RS485 anemometer

Anemometer is an instrument or device used to measure wind speed.  It determines the wind speed by measuring the force or effect of the wind on its sensing components, such as cups, blades or hot wires.

Anemometer working principle

The design and working principle of wind speed sensors vary by type, and several common types include:

Cup-type Anemometer: This sensor usually consists of three or four cups, which are fixed to a horizontal axis. When the wind blows, the airflow creates a rotating motion that causes the cup to rotate around its axis. The rotation speed is proportional to the wind speed, and a mechanical or electronic device inside the sensor converts the rotation into an electrical signal, which in turn calculates the wind speed.

Vane Anemometer: This sensor uses a rotating blade or propeller to measure wind speed. When the wind blows, the wind makes the blades rotate. The speed of rotation is proportional to the wind speed, and a mechanical or electronic device inside the sensor converts the rotation into an electrical signal, thus measuring the wind speed.

Hot wire Anemometer: This sensor uses hot wires (also known as hot wires) to measure wind speed. The hot wire is heated to a specific temperature, and when the wind blows, the wind speed changes the cooling rate of the hot wire.  By measuring the change in resistance or current of the hot wire, the wind speed can be determined.

Ultrasonic Anemometer: Ultrasonic wind speed sensors use ultrasonic technology to measure wind speed. It emits ultrasonic pulses and measures how long the pulses travel in the wind. Wind speed can be determined by calculating the time difference of sound wave propagation under the influence of wind speed.

Anemometer is widely used in meteorological observation, wind energy utilization, aerospace, environmental monitoring and other fields. Different types of sensors have their own advantages and applicability in different application scenarios.

RS485 anemometer:

An RS485 anemometer is a type of anemometer that uses the RS485 communication protocol to transmit data. The RS485 protocol allows for long-distance communication and enables multiple devices to be connected on the same network. Here's how an RS485 anemometer typically works:

 1. Anemometer Sensor: The anemometer sensor measures wind speed and direction using various technologies such as cup, propeller, or sonic anemometry.

 2. Data Conversion: The analog signals from the anemometer sensor are converted into digital data by an internal circuitry within the anemometer.

 3. RS485 Communication: The anemometer is equipped with an RS485 interface, which is a differential serial communication standard. It allows for bidirectional data transmission over long distances with multiple devices connected in a network.

 4. Wiring: The anemometer is connected to other devices, such as a data logger, computer, or control system, using twisted pair cables. One wire carries the differential signal (A) and the other wire carries the inverted differential signal (B). A third wire may be used for a common ground reference (GND).

 5. Data Transmission: The anemometer sends the measured wind speed and direction data as digital signals using the RS485 protocol. This data is transmitted in a synchronous manner, allowing for reliable and accurate communication.

 6. RS485 Network: Multiple RS485 devices can be connected to the same network with one device acting as a master and others as slaves. Each device has a unique address, and the master can request data from specific slaves or send commands to control them.

 7. Data Interpretation: The receiving device, such as a data logger or computer, receives the RS485 data stream and decodes it according to the RS485 protocol. The wind speed and direction information can then be processed and displayed on a user interface, stored for analysis, or used for control purposes.

The main uses of RS485 anemometer include but are not limited to the following:

Meteorological monitoring: meteorological monitoring stations can use RS485 anemometer to monitor wind speed, wind direction and other meteorological parameters for weather forecasting, climate change research and other fields.

Wind power: Wind power plants can use RS485 anemometer to monitor wind speed in order to control the operation of wind turbines and optimize power generation efficiency.

Environmental monitoring: Environmental protection departments can use RS485 anemometer to monitor the diffusion and transport of pollutants, in order to carry out air quality assessment and pollution control.

Agricultural field: Agricultural field can use RS485 anemometer to monitor the wind speed, wind direction and other parameters of the farmland, in order to reasonably arrange the planting and harvesting time of crops.

Sailing ships: Sailing ships can use RS485 anemometer to monitor wind speed, wind direction and other parameters, in order to carry out navigation safety assessment and navigation.

Scientific research: scientific research institutions can use RS485 anemometer to conduct research in the fields of atmospheric science, meteorology, climatology and so on, in order to gain a deeper understanding of climate change and environmental issues.

In short, RS485 anemometer has a wide range of application prospects, and can provide important data support and technical guarantee for meteorological monitoring, environmental protection monitoring, agriculture and other fields.

Weather Station Sensors Catalogue

Weather-Stations-Catalog-NiuBoL-2024.pdf