Anemometer - Measuring Wind Speed

wind turbine

a machine that converts the moving energy of wind into mechanical and/or electrical energy

wind farm

a power plant that uses many wind turbines to generate electricity

wind vane

a tool for measuring wind direction. Positioned high in the air on an unobstructed rod or pole, It spins (rotates) freely on a rod. The arrow-shaped end points in the direction from which the wind comes and the other end catches the breeze. Also called a weather vane.

knot

a unit for measuring wind speed over water.

cup anemometer

a vertical pole with three cups that capture the wind. An instrument used to measure wind speed.

anemometer

an instrument for measuring wind force and velocity

wind energy

energy obtained from the natural movement of wind.

kinetic energy

the energy of motion. For example, a spinning top, a falling object and a rolling ball all have kinetic energy. The motion, if resisted by a force, does "work." Wind and water both have kinetic energy.

rotational rate

the number of anemometer spins per minute

Why would an engineer want to know the wind speed?

Engineers use wind speed to determine the location to place wind turbines, detect weather patterns and determine air flow, such as air flow for mine ventilation.

Where might an engineer locate a small wind turbine used for generating electricity for a single home?

On the roof of the house, on a hill by the house, or on a pole up high near the house.

Why would you want to know the wind direction?

To get a kite started, To set up a badminton or volleyball court to be fair for each side. To find a sheltered spot in your yard for a pet. To maneuver the sail on a sailboat, or safely land a plane.

Why would you want to know the wind speed?

To know how to dress for the weather. To determine if it is a good day to play tennis outside. To decide if it is a good day to have a picnic, read outside, or fly a kite.

Why do engineers need to use anemometers in deciding where to put wind turbines?

Wind generators produced much more electricity at locations of steady, high wind speed.

How does an anemometer measure wind speed?

Wind hitting the cups of the anemometer cause the anemometer to rotate. The rate of the rotation of the anemometer is related to wind speed.

generator

a device that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy

weather station

a facility or location at which meteorological data are gathered, recorded, and released

turbine

a machine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy by causing a series of buckets, paddles, or blades on a rotor to rotate.