (1) which is set up to have the flowing medium flow around it, the flow body (1) having a plurality of pressure-sensitive or force-sensitive sensor elements (3) which are arranged on the outer surface of the flow body (1) or are arranged in the flow body (1) and are connected to the outer surface of the flow body (1), and the sensor elements (3) being arranged behind one another along the intended course (30) of the flow around the flow body (1). The invention also relates to an evaluation device for such a sensor device.

Abstract: A bird-deterrent device including a hub with fingers radiating from the hub to prevent or inhibit birds from perching on the top of a sailboat mast. In one embodiment, the hub is mounted to the top of a mast by a fastener which also secures a post of a wind indicator having a vane rotatable on the post to indicate wind direction. In another embodiment, the hub is mounted or fixed about the post of the wind indicator. In another embodiment the hub is fixed to a post which is connected to the halyard to be raised above or lowered below the mast.

Abstract: A combination wind direction and wind speed indicating apparatus for providing enhanced visibility at night and under other low visibility conditions is mounted, for example, at an airport landing zone, to rotate in the wind and indicates wind direction with high-intensity colored lights mounted in a specified array about the horizontal periphery of the apparatus; a vertical array of lights is illuminated in response to incremental wind speed variations. The apparatus can include a self-contained source of electrical power such as a rechargeable battery pack connected via appropriate circuitry to a solar power cell.

Abstract: A method of determining an estimate of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in a proposed site for a wind farm including the steps of measuring the wind speed at a predetermined sampling frequency fs during a number of time periods pz; calculating in each time interval pz wind speed statistical parameters Vmean, ?v and a wind speed trend parameter k in real time for each new wind speed measure xj as a function of the values of said parameters Vmean, ?v, k for the prior wind speed measure xj-1 and the new wind speed measure xj; storing the parameters Vmean, ?v, k obtained at the end of each time interval pz; determining the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in said proposed site using said stored parameters Vmean, ?v, k. The invention also refers to an apparatus for acquiring the data needed for the calculation of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for aligning a component into a wind direction is provided. The component comprises a sensor which is located such that at least part of the sensor is exposed to the wind. A signal is measured based on the force acting on the sensor due to the wind, and the component is rotated depending on the measured signal. Additionally a sensor for determining misalignment of a component relative to a wind direction is provided. The sensor comprises at least one flat element and at least one tool or device for measuring the force acting on the flat element.

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: The invention relates to a test bench for testing wind turbine equipment. The test bench comprises one or more load applying means directly or indirectly applying load to the equipment during said test and wherein the test bench comprises angle adjustment means for adjusting a test angle (A) of the equipment in relation to a horizontal plane. The invention further relates to methods for testing wind turbine equipment.

Abstract: A fluid flux measurement system that includes a heated element fluid flow sensor that is capable of being repositioned relative to a mean fluid flux direction is disclosed. The repositioning may be performed by a motor interconnected to the heated element fluid flow sensor. The heated element fluid flow sensor may be positioned proximate to the measurement region of a sonic anemometer and may be operable to be repositioned relative to the sonic anemometer. The heated element fluid flow sensor may be a three-dimensional hot-film constant temperature anemometer. The fluid flux system may be operable to measure small-scale turbulent fluxes in uncontrolled environments such as remotely located atmospheric monitoring stations. The heated element fluid flow sensor may be calibrated in-situ with data collected by the sonic anemometer.

Abstract: In order to provide a robust, weather resistant, portable, low-noise, relatively inexpensive, wind direction detection device, disclosed herein is a method and device for detecting fluid flow direction based on sensing a temperature variation transmitted from a temperature variation source to one or more temperature sensors. One or more indicators are utilized to communicate the measured fluid flow direction to a user. An implementation of the fluid flow direction detection device utilizes a resistance heater as the temperature variation source, thermistors as the temperature sensors, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each thermistor as the indicators. The thermistors and LEDs are arranged in a circular fashion around the resistance heater to accurately detect the direction of a thermal plume generated by the resistance heater.

