Abstract: Various embodiments include a method for determining an effective wind speed to which a vehicle is exposed while driving comprising: determining an effective mechanical drive power for the vehicle by measuring the current and voltage at an electric motor and using an efficiency characteristic diagram of the electric motor and accounting for losses in a drive train of the motor vehicle; and calculating the effective wind speed based on the effective mechanical drive power.

Abstract: A fan testing apparatus includes an air duct defining an air inlet and air outlet, and at least one anemometer mounted at the air outlet. The fan is received in the air duct to generate airflow in the air duct via the inlet and out of the air duct via the outlet, and the at least one anemometer is used to measure wind speed at the outlet.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for an anemometer configured to provide thrust and axial load protection and reduce exposure to potentially degradative debris and/or contaminants. The bearing assembly includes a first shaft and a second shaft and bearings, wherein the bearings are configured to rotate about at least the first shaft while enclosed within a portion of the second shaft. The second shaft is configured to isolate the bearings from any air flow through the anemometer and debris and/or contaminants carried therewith. The bearing assembly further includes a damping member configured to reduce forces imparted upon the bearings, thereby providing protection and preventing premature damage to the bearings from loads.

Abstract: A fan testing apparatus includes an air duct defining an air inlet and air outlet, and at least one anemometer mounted at the air outlet. The fan is received in the air duct to generate airflow in the air duct via the inlet and out of the air duct via the outlet, and the at least one anemometer is used to measure wind speed at the outlet.

Abstract: A device measuring the speed or the direction of the wind, characterized in that it consists of the main body (1), which is hollow and can be divided into two parts and an electronic circuit (9) can be placed into the inside part thereof, and of the rotor (2) or the vane tail (3). The main body (1) is of curved shape and has a tall neck so as the rotor (2) or the vane tail (3) to be placed in such a position in order for the measurements not to be affected and it is divided into two parts the lower part (6) and the upper part (7). The upper part (7) of the main body (1) is hollow and the axle (8) is placed into the inside part thereof, where the rotor (8) or, alternatively, the vane tail (9) are mounted, depending on the measurement we wish to achieve. The device is mounted in the meteorological station of a supporting arm.

Abstract: A fluid turbine comprises a rotor rotatable in use about an axis transverse to the direction of fluid flow. The rotor has a first part carrying a plurality of arcuate blades and a second part journalled in a base structure by means of two or more bearings. All the bearings are arranged on the same side of the blades so that the first part of the rotor is cantilever supported in the base structure.

Abstract: A method for utilizing site specific data to determine whether to install a tip feature on a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method generally includes monitoring with a sensor at least one wind condition at a wind turbine site, determining an actual tip deflection threshold for a rotor blade of a wind turbine located at the wind turbine site based on the least one wind condition, comparing the actual tip deflection threshold to a predetermined tip deflection threshold for the rotor blade and determining whether to install a tip feature on the rotor blade based on the comparison between the actual tip deflection threshold and the predetermined tip deflection threshold.

Abstract: A rotational cup anemometer with an improved design for the cups is herein disclosed. The anemometer has a rotational assembly with essentially identical cups. Each cup is asymmetric to the plane of rotation. Each cup has a central axis parallel to the plane of rotation. Each cup is asymmetric to the central axis of the cup. Each cup may have a lower surface extension that provides a lifting surface, contributes to an upward force as the rotational assembly is rotated or affects presented frontal area at wind angles. A rotation rate of the rotational assembly as a function of wind angle is closer to the ideal cosine curve as compared to a standard anemometer, for a range of wind angles. Rotating the rotational assembly in a wind parallel to the plane of rotation produces a net upward force on the cups that offsets the weight of the rotational assembly.

Abstract: A rotational cup anemometer with an improved design for the cups is herein disclosed. The anemometer has a rotational assembly with essentially identical cups. Each cup is asymmetric to the plane of rotation. Each cup has a central axis parallel to the plane of rotation. Each cup is asymmetric to the central axis of the cup. Each cup may have a lower surface extension that provides a lifting surface, contributes to an upward force as the rotational assembly is rotated or affects presented frontal area at wind angles. A rotation rate of the rotational assembly as a function of wind angle is closer to the ideal cosine curve as compared to a standard anemometer, for a range of wind angles. Rotating the rotational assembly in a wind parallel to the plane of rotation produces a net upward force on the cups that offsets the weight of the rotational assembly.

