What Does an Anemometer Measure?

Those who study the weather have numerous tools at their disposal. Satellites, for example, can provide weather people with visual representations of a storm. Another instrument that is used is the anemometer.

Definition

An anemometer is a simple device used to measure wind speed. Being able to measure wind speed is useful because it allows for the prediction of when storms will reach a certain area, what equipment might be necessary for the outdoors and how much preparation an individual might need to take to be safe within their home during inclement weather.

Types

There are several types of anemometers an individual can use. The most common is the cup anemometer. This type of anemometer has several cup-shaped attachments that rotate around a main beam or pole. The cups catch the wind and are propelled around the beam based on the strength of the wind. Other types of anemometers include windmill anemometers, thermoelectric anemometers, and the more high-tech ultrasonic and Doppler radar anemometers. Ultrasonic anemometers can calculate wind direction as well as speed.

How They Work

Each type of anemometer works slightly differently. Cup anemometers find the velocity of the wind through multiplying the number of rotations by the circumference created by the cups as they rotate. The propellers of windmill anemometers find wind velocity by rotating an internal mechanism that calculates the speed. Thermoelectric anemometers find wind velocity by measuring the resistance of the wire in the anemometer. Laser Doppler anemometers measure wind speed by figuring out how much light is reflected off particles. Ultrasonic anemometers send sound waves between a pair of transducers and calculate wind speed based on the effects on the sound waves.

Where They're Used

Anemometers are used most frequently in weather stations. But some types of anemometers, such as the cup anemometers, are simple enough in design that they can be used by anyone. Other types of anemometers, such as ultrasonic anemometers, are used on ships and airplanes because they can measure wind direction as well as speed.

Anemometer Loans

The use of wind energy has gained political and media attention because there has been an emphasis on finding "green," or eco-friendly, fuel sources. Some states are funding anemometer loan programs. The loan programs are designed to fund the manufacture and use of anemometers in various regions so predictions can be made about whether enough wind energy is present to invest in wind turbines that can provide electricity.