Abstract: A system for estimating a freestream wind characteristic for a wind turbine having a rotor includes estimating a nacelle wind speed for the turbine; determining, from the estimated nacelle wind speed, at least one angular position of the rotor for measuring a nacelle wind characteristic for the turbine; and measuring the nacelle wind characteristic at the determined angular position of the rotor.

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: A resin weathervane having a weathervane tube mounted within a resin weathervane figurine with stabilizing support rods coupled to an upper portion of the weathervane tube and a belt of fiberglass material wrapped at least partially around the tube and the stabilizing support rods 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 rods and the fiberglass wrap.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting wind speed and direction data collected by a sodar or lidar apparatus for the orientation and/or position of the apparatus. There are sensors mounted to the sodar or lidar apparatus that detect the orientation and position of the apparatus. Software is used to adjust in situ the calculations of wind speeds and directions in three dimensions for deviations from some nominal orientation. Software and data structures can be used to cause the inclusion of the orientation and position of the system with the collected data.

Abstract: A method for testing the brakes of a wind energy system is provided, wherein the method comprising determining the brake torque by an indirect measurement. The method contains a comparison to defined threshold values for time and generator torque as well as time and actual power. Further, a computer-readable medium is provided that provides instructions which when executed by a computing platform cause the computing platform to perform operations wherein the operations include the method according to embodiments described herein. Further, a wind energy system is provided that has a rotor with a rotor brake and a calculation unit adapted for comparing two threshold values for time and torque to the actual values of time and torque, alternatively for comparing two threshold values for time and actual power to the actual values of time and actual power.

Abstract: The invention relates to the arrangement of a film resistor (chip) in an exhaust-gas pipe or exhaust-gas recirculation pipe, wherein the film resistor is fixed in a carrier, which is sealed against a shield or a housing, wherein this shield or housing is connected tightly to the exhaust-gas pipe or exhaust-gas recirculation pipe, wherein the carrier and the shield or the housing are sealed against each other spaced apart from the exhaust-gas pipe or exhaust-gas recirculation pipe radially outside of this pipe.

Abstract: An anemometer assembly for sensing and transmitting wind speed and wind direction data. The wind sensor measures relative wind direction and wind speed without the use of moving parts and consumes very little power making it suitable for unattended operation. The main wind sensing member is an elongated vertical member that can be used as radio antenna. The data can be transmitted from a remote location and thus relay data to a central collection repository or network location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simplified anemoscope that allows the direction and intensity of the wind to be relatively accurately confirmed in a simple manner, and that is superior in portability and design. A simplified anemoscope according to the present invention allows the direction and/or intensity of the wind to be confirmed by squirting out a powder or liquid material. The simplified anemoscope includes: a hollow section loaded with the powder or liquid material, and having at least one pore sized to allow the powder or liquid material to be squirted out; and a push-out section for pushing out the air in the hollow section.

Abstract: This device has a detection means to measure the relative amount of air movement in its vicinity. The detection means is coupled to a processing means for creating a variable trigger signal that is proportional to detected air movement. The detection means consists of a differential pressure transducer mounted inside a specially-shaped enclosure. The pressure transducer is arranged to measure the air pressure difference between two holes in the enclosure. The shape of the enclosure causes air to flow at different velocities near the holes, creating a differential air pressure. The processing means consists of a microprocessor that periodically samples the signal from the differential pressure transducer. A programmed algorithm calculates a variable trigger signal value based on a plurality of sampled signals. The processing means can also incorporate an algorithm for digitally generating audio signals that have attributes based on the value of the trigger signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevating billboard and control method thereof, which includes a hollow column, a billboard stent, and a windlass controlling a motor, forward relay and back relay, wherein a hollow cylinder is fixed with the billboard stent and rings the column so as to slide along the column up and down, a fixed pulley disposed on the top of the column, a free end of a guy cable of the windlass connecting with the hollow cylinder by the fixed pulley. By using the motor of the windlass and the fixed pulleys, the invention is easy to assemble, disassemble or maintain, and is capable of completing the up and down movement easily and quickly. And using the real-time monitor of the anemoscope, the invention completes the up and down movement easily and quickly by wind scale.