Abstract: A method for utilizing site specific data to determine whether to install a tip feature on a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method generally includes monitoring with a sensor at least one wind condition at a wind turbine site, determining an actual tip deflection threshold for a rotor blade of a wind turbine located at the wind turbine site based on the least one wind condition, comparing the actual tip deflection threshold to a predetermined tip deflection threshold for the rotor blade and determining whether to install a tip feature on the rotor blade based on the comparison between the actual tip deflection threshold and the predetermined tip deflection threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system is provided that may be utilized to determine air flow through an air filter and/or a plurality of air filters. The present invention utilizes a demonstration apparatus to illustrate the differences in air flow and air restriction between a plurality of different air filters and filtration media. The apparatus and system utilizes a common plenum which subjects the plurality of air filters to the same differential pressure. The air flows through a first side of the air filter and is measured on the second side of the air filter by utilizing a wind meter or similar device to gauge the amount of air flow velocity of the second side of the filter. Additionally, the apparatus and system utilizes a display means to illustrate the differing air velocity through the second side of the air filter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting high-density wind velocity data for the inflow area of a wind turbine are presented. Wind turbines are provided with one or more wind velocity sensors that provide a plurality of wind velocity measurements to the turbine from various ranges and locations across the inflow. Sensors are proximate to the wind turbine. Sensors mounted on the turbine's nacelle work collaboratively to provide the wind velocity measurements. Sensors mounted on the turbine's hub spin with the turbine blades. Spatial and temporal wind mapping provides improved fidelity of data to the wind turbine control system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an autopilot device (2) which actuates, at least, on the course controls (3) of the bearing vessel (6), and which comprises an electronic evasion module (4) capable of generating evasive manoeuvre orders for the autopilot device (2) in the event of taking a collision course; as well as a radar (7) connected to said an electronic evasion module (4) in order to detect the existence of obstacles (5, 5?) which generate collision courses, as well as comprising a laser telemeter (16) and an AIS system (17), to support the radar (7), and means of detecting (18) the turning degrees of the steering wheel, as well as sensors (19) that measure the revolutions of the engine.

Abstract: A device measuring the speed or the direction of the wind, characterized in that it consists of the main body (1), which is hollow and can be divided into two parts and an electronic circuit (9) can be placed into the inside part thereof, and of the rotor (2) or the vane tail (3). The main body (1) is of curved shape and has a tall neck so as the rotor (2) or the vane tail (3) to be placed in such a position in order for the measurements not to be affected and it is divided into two parts the lower part (6) and the upper part (7). The upper part (7) of the main body (1) is hollow and the axle (8) is placed into the inside part thereof, where the rotor (8) or, alternatively, the vane tail (9) are mounted, depending on the measurement we wish to achieve. The device is mounted in the meteorological station of a supporting arm.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method and system for detecting icing on at least one wind turbine blade. An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a software application and process that utilizes the measure wind speed to detect icing on at least one wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A flow sensor has an inlet chamber with a first pressure sensor and an inlet port for receiving fluid, and an outlet chamber with a second pressure sensor and an outlet port. The flow sensor also has an anemometer in fluid communication with at least one of the two chambers.

Abstract: A flow switch uses an analog-to-digital converter combined with a multiplexer to measure voltages at one or more points of a measurement circuit and an algorithm within a microcontroller to calculate flow velocity. The measurement circuit has at least one sensor in the fluid stream. The sensor is heated by passing an electric current through the sensor. A second optional upstream sensor is not heated and is at the fluid temperature. The microcontroller then uses the voltage measurements with calibration information and equations based on the desired mode of operation to calculate the flow velocity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying an information carrier to passers-by in the vicinity, in particular a carrier on which advertising information is visible, comprising: —a stationary support; —an elongate post arranged on the support; —a carrier which is to be provided with the information to be displayed; —translating means for translating the information carrier reciprocally in longitudinal direction along the post; —rotating means for rotating the information carrier relative to the stationary support.

Abstract: A nano-anemometer is formed by growing a nanowire to span an open area between a pair of electrodes. The nanowire is coupled to a sensing apparatus to form a hot-wire nano-anemometer.

