Orthogonal and Non-Orthogonal Scientific Ultrasonic Anemometers
Since 1976 we have provided the only true, orthogonal scientific ultrasonic anemometers based on the design of Dr. Jagadish Chandran Kaimal. The Applied Technologies, Inc. Ultrasonic Anemometer incorporates state-of-the-art microprocessor and surface mount technologies. Software that computes the wind speed, wind direction and sonic temperature has been enhanced and optimized to provide a rapid response ultrasonic anemometer/thermometer.
The calibration of the sensor is established by its design parameters, therefore it can be used as an absolute wind instrument.
That is correct, an Absolute Wind Instrument, with an accuracy that is controlled by the operator.
The electronics that operate the Sonic Anemometer are located inside the probe array. Typically, the Sonic Anemometer/Thermometer is DC powered, however other power options are available by either external adapters or by contacting the factory. The Sonic Anemometer/Thermometer is usually connected to a computer running a terminal emulation program or can be connected directly to a dumb terminal. The Applied Technologies, Inc. Ultrasonic Anemometer is a stable, low-powered anemometer, capable of running unattended for extended periods of time.
The system may include a single, double, or triple axis probe array, along with several other novel probe array designs. These designs reduce errors from both flow asymmetry and interference from structural members.
The system detects wind speed components along mutually orthogonal acoustic paths, computes the wind velocity and provides an output directly in engineering units. The probe array designs of the Applied Technologies, Inc. Sonic Anemometer/Thermometer are the only TRUE orthogonal ultrasonic anemometer and provides a true vertical velocity measurement. The "W" component is not inferred or calculated from some other measurement but is a direct measurement that has an alignment accuracy of better than ±0.1°.
The system also provides calculations necessary to compute the sonic temperature, (in the "W" path), corrected for velocity contamination. It provides these data with excellent frequency response and makes it ideal for many aspects of basic atmospheric research, along with any requirement for a very accurate temperature.
These instruments have been established for use in Eddy Covariance work, which includes Momentum Fluxes, Latent Heat Fluxes and Sensible Heat Fluxes. This is an atmospheric measurement technique used to calculate vertical turbulent fluxes within atmospheric boundary layers.
We also manufacture a non-orthogonal probe array that has the same accuracy and resolution as our orthogonal probes. The "W" path is open with no obstructions to cause vertical velocity errors.
Here's a short 2 min. video about our "K" Style Sonic Anemometer