Abstract: A vortex detection device suitable for use in fighter aircraft including an angle-of-attack sensor, an angle-of-attack processing unit connected to the angle-of-attack sensor capable of forming a signal representative of current air stream's angle-of-attack, a synthetic angle-of-attack estimation unit capable of forming a synthetic angle-of-attack signal, and a vortex level calculation unit connected to the processing and estimation unit, capable of calculating a vortex level signal, and a vortex detection unit connected to the vortex level calculation unit, for deciding, based on the vortex level signal, if a vortex is detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft. Wind speed, wind direction and other critical flight parameters are measured, calculated, recorded, and visually or audibly announced during the aircraft flight via onboard equipment, which parameters provide a means for the aircraft pilot to control chemical spray application and for unassisted automatic chemical spray cutoff and for limiting spray application outside an application zone or target area. Such parameters also provide a means for indicating the lift reserve of the aircraft and a means for determining atmospheric stability near the ground and providing the pilot with a record of the meteorological conditions at a particular location. The method and system of the present invention also provide a means for predicting appropriate aircraft upwind offset distance to compensate for predicted chemical spray drift.

Abstract: A direction indicator comprising a direction pointer arranged to pivot about a fulcrum and a flight mounted on the direction pointer that is capable of interacting with a fluid flow, the flight having a resistive portion resistive to fluid flow in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the direction pointer, the resistive portion being substantially effective to cause the direction pointer to pivot about the fulcrum and thereby align the flight with the direction of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A wireless wind-powered anemometer comprising: a wind reacting device; a rotatable shaft in communication with the wind reacting device; an ac generator in communication with the rotatable shaft, and where the ac generator is configured to produce an ac voltage that is generally directly proportional to wind speed detected by the wind reacting devices; a signal conditioning and transmitter circuit in communication with the ac generator; and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is configurable to communicate with a wireless network, and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is supplied with power from the ac generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simplified anemoscope that allows the direction and intensity of the wind to be relatively accurately confirmed in a simple manner, and that is superior in portability and design. A simplified anemoscope according to the present invention allows the direction and/or intensity of the wind to be confirmed by squirting out a powder or liquid material. The simplified anemoscope includes: a hollow section loaded with the powder or liquid material, and having at least one pore sized to allow the powder or liquid material to be squirted out; and a push-out section for pushing out the air in the hollow section.

Abstract: A wireless wind-powered anemometer comprising: a wind reacting device; a rotatable shaft in communication with the wind reacting device; an ac generator in communication with the rotatable shaft, and where the ac generator is configured to produce an ac voltage that is generally directly proportional to wind speed detected by the wind reacting devices; a signal conditioning and transmitter circuit in communication with the ac generator; and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is configurable to communicate with a wireless network, and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is supplied with power from the ac generator.

Abstract: An airflow detection apparatus configured to detect airflow of a fan includes a first transistor, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a microprocessor, an indicating circuit, and a stabilizing circuit configured for supplying a stable current to the first transistor. The base and the collector of the first transistor are connected to a power supply. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to the amplifier and the stabilizing circuit. The amplifier receives a voltage signal from between the base and the emitter of the first transistor. The voltage signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter. The microprocessor processes the digital signal and output an indicating signal to the indicating circuit to indicate airflow status of the fan.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating wind direction including: a holder, a supportive pole connected to the holder, a wind vane rotatably connected to the supportive pole in view of wind so as to indicate a direction of wind, an orientation indicator rotatably connected to the supportive pole to show the direction of the magnetic pole of the earth, and a solar-power supplier disposed at the holder, which provides power to illuminate the wind van and the orientation indicator.