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: In an SOFC stack system, a reformer supplies reformate to the stack. An anode tail gas portion is recycled into the reformer. An inline flowmeter indicates an apparent recycle flow rate. A map of anode tail gas composition as a function of fuel utilization efficiency U, reformer oxygen/carbon ratio O:C, and recycle percentage R is generated on a laboratory test bed at various recycle rates and fuel utilization rates. Compositions are sent through a flowmeter and a Coriolus mass flowmeter provide a Coriolus flow and sensor voltage function across the various compositions and flow rates to create an average curve and an average (reference) voltage at a given flow. A scale factor Z is calculated and used to determine a scaled sensor voltage X for use in an average flow polynomial curve fit equation to calculate tail gas mass flow rate at any flow value indicated by the flow meter.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for measuring airflow speed of a computer system fan includes an air guide sleeve having one end configured for connecting to an air outlet of the computer fan for guiding the airflow of the computer fan therethrough; a fixed loop connected to another end of the air guide sleeve for the airflow guided by the air guide sleeve passing therethrough; and a plurality of anemometers adjustably mounted to the fixed loop and extending into a central through hole of the fixed loop to determine airflow speed information. The apparatus is used to measure the airflow of the computer system fan by being positioned at an exit of the computer fan for expediently evaluating fan performance.

Abstract: Method and device are provided for accurately measuring fluid flow in a conduit. A fluid flow meter conditioning body, in-line with the conduit, conditions the fluid flow so as to provide a flattened and invariant fluid velocity profile. The device provides high immunity to upstream and downstream non-uniform fluid velocity profiles. Fluid diffusers adapt the device to different conduit sizes, eliminate field welding and conduit fittings. In a preferred embodiment thermal convection mass flow sensors and circuitry are used to further improve the accuracy of the measurement of the fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention is a solid state microanemometer and a method of making thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to a microanemometer including an electrically conductive resistor in the form of a semiconductor wafer doped with an impurity having an upper surface, a lower surface having a peripheral edge; a substrate bonded to the semiconductor wafer having an upper surface, a cavity having a peripheral edge and a peripheral margin defined on the upper surface and bounded by the peripheral edge of the cavity wherein the lower surface of the semiconductor wafer rests on and is supported by at least part of the peripheral edge of the cavity such that the semiconductor wafer is over the cavity; and a means for electrically connecting the resistor to a current source. The microanemometer also includes a plurality of metal conductors in contact with the resistor.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a microscale anemometer on a substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed on the substrate, and a metal thin film is patterned to form a sensing element. At least one support for the sensing element is patterned. The sacrificial layer is removed, and the sensing element is lifted away from the substrate by raising the supports, thus creating a clearance between the sensing element and the substrate to allow fluid flow between the sensing element and the substrate. The supports are raised preferably by use of a magnetic field applied to magnetic material patterned on the supports.

Abstract: A flow switch uses an analog-to-digital converter combined with a multiplexer to measure voltages at one or more points of a measurement circuit and an algorithm within a microcontroller to calculate flow velocity. The measurement circuit has at least one sensor in the fluid stream. The sensor is heated by passing an electric current through the sensor. A second optional upstream sensor is not heated and is at the fluid temperature. The microcontroller then uses the voltage measurements with calibration information and equations based on the desired mode of operation to calculate the flow velocity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring railroad cars comprising a hatch cover assembly including a cover body, a sensor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting data received from the sensor, a wireless receiver for receiving the data from the wireless transmitter, and a satellite transmitter for transmitting the data to a satellite. The wireless receiver and the satellite transmitter are attached to the hatch cover assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is an air flow sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is a chain tension sensor attached to a handbrake chain. In another embodiment, the sensor is a hatch cover position attached to the hatch cover assembly.

Abstract: A fluid property measurement system uses an analog-to-digital converter combined with a multiplexer to measure voltages at one or more points of a measurement circuit and an algorithm within a microcontroller to calculate a fluid property. The measurement circuit has at least one sensor in the fluid stream. The sensor is heated by passing an electric current through the sensor. A second optional upstream sensor is not heated and is at the fluid temperature. The microcontroller then uses the voltage measurements with calibration information and equations based on the desired mode of operation to calculate the fluid property.

Abstract: A thermal anemometer for measuring airflow includes an ovenized semiconductor device including an internal oven. The oven is powered by an oven current such that the oven current varies with air flow over an outside surface of the semiconductor device. A resistor is electrically coupled between a source of power and the oven. An amplifier has an amplifier input and an amplifier output. The amplifier input is electrically coupled to the oven, wherein the amplifier output amplifier provides an electrical signal related to airflow over the ovenized semiconductor device. Also, a method for measuring airflow includes the steps of: providing a source of power, providing an ovenized semiconductor device, providing an amplifier, amplifying a signal representative of a heater current in the ovenized semiconductor device, and outputting the signal representative of the heater current as an indication of airflow over an outside surface of the ovenized semiconductor device.

