A wind vane or anemometer, as it’s also called, measures the speed of air currents. It consists of two parts: A base and a blade that rotates in response to changes in wind direction. The edges are usually made from metal or plastic and can be attached directly to your roof using screws or suction cups.
They’re designed so they’ll rotate with the wind regardless of whether you have any power at all. You don’t need electricity for them to operate; just make sure there’s enough airflow over the surface area of the blades.
Types Of Wind Vanes Available
There are four basic types of wind vanes available today:
- Fixed Blade Wind Vanes
- Rotary Blade Wind Vanes
- Turbine Wind Vanes
- Hybrid Wind Vanes
1. Fixed Blade Wind Vanes
These are typically used to monitor wind speeds around large airports, stadiums, shopping malls, office parks, etc. In addition to measuring wind speed, fixed blade wind vanes often display wind direction.
2. Rotary Blade Wind Vanes
These are similar to fixed blade wind vanes, except instead of having a single stationary blade, they have multiple blades mounted on a central hub. When the wind turns the rotor, each blade spins independently.
Because of this design, rotary blade wind vanes tend to give accurate wind speed and direction readings. However, they aren’t suitable for monitoring smaller areas since they take up too much space.
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3. Turbine Wind Vanes
The turbine-style wind vane consists of an electrical generator and a propeller/rotor assembly attached to it. As long as the sun shines, the turbine generates energy through photovoltaic cells. Once the battery runs out of juice, the wind vane shuts itself off. It also includes a built-in sensor that measures wind speed and direction.
4. Hybrid Wind Vanes
There are three hybrid type wind vanes currently being manufactured. They consist of either a turbine with a solar panel or a combination of a turbine and a fan motor. All three hybrids offer advantages over traditional turbines.
First, they don’t need any external power source, so they’re perfect for remote locations without access to electricity. Second, they generate less noise than conventional fans. Third, they produce fewer vibrations than standard turbines.
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Why Use a Wind Vane?
There are several reasons people choose to install one of these devices on their home or business property. One reason is that they like knowing exactly where the prevailing winds are coming from. This helps homeowners know if they should expect rain or snow during certain times of the year.
Another good reason to get a wind vane installed is to help protect against damage caused by high winds. If you live near tall buildings or other structures that could potentially fall due to strong gusts of wind, then installing a wind vane may save lives. Finally, wind vanes can provide valuable data about local weather patterns. Knowing this information can help you plan outdoor activities more effectively, such as gardening, landscaping, fishing, boating, etc.
What Is A Good Size Wind Vane?
The size of your wind vane depends mainly upon its intended purpose. Smaller wind vanes are ideal for residential applications, whereas larger units are better suited for commercial properties.
Generally speaking, the bigger the unit, the higher quality components it has inside. You’ll find that most manufacturers make at least 2 different sized wind vanes, one explicitly designed for indoor use and another created for outdoor installations.
Wind Speed And Direction Indicators
Most wind vanes sold today feature a digital readout showing wind speed and direction. Most of these displays offer the current reading along with previous values recorded throughout the day.
Many models allow users to set custom time intervals for recording measurements. Other features found on modern wind vanes include adjustable settings for sensitivity, accuracy, and resolution.
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Other Features To Consider
When choosing a wind vane, you should consider other factors besides just price. For example, some people prefer their wind vanes to be more aesthetically pleasing, while others want them durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Some even like their wind vanes to look unique! If you can afford it, there’s no reason not to buy something extra special.
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