The WindSonic ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensor from Gill Instruments Ltd has been integrated into a low-cost air quality monitoring system currently deployed around London’s Heathrow Airport.The new project, led by the University of Cambridge with a range of partners including the Universities of Hertfordshire and Manchester, Imperial College, NPL and CERC and funded by NERC, has involved the development and deployment of a large-scale sensor network to understand and develop sophisticated computer models for air quality in the vicinity of the airport and accomplish the complex task of modelling air pollution within busy urban areas.Each of the 50 sensor nodes within the system monitors a range of air quality metrics using field based sensors. The project aims to create advanced large scale sensor networks incorporating the same technical capabilities as larger traditional systems, achieving a greater level of precision in modelling air quality.The Gill WindSonic provides critical real-time information regarding wind speed and direction, and is mounted to the top of each node. Other components measure temperature, humidity, levels of gases such as NO, NO2, CO, CO2, SO2, O3, VOCs and particle sizes of emissions. Built-in GPS positioning and GPRS communication electronics facilitate real-time data transfer.A critical requirement for the wind sensor was the ability to provide accurate wind direction measurement to identify source attribution, pinpointing the pollution hotspots around the airport. The sensor also needed to be strong enough to withstand the rapidly changing environmental conditions experienced year-round at the airport.WindSonic is well suited to the changing environmental extremes experienced at the airport. With no moving parts and a corrosion-free polycarbonate construction, the sensors provide reliable operation in harsh and changeable operating conditions without the requirement for frequent on-site maintenance.The sensor will monitor wind speeds up to 60m/s (134mph) and is suitable for operation in temperatures from -35ºC to +70ºC. Importantly, WindSonic is lightweight enough to be mounted to existing structures around the airport and is a viable alternative to typically less-reliable mechanical cup and vane or propeller based systems.“The WindSonic was chosen due to its robustness, low maintenance with no moving parts and its proven high quality performance” explained Professor Rod Jones of The University of Cambridge, who leads the project. “In addition, Gill Instruments are highly regarded with a reputation for manufacturing high quality, robust wind measurement devices.”The installation of the sensor nodes at Heathrow airport is underway, with initial sensor data measurements now being transmitted. The entire system is planned to be fully operational by the end of 2012.The Heathrow project represents a new paradigm for making environmental science observations, as the high density of sensors enables a level of precision in air quality modelling that has not previously been possible. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this project will have impact not only in terms of atmospheric science and the way the environment is measured but also more broadly potential legislative implications for maintaining urban air quality standards and its impact on health related issues.
Gill Instruments Launch Next-Generation Heated Ultrasonic Wind Sensors for Extreme Operating Environments
Gill WindObserver70 and WindObserver75 ultrasonic wind sensors are designed to operate in extreme environments, featuring optional high-power anti-icing heating systems, full stainless-steel constructions and a wide range of mounting and connection options.Gill Instruments Ltd, a world leader in ultrasonic anemometers, wind sensors and compact weather stations, has extended the capabilities of the established WindObserver range of ultrasonic wind sensors with the launch of the WindObserver70 and WindObserver75.The new wind sensors replace the hugely successful Extreme Weather WindObserver and Aviation Standard WindObserver, which are used worldwide for wind monitoring in extreme conditions.WindObserver70 and WindObserver75 are both available with an optional high-power anti-icing heating system which allows operation in temperatures down to -55ºC (-67ºF).WindObserver70 is capable of monitoring wind speeds up to 70m/s (157mph / 136kts) and is recommended for use in aviation, wind turbine and ship DP applications.The sensor has been accepted for service by both the FAA Federal Aviation Administration (USA) and the CAA Civil Aviation Authority (UK) for the observation and reporting of surface wind as part of an Automatic Weather Observing System (AWOS).WindObserver75 is capable of monitoring higher wind speeds up to 75m/s (168mph / 146kts) and is recommended for applications subject to extreme operating conditions, including high altitude mountainous regions and Arctic and Antarctic weather monitoring.WindObserver70 and WindObserver75 both feature full stainless-steel main body constructions and are environmentally protected to IP66. Gill offers a wide range of pipe and thread-mount options, together with either integral connector or cable gland connection.The products sit alongside the WindObserverII (65m/s max wind speed) and WindObserverIS (75m/s max wind speed, Intrinsically Safe approved) wind sensors. The launch of WindObserver70 and WindObserver75 follows the recent introduction of WindSonic M, a hard-anodized aluminium ultrasonic wind sensor with optional anti-icing heating system.WindObserver70 and WindObserver75 are now available and WindObserver75 will be demonstrated at HUSUM WindEnergy – the leading wind energy trade fair trade fair, in Husum, Germany on 18-22 September 2012.
Aviation Standard WindObserver 2-Axis Ultrasonic Anemometer Launched
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Gill Aviation Standard WindObserver, a 2-axis heated ultrasonic anemometer designed specifically for airport installations.
Aviation Standard WindObserver has been accepted for service by both the FAA Federal Aviation Administration (USA) and the CAA Civil Aviation Authority (UK) for the observation and reporting of surface wind.
In addition, this anemometer meets the requirements of Annex 3 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO) when supplied as part of a suitable Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS).
Capable of monitoring wind speeds up to 70m/s and with high heating power extending the lower operating temperature to -55ºC, this anemometer is well suited to operation in the harsh operating conditions commonly experienced by automatic weather observing systems.
For more information including images, specifications and literature please visit the Aviation Standard WindObserver product page, or contact our sales team for technical advice.