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 nano-anemometer is formed by growing a nanowire to span an open area between a pair of electrodes. The nanowire is coupled to a sensing apparatus to form a hot-wire nano-anemometer.

Abstract: An electronic gas flow triggering circuit for use in an aerosol drug dispensing device has a voltage source and a self-nulling circuit to which voltage is supplied from the voltage source. A hot wire anemometer filament forms a component of the bridge circuit which is adapted to maintain a constant resistance of the anemometer filament, the bridge drive voltage being dependent upon the gas flow across the anemometer filament. A comparator compares the bridge output voltage with a reference voltage and provides a triggering signal to operate the device if the bridge drive voltage is greater than the reference voltage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impeller device for data acquisition in a flow. It comprises a support (3) with two bearing blocks (4.1, 4.2) to hold a spindle (2) around which the impeller (1) is fitted. The spindle (2) comprises two approximately conical ends (5). The bearing blocks (4.1, 4.2) are made from a material with the lowest possible coefficient of friction and each comprises an approximately conical recess (6) into which one of the ends (5) of the spindle (2) fit.

Abstract: An anemometer circuit comprises a sensor having a resistance which varies with temperature, immersed within a moving medium, the mass flow rate of which is to be determined. A control loop causes a current to flow through the sensor resistance, and varies the current as needed to maintain the sensor temperature at a desired value; the current is proportional to the medium's mass flow rate. In a preferred embodiment, a controller measures the sensor's voltage and current and the ambient temperature of the medium, and varies the current such that the sensor dissipates the power required to maintain its temperature at the desired value. The control loop can be arranged to maintain the sensor at a constant temperature, or at a constant differential temperature with respect to the medium's ambient temperature.

Abstract: A thermal transient anemometer provides mass flow rate or volume flow rate over smaller discrete regions of a larger flow field, i.e., the distribution of such rates over a predefined, larger area. The thermal transient anemometer comprises two components: a frame with a plurality of sensing cells each having a resistance wire grid and a control unit which includes an energy source which heats the resistance wire grid of each cell, measurement circuitry for determining the decay of resistance of the grid wires as they cool and computational circuitry which determines the mass or volume flow rate through each cell based upon such decay function.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid velocity includes a generally Y-shaped yoke including a base and first and second forks, the first and second forks including through holes at ends thereof; a bucket wheel supported between the first and second forks of the yoke; a first shaft that passes through the through hole in the first fork and supports one side of the bucket wheel; a second shaft that passes through the through hole in the second fork and supports the other side of the bucket wheel, the second shaft rotating with the bucket wheel and including a magnet mounted therein; the second fork of the yoke including an opening for receiving a reed switch assembly, the opening communicating with the through hole in the second fork, the magnet on the second shaft being aligned with the opening whereby when the second shaft rotates the magnet passes by the opening; and a reed switch assembly mounted in the opening in the second fork of the yoke.

Abstract: A microscale out-of-plane thermal sensor. A resistive heater is suspended over a substrate by supports raised with respect to the substrate to provide a clearance underneath the resistive heater for fluid flow. A preferred fabrication process for the thermal sensor uses surface micromachining and a three-dimensional assembly to raise the supports and lift the resistive heater over the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup anemometer having at least two cups (1) each attached to an arm (2) of a hub (3) on a rotary shaft. By cup is meant a generally seen cup-shaped body with a concave inner surface (6) and a convex outer surface (7) which meet at the opening of the cup. The opening of the cup is directed essentially along the tangent to the rotational path of the cups. The invention is based on the fact that the cups are truncated at their opening by means of three cuts (14, 15, 16) which are esentially located in three planes that are parallel with the tangent of the rotational path of the cups at the opening and that, projected on a fourth plane (9) having the tangent as normal, essentially form a triangle. The cups are attached to their arms (2) at one of the three corners (10).

Abstract: A Kelvin sensed hot-wire anemometer includes four electrically conductive pins and a filament welded to all four pins, preferably using a single filament. A current source is coupled to the two innermost pins so as to provide current flow in the segment of filament between the two innermost pins. The two outermost pins are coupled to a high impedance voltage sense amplifier that senses the voltage drop across the energized segment of filament between the two innermost pins. The resistance of the filament is determined based on the current provided to the filament and the measured voltage. The Kelvin sensed hot-wire anemometer can be used in a number of applications, including, but not limited to medical devices that measure gas flow rates during inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: An anemometer that visually indicates the speed of the wind by the position of a float housed within a first chamber. The first chamber is in communication with a second chamber through a vertically extending conduit system. The second chamber is in communication with a low-pressure zone of a push differentiating system preferably a Venturi.

