5 Types of Anemometer that Every Weather Nerd Must Know about

An anemometer is used for measuring the wind velocity.
There are different types of anemometers; some are very common, while others are rare.

In this article, we are gonna introduce you to some of the finest and most widely used anemometers available on the market.

So, shall we get started? Let’s presume that your answer is yes.

Types Of Anemometers

1. Cup Anemometers

Cup anemometers are certainly the most common type of anemometers. I’m sure you have also seen one at some point in your life.

There are mainly two reasons behind their popularity: Simplicity and durability. It mostly consists of four cups, which are mounted on 4 horizontal arms, which themselves are mounted on a vertical pole.

When the wind hits the anemometers the cups begin to rotate. The faster the cups move the faster is the wind speed.

There is a read switch sensor which is used to measure the rotations of cups, which subsequently gets converted into the velocity.

The cups are sturdy and stable. Thus, it should have no problems with taking measurements in bad weather.

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Advantage

You won’t have to point it towards the direction of the wind to make it work.

The cups are well-built and capable of enduring rough weather

Disadvantages

Vulnerable to icing effect.

Its starting velocity is often pretty high

2. Hot Wire Anemometers

The mechanism of hot wire anemometers is completely unique.
It uses an extremely fine wire, which is electrically heated up to a temperature which is higher than the ambient.

The wire then loses temperature and gets cooled as the air flows past it.
Then the current required to maintain the preferred temperature is measured. Finally, the velocity of the wind is then determined by the loss of heat.

Hot wire anemometer has a quick response and delivers precise readings of the wind velocity.
It will also last longer as there are no rotating parts involved.

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Advantages

Lasts longer than other anemometers

Hot wire anemometers consist low starting threshold

Provides error-free reading

Disadvantages

Ineffective in areas where the temperature fluctuates quickly

It can get damaged by the dirt

3. Sonic Anemometers

Sonic anemometer employs the ultrasonic sound waves to calculate the wind velocity.
The mechanism of the sonic anemometer is rather advanced compared to the other anemometers.

It uses the time of flight taken by sonic pulses between several transducers to reckon the speed of the wind.

Moreover, this device is weather resistant and suitable for working in severe weather condition. As the device is internally heated, icing can have no effect on it.
Although the device comes with numerous advantages, there’s a catch:

It’s damn expensive. Due to being more expensive than others, it’s pretty rare.

Advantages

Not affected by icing

Weather resistant and suitable for extreme weathers

Disadvantages

Very expensive

Birds may sit on the probes resulting in false wind gusts.

4. Windmill Anemometers

Its mechanism is pretty similar to the cup anemometer. There’s anobvious difference between them:

The windmill anemometers look like a windmill. For this reason, the anemometer has to be parallel to the direction of the wind in order to make the device rotate. However, it will rotate only on the horizontal axis.

Most of the windmill anemometers are made ruggedly; hence it lasts longer than most of the anemometers.

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Advantage

Capable of handling high wind speeds

Lasts longer

Made for the heavy-duty purpose

Disadvantages

You will need to point the unit towards the direction of the wind to get accurate readings

The rotating parts of the unit may deteriorate over time

If the vanes of your anemometer are small, then it can sometimes cause high starting speed.

5. Pitot Tube Anemometers

Image Source: DirectIndustry

The pitot tube anemometers use a unique process for measuring the wind velocity.
First, it measures the pressure of the wind. Then it converts the pressure of the wind into the velocity of the wind.

The anemometer comes with two different types of tubes; static tube and pitot tube.
The incoming air pressure will be measured by the pitot tube, whereas the static tube is responsible for measuring the static pressure in the flow of the wind.

Afterward, the velocity of wind will be determined from these values by using the Bernoulli’s equation.

High wind speed isn’t a problem for pitot tube as it handles it quite efficiently.
In addition, pitot tube anemometers offer a quick response.

Advantages

Suitable for high wind speeds

Provides a quick response

As it includes no rotating parts, it doesn't deteriorate easily

Disadvantages

Ill-suited for low wind velocity areas

Inappropriate for fluctuating wind speeds

Conclusion

If you are curious to know how does pressure affect weather, an anemometer will help you out for the same. If you’re going to buy one, make sure that it’s suitable for your area. Cheerio!