Advanced Sensor Network developed for Heathrow Airport incorporates Gill WindSonic Sensors

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 to exhibit at HUSUM WindEnergy Trade Fair 2012

Gill Instruments will be exhibiting at the HUSUM WindEnergy Trade Fair on 18th-22nd September 2012 in Husum, Germany, the birthplace of wind power.

As the leading trade fair in the global wind turbine industry, HUSUM WindEnergy is a key event for industry professionals. Held once every two years, HUSUM provides a platform for industry organisations to share business developments and achievements over the four day networking event.

Gill Instruments will exhibit on stand 7D-21 showcasing their range of ultrasonic anemometers including the new metal WindSonic M, the WindObserver70 and WindObserver75 and the 3-Axis anemometer range, all designed for the accurate measurement of wind speed and direction in extreme weather conditions. Other products including the MetPak compact weather station will also be displayed.

In addition to the anemometers product display, a portfolio of Non-Contact Position Sensors developed by our sister company, Gill Sensors, will be on show. This includes a video illustrating the use of induction technology both in our standard product range and for custom sensors where our speciality is quick turnaround from design to delivery. We would be pleased to discuss the use of this technology within the Wind Turbine industry.

If you would like to arrange a meeting during the event or find out more about our products and services please contact us.

Gill Instruments’ WindSonic Wind Sensor Increases Bridge Safety in North Florida

The Gill Instruments WindSonic ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensor is being used as part of a new traffic network designed to improve safety on bridges in North Florida.The sensors are being installed on 22 bridges as part of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization’s Intelligent Transportation Systems program.Each wind sensor constantly monitors the wind speeds on the bridge and feeds the data through NOAA satellites to the FDOT. However, planners said the technology will be the most useful during severe weather. This summer, transportation planners are hoping that information will stream right to the laptops of JSO officers and other sheriff’s deputies in the area so that they know exactly when to shut down a bridge because of high winds.“We are starting to incorporate science into the decision and we are also able to share that information ahead of time on a scientific basis,” explained FDOT ITS Engineer Peter Vega, who is working on the project.Because they have access to second by second readings from the sensors, traffic planners will be able to see if the winds are getting worse or dying down, which will allow them to have a plan in place before winds become too dangerous for drivers.“Folks can get cut off very quickly if a bridge does close,” said Jeff Sheffield, Director of the North Florida TPO. “So it’s very important to understand the conditions and know how long we can maintain traffic flow on those bridges during these events.”Gill Instruments supplied the WindSonic sensors through Microcom Design Inc., based in Hunt Valley, MD, USA earlier this year.