What Is an Anemometer Used For?

An anemometer is an instrument used to measure wind speed. Its operation is based on the detection and quantification of air movement, allowing us to obtain accurate information on the intensity of the wind at a given location.

This device is essential in areas such as meteorology, aviation and the energy industry. It is very useful for many industries, allowing us to predict weather patterns, plan flight paths or determine the best location for installing wind turbines. In addition, the anemometer is useful in outdoor activities where knowing the wind speed is essential for safety, such as sailing or paragliding.

Wind speed is a critical variable in understanding weather patterns, especially in determining the formation of storms, cold fronts, hurricanes and other adverse weather events. Accurately measuring wind speed allows meteorologists to better model and forecast future weather conditions. Wind influences the movement of air masses, clouds, and low- and high-pressure systems. Knowing wind speed is key to predicting changes in the climate.

Discover another vital meteorological instrument with our article asking what is an altimeter and how does it work?

The anemometer has several key applications, since its main function is to measure wind speed. While predicting weather is a major use, it is not the only reason we use anemometers. We look at the different fields in which anemometers are particularly important:

• Meteorology: in the study and forecasting of weather, the anemometer is essential for obtaining data on wind speed and direction. This data helps predict storms, hurricanes and other weather phenomena. Along with other variables such as atmospheric pressure and temperature, wind speed measurement is critical for creating accurate forecasts.
• Aviation: at airports and weather stations, an anemometer is used to measure the wind in real time. Wind measurements are absolutely necessary for pilots to adjust their takeoff and landing maneuvers according to wind conditions. Flight safety depends greatly on this type of information.
• Energy industry: in the renewable energy sector, the anemometer is used to measure wind speed and determine the best places to install wind turbines. Correct measurement ensures efficient energy generation by optimizing the rotation of the turbine blades which produce the electrical energy. Discover the pros and cons of wind energy in our related guide.
• Navigation: whether at sea or on land, the anemometer is a basic tool for navigators. Knowing the wind speed allows them to make safe decisions about the route to follow. This is especially important for sailors on yachts and similar sailing vessels which harness wind energy in their sails for conveyance.
• Outdoor sports: activities such as paragliding, windsurfing or kitesurfing require precise knowledge of wind speed. This not only optimizes the performance of those practicing these sports, but also ensures the safety of participants.

Wind speed measurement by anemometer is not the only way we can predict weather. Learn about another important device with our article asking what does a hygrometer measure?

How anemometers work depends on their type. While they all share the same objective of measuring wind speed, they do so thanks to different mechanisms and technologies. We look at the different types of anemometers and how each works individually:

• Cup anemometer: one of the most widely used types of anemometer. It consists of three or four cups mounted on the ends of horizontal arms that rotate around a vertical axis. When the wind blows, the cups move. The faster the cups rotate, the greater the wind speed. A sensor or counter measures the number of revolutions the cups make in a given period of time, with this information being converted into a speed reading.
• Propeller anemometer: this type of anemometer resembles a small fan or propeller. The propeller is mounted on a horizontal shaft. When wind passes through it, it spins. The number of rotations per minute is translated into the wind speed. This type of anemometer is most accurate for measuring winds blowing in a specific direction and is commonly used in advanced weather stations.
• Hot-wire anemometer: consists of a small, electrically heated wire often made of a material such as platinum or tungsten. When wind passes over the wire, it cools it which causes a variation in its temperature and, consequently, its electrical resistance. By measuring this variation in resistance, the wind speed can be calculated. This type of anemometer is especially useful for measuring very low wind speeds and is common in scientific or industrial research.
• Pressure anemometer: wind is measured as a function of the pressure it exerts on a pitot tube or other measuring device. Wind passes through an opening whereby the pressure generated by the airflow is compared to the ambient pressure. The pressure difference is used to calculate wind speed. This type of anemometer is often used in high-precision applications, such as aviation.
• Ultrasonic Anemometer: these types of anemometer use sound waves to measure wind speed. They employ several transducers that emit and receive sound waves. Wind affects the speed and direction of the sound waves. These changes are analyzed to determine wind speed and direction. They are highly accurate and have no moving parts, making them less prone to wear and tear. They are most commonly used in advanced scientific and meteorological applications.

In any of these anemometers, the basic principle is that the wind interacts with some type of sensor or mechanism (cups, propeller, hot wire or sound waves). It is this interaction which produces data that allows the wind speed to be determined after various calculations have been made.

Learn more about the importance of measuring wind speed with our article explaining what is wind shear and its effects?

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