Abstract: A method and a device for obtaining the three components (u,v,w) of the air speed (TA) of an aircraft along its flight path, the device including an arm (2) provided with two pressure probes disposed at each of its ends, each probe having two pressure intakes.

Abstract: A wireless wind-powered anemometer comprising: a wind reacting device; a rotatable shaft in communication with the wind reacting device; an ac generator in communication with the rotatable shaft, and where the ac generator is configured to produce an ac voltage that is generally directly proportional to wind speed detected by the wind reacting devices; a signal conditioning and transmitter circuit in communication with the ac generator; and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is configurable to communicate with a wireless network, and where the signal conditioning and transmitter circuit is supplied with power from the ac generator.

Abstract: A wind vane device comprises a horizontal portion that can swivel by the propeller blades provided at one end, a vertical portion with one end attached to the bottom of the horizontal portion and the other end extending downwardly, a supporting frame supporting the horizontal portion at the lower side of the vertical portion, wherein the vertical portion is cylindrical and has a plurality of radial partitioning walls at inner side in the axial direction; an upright shaft having an axle 51 with thread portions at both ends, one end of which is fastened to the center of the partitioning wall and the other end provided with a pair of bearings, a bearing sleeve being put around the outside of the pair of bearings; wherein the supporting frame consists of several sections of supporting rods. An engageable and disengageable structure is formed between a supporting rod and a supporting rods through a connector. The upper end located at the supporting rod of top-section engages at the outside of the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flow, in particular, but not exclusively, wind and/or water speed and direction. The device includes magnetic measuring means having a core and first and second orthogonal windings arranged over the core, and deflector means adapted to be deflected in use by a fluid flow, the deflector means comprising a deflectable element resiliently connected to further magnetic field means, the deflector means being deflectably mounted with respect to the magnetic measurement means, which provides an output, the magnitude of which output corresponds to the magnitude of deflection of the deflector means, wherein the output is resolvable in two orthogonal axes such that a value for fluid flow direction can be determined.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a wind force to a plurality of plants in an agricultural environment is provided to screen for selected wind-resistance traits in the plurality of plants. In one embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided including a generating device for creating a moving fluid stream to provide the wind force, a directing device, such as a duct and/or movable vane, for precisely and selectively directing the wind force towards a portion of at least one plant, and a controller for adjusting one or more parameters of the fluid stream. The device and/or method embodiments of the present invention may thus be used to selectively apply the wind force to one or more plants (or portions thereof) such that the plants may be evaluated with respect to one or more wind-resistant physical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pressure probes for measuring the aerodynamic flight parameters of an aircraft and more particularly those in which the orifices for measuring the static pressure and total pressure are located on a moving angle-of-attack or angle-of-sideslip measurement vane designed to be oriented in the direction of the wind. It consists of a pneumatic rotary joint employing flexible tubings rather than friction rotary joints between abutted parts of rigid tubings. Such a joint offers a much smaller resistance to the rotational movement of the moving vane, which consequently is oriented with greater accuracy in the direction of the wind.

Abstract: A vortex angle system includes one or more vortex angle sensors disposed on one or more wingtips of an aircraft. A summing circuit and computer compare signals from each sensor to provide a signal, which is indicative of the average vortex angle of the aircraft.

Abstract: Characterizing atmospheric conditions is accomplished by measuring at least one varying spectral characteristic of sound at a plurality of intervals from a sound source with the point of measurement and the sound source in relative motion and separated by altitude. The spectral characteristic of the sound at each interval is attributed to a path traveled by the sound and a plurality of simultaneous equations is created for the plurality of paths using a second plurality of altitude segments for each path, each segment having a particular vector as a variable on the spectral characteristic, the initial coefficients in each vector assumed based on predetermined atmospheric models for each altitude segment. The resulting calculated vector and the predetermined atmospheric model are iterated for a minimized cost function in a variational analysis to determine the vector for each altitude segment, the vector providing atmospheric properties for the associated altitude segment.

