Hurricane research team uses FT wind sensors on mobile met masts to document wind flow characteristics in Texas, USA.
FT742-SM used on a StickNet
Background
The Hurricane Research Team at this academic institute were looking for a small, lightweight wind sensor which could be easily mounted on a tripod, and then quickly deployed in advance of a severe thunderstorm or hurricane. The sensor had to be lightweight, yet tough enough to withstand driving rain, large hail and high wind speeds. Not to mention being chucked in the back of a pick-up truck and driven at high speed to the location of the hurricane.
Previously, the team had been using a propeller type of anemometer. They had found, however, that with lots of moving parts, it was very vulnerable to breakage. Being quite large, it was also easily knocked over.
FT Technologies supplied several of our FT7 Series anemometers, which were pipe-mounted onto the tripods.
Results
The Hurricane Research Team found our FT7 Series wind sensors were ideal for their needs.
Easily mounted on the tripod, the FT7 Series wind sensors were light and rugged enough for the job. Having no moving parts, and being resistant to shock and vibration, the sensor did not get broken – neither on location nor on the move. Also, being small and compact, the sensors were less likely to get hit by flying debris in hurricane conditions. The low power requirements were also appreciated as the sensors did not drain the battery.