Abstract: A hot wire anemometer comprising a support member having a data processing system, probe head with a hot wire sensor and an ambient temperature sensor and an extendable portion having conductors therein for transfer of collected data and command data between the data processing system in the handle and the hot wire and ambient sensors in the probe head, thus conveniently allowing the probe head to be extended far from the support member and into a desired test area for accurate data collection to determine the velocity of fluid flow.

Abstract: A Kelvin sensed hot-wire anemometer includes four electrically conductive pins and a filament welded to all four pins, preferably using a single filament. A current source is coupled to the two innermost pins so as-to provide current flow in the segment of filament between the two innermost pins. The two outermost pins are coupled to a high impedance voltage sense amplifier that senses the voltage drop across the energized segment of filament between the two innermost pins. The resistance of the filament is determined based on the current provided to the filament and the measured voltage. The Kelvin sensed hot-wire anemometer can be used in a number of applications, including, but-not limited to medical devices that measure gas flow rates during inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: A high temperature anemometer includes a pair of substrates. One of the substrates has a plurality of electrodes on a facing surface, while the other of the substrates has a sensor cavity on a facing surface. A sensor is received in the sensor cavity, wherein the sensor has a plurality of bondpads, and wherein the bond pads contact the plurality of electrodes when the facing surfaces are mated with one another. The anemometer further includes a plurality of plug-in pins, wherein the substrate with the cavity has a plurality of trenches with each one receiving a plurality of plug-in pins. The plurality of plug-in pins contact the plurality of electrodes when the substrates are mated with one another. The sensor cavity is at an end of one of the substrates such that the sensor partially extends from the substrate. The sensor and the substrates are preferably made of silicon carbide.

Abstract: A velocity measurement probe comprises a straight body, four bent prongs projecting from the body and two cross-wires secured by the prongs. The prong tips are at right angles to the opposite ends of the prongs, which project at first in the body's axial direction. The probe in its entirety lies in a first geometric plane. The two cross-wires, retained at the tips of the prongs, lie in a second geometric plane which is orthogonal to the first geometric plane and which is parallel to the body's geometric axis. The probe is typically adaptable to connection with an anenometer, and is especially suitable for measuring the velocities of fluids at remote locations of an aperature, such as at an apertural edge which is directionally downstream of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A test device for measuring chemical emissions to the atmosphere from a leaking component that includes a housing containing an air mover for drawing ambient air directly into the housing. The air mover is capable of operating at a high flow rate and a low flow rate depending upon a switch state or valve position. A detector for detecting the presence of a chemical emission is positioned within the housing as well as a calculator for measuring the concentration of the chemical emission. Air is drawn directly into a housing at a low flow rate in a survey mode and once a leak is detected air is drawn directly into the housing at a high flow rate in a quantification mode. During the quantification mode the calculator determines a leak rate from the leaking component or alternatively indicates that the calculated leak rate is unreliable.

Abstract: Fluid flow can be measured using a multiplicity of sensors in a manner that enables acquisition of detailed information regarding the fluid flow. In particular, the invention can advantageously be used in situations in which the measured fluid flow is anticipated to be turbulent. Even more particularly, the invention can be advantageously be used to obtain measurements of fluid flow in the vicinity of an animate object (e.g., human) which can be used, together with knowledge of the characteristics of the animate object and, if relevant, of one or more objects in the vicinity of the animate object, to determine an intention of, or an effect produced by, the animate object. The invention can be used by people in interacting with a large variety of devices to effect control of those devices.

Abstract: A test device for measuring chemical emissions to the atmosphere from a leaking component that includes a housing containing an air mover for drawing ambient air directly into the housing. The air mover is capable of operating at a high flow rate and a low flow rate. A detector for detecting the presence of a chemical emission is positioned within the housing as well as a calculator for measuring the concentration of the chemical emission. Air is drawn directly into a housing at a low flow rate in a survey mode and once a leak is detected air is drawn directly into the housing at a high flow rate in a quantification mode. During the quantification mode the calculator determines a leak rate from the leaking component or alternatively indicates that the calculated leak rate is unreliable.