Developing a Low-Cost Sensor for Comparative Analysis of High Frequency Wind Speed Fluctuations

Abstract

An anemometer is an instrument used to measure the speed of the wind. There are multiple types of anemometers including cup, wind-vane, hot-wire, sonic, and pitot tube anemometers. This project uses a differential pitot pressure sensor, meaning it has both a pitot tube sensor and a static pressure sensor. The goal of this project is to design, build, and test a functioning instrument for under $100 that accurately measure atmospheric wind speed fluctuations at a high temporal resolution. This project will advance knowledge of using low-cost single-board computers in conjunction with sensors to obtain accurate environmental measurements. The hypothesis is that a Raspberry Pi computer with a pitot pressure wind sensor will be capable of measuring wind velocity to a similar accuracy as a Kestrel 5500 weather meter. In addition, it can improve on the Kestrel 5500 by providing higher frequency measurements. The observations of wind velocity by the pitot pressure sensor are found by calibrating measured voltage, which is a function of the pressure difference between the pitot and static pressures, to a known wind velocity. Both preliminary calibration tests and the final runs yield promising indications that the desired goals for accuracy and high-frequency response were achieved.