Abstract: A wind warning system. The system includes: an alarm module configured to provide a audio signal; a power module configured to provide power to the alarm module; and a trigger module configured to trigger actuation of the alarm module. There is also a wind-speed sensor module configured to provide a signal to the trigger module when wind is detected having a speed higher than a predetermined threshold. The trigger module includes an electrically conductive protruding member. The wind-speed sensor module includes: a shaft member; a fan rotatably and slidably coupled to the shaft member; and a bias member coupled to the shaft member and in mechanical communication with the fan. Additionally, there is: a vertical shaft coupled to the shaft member; a tower rotatably coupled to the vertical shaft member. Moreover, there is an adjustment device that selectably adjusts a tension of the bias member, thereby altering a threshold.

Abstract: A technique for correcting measurement error in data produced by a nacelle-based anemometer and for determining free stream wind speed for a wind turbine involves ascertaining parameters related to the wind turbine and the operation thereof, and using the parameters and data from the nacelle based anemometer as inputs to an algorithm to provide for determination of corrected wind speed data.

Abstract: A wind sensor device consisting of a plurality of light weight, flexible, high tensile strength filaments attached to and depending from a malleable elongated body structure, such as a wire. The filaments are blown by the wind, thus indicating direction. The flexible body structure is used to attached the device to a hunter's rifle, gun, bow, tree, or other nearby object such as a branch, thus freeing the hunter's hands for other tasks.

Abstract: Characterizing atmospheric conditions is accomplished by measuring at least one varying spectral characteristic of sound at a plurality of intervals from a sound source with the point of measurement and the sound source in relative motion and separated by altitude. The spectral characteristic of the sound at each interval is attributed to a path traveled by the sound and a plurality of simultaneous equations is created for the plurality of paths using a second plurality of altitude segments for each path, each segment having a particular vector as a variable on the spectral characteristic, the initial coefficients in each vector assumed based on predetermined atmospheric models for each altitude segment. The resulting calculated vector and the predetermined atmospheric model are iterated for a minimized cost function in a variational analysis to determine the vector for each altitude segment, the vector providing atmospheric properties for the associated altitude segment.

Abstract: In an exemplary implementation of a method and system for determining the direction of fluid flow, one or more sound transducers are positioned in proximity to a conduit, each such sound transducer generating a signal representative of a selected characteristic of acoustic waves emanating from the conduit. Such signals are collected and analyzed to determine a threshold value for the selected characteristic (e.g., frequency) indicative of a change in the direction of fluid flow through the conduit. Based on whether subsequent measurements of the selected characteristic (e.g., frequency) are above or below the threshold value, the direction of fluid flow can be predicted and/or a change in the operational state of a component associated with the conduit can be identified.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive paint is applied to the surface of a measurement object main body of a wind tunnel and is irradiated with an excitation light from a luminescent sheet and excited to generate phosphorescence so that an intensity of the phosphorescence that corresponds to the pressure on the surface of the measurement object main body can be measured to determine a pressure distribution on the surface. The luminescent sheet is disposed within the measurement object main body made of a light transmitting material. The entirety of the pressure sensitive paint can be uniformly irradiated with the excitation light without applying the excitation light from a plurality of light sources disposed outside the measurement object main body, thereby enhancing the accuracy with which the pressure distribution is measured. The flexible luminescent sheet conforms to the shape of the three-dimensional curved surface of the measurement object main body.

Abstract: Two SODAR systems (12a and 12r) for detecting and characterizing vortices (16) shed from landing or departing aircraft (14) as at an airport (10) are positioned so that one, the active system (12a) is located beneath the likely vortices (16) and the other, the reference system (12r) is located away from the vortices but in the same ambient environment. Thus, where a wind duct or thermal inversion (18) is present, both SODAR systems will detect echoes (22 and 28) generated thereby, whereas only the active system (12a) will detect echoes (24) from wake vortices (16). By differencing the outputs of the reference and active systems, better vortex identification and discrimination is achieved. Only one SODAR system need be used where sufficiently normal conditions prevail between aircraft activity, since readings taken in the absence of aircraft can be used as reference data for subtraction from ‘active’ data recorded during the presence of aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating wind direction including: a holder, a supportive pole connected to the holder, a wind vane rotatably connected to the supportive pole in view of wind so as to indicate a direction of wind, an orientation indicator rotatably connected to the supportive pole to show the direction of the magnetic pole of the earth, and a solar-power supplier disposed at the holder, which provides power to illuminate the wind van and the orientation indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ensuring safe movement of a moving part. The movement of the moving part is guided along or about an axis (4; 42) and is limited by at least one stop (1; 20; 51). The device comprises means for recording the exceeding of a nominal force by a force exerted on the stop (1; 20; 51) by the moving part along or about the axis (4; 42). The invention is particularly applicable to angle-of-attack sensors used in aeronautics.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a system for obtaining information regarding a flow. These methods and systems comprise a signal generator configured to generate an alternating current signal at a carrier frequency and a transformer arranged to receive the generated signal, wherein the transformer and carrier frequency are selected so that the generated signal resonates at the carrier frequency. The alternating signal is then used to cause plasma to form across a gap between two electrodes, wherein the voltage drop across the gap is directly proportional to the flow's velocity. This voltage may then be measured to determine the flow velocity.

Abstract: This device has a detection means to measure the relative amount of air movement in its vicinity. The detection means is coupled to a processing means for creating a variable trigger signal that is proportional to detected air movement. The detection means consists of a differential pressure transducer mounted inside a specially-shaped enclosure. The pressure transducer is arranged to measure the air pressure difference between two holes in the enclosure. The shape of the enclosure causes air to flow at different velocities near the holes, creating a differential air pressure. The processing means consists of a microprocessor that periodically samples the signal from the differential pressure transducer. A programmed algorithm calculates a variable trigger signal value based on a plurality of sampled signals. The processing means can also incorporate an algorithm for digitally generating audio signals that have attributes based on the value of the trigger signal.

Abstract: A wind gauge includes a wind vane. The wind vane includes at least one wing. The wind vane is adapted to assume a prescribed level position responsive to a prescribed corresponding wind speed incident on the wind vane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a first axial support that allows of the weathervane to rotate and a second axial support that prevents the weathervane from becoming dislodged from the first axial support.

Abstract: A scanner and associated method for detecting pressures on a test member are provided. The scanner can be provided with an electronic module that includes an analog-digital (A/D) converter associated with each channel of the scanner and configured to provide digital signals representative of the pressures detected by pressure sensor elements associated with various locations on the test member. The electronic module can also include amplifiers and/or a multiplexer so that the output of the scanner provides an amplified and/or multiplexed digital output signal representative of the detected pressures. In some cases, the A/D converters and amplifiers can be provided in a single, mixed-signal chip of the scanner. The scanner can be small enough to be disposed in various locations in the test member, including small spaces that are generally incapable of accommodating conventional test equipment.

Abstract: A weather station with at least one element mounted on bearings on a housing or rack on a vertical axis for alignment with the direction of the wind and with a measuring device, which depending on the angle position of the element aligning in the direction of the wind provides an electrical signal, wherein the measuring device is an opto electric measuring device with at least two light paths. Each of the at least two light paths has its own light-emitting element and which have a common light detector and form a light path configuration, each light path is used to scan a group of markings, which are located around an axis of at least one screen in such a manner that the markings provide a code when scanning that defines the angle area of the position of the element aligning with the direction of the wind. The light-emitting elements determine the angle position of the element aligning with the direction of the wind.