Anemometer - Measurement of Wind Speed

Anemometer – Measurement of Wind Speed, Types, Uses & FAQs

Anemometer is a scientific instrument used for measuring the speed of wind and is essential in weather forecasting, meteorology, aviation, and renewable energy. This page covers what an anemometer is, how it works, different types, practical uses, and answers the most searched questions with extra MCQs for your practice.

What Is an Anemometer?

An anemometer is an instrument used to measure the speed and sometimes the direction of wind or any gas current. The name is derived from the Greek word anemos (meaning "wind"). The first mechanical anemometer was described by Leon Battista Alberti in 1450. Modern versions use various technologies including cups, propellers, wires, lasers, and even sound waves to calculate wind velocity and pressure.

How To Make a Simple DIY Anemometer (Cup Anemometer)

Punch holes in four small paper cups near their rim, and one hole in the center cup.
Cross two thin wooden dowels through the center cup to form an X.
Attach the four cups at the ends of the dowels, facing all the same direction.
Insert a vertical dowel under the center cup and stand it in an empty plastic bottle.
When wind blows, the cups spin. Count the revolutions in a set time to estimate wind speed (revolutions per minute, RPM).

Note: DIY anemometers are great for science projects but not for professional wind speed measurement.

Types of Anemometers

Cup Anemometer: Four hemispherical cups on horizontal arms spin with wind; rotation speed is proportional to wind speed. Used in meteorological stations and research.
Hotwire Anemometer: A thin electrically heated wire cools as wind passes over it. The rate of cooling (change in resistance) is used to measure wind speed. Used in HVAC and lab measurements.
Windmill/Propeller Anemometer: Looks like a small windmill or propeller. Spins parallel to wind direction. Often has a tail (aerovane) for direction. Used in environmental monitoring and wind turbines.
Laser Doppler Anemometer: Uses laser beams and the Doppler effect to measure wind velocity. High-precision, used in jet engines, river flow, and advanced research.
Sonic/Sonic Anemometer: Uses ultrasonic sound waves between transducers. Measures time for sound to travel between sensors to calculate wind speed and direction. Used in wind farms, aviation, and weather stations.

Uses of Anemometer

Measuring wind speed and pressure for weather forecasting.
Monitoring wind conditions for pilots, skydivers, drone and RC plane users.
Evaluating site suitability and performance for wind energy turbines.
Used by long-range shooters and sailors to estimate wind drift.
Monitoring airspeed and air flow in HVAC systems, buildings, and factories.
Environmental and climate research, river hydrology, and aerodynamics studies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anemometers

What is an anemometer used for?
An anemometer is used to measure wind speed and sometimes wind direction. It is commonly used in meteorology, environmental studies, aviation, wind energy, and building ventilation.
How does a cup anemometer work?
The wind pushes the cups causing the device to rotate. The rotation speed is proportional to the wind speed; more spins mean faster wind.
What is the principle behind a hotwire anemometer?
It uses the rate of cooling of a heated wire (change in resistance) to measure wind speed. The faster the air moves, the quicker the wire cools.
Who invented the anemometer?
The first mechanical anemometer was described by Leon Battista Alberti in 1450.
Which type of anemometer is best for high precision?
Laser Doppler and sonic anemometers offer the highest accuracy, especially for research and industrial applications.
How does a sonic anemometer measure wind speed?
It calculates the time taken by ultrasonic sound pulses to travel between transducers, which changes with wind speed.
What units are used to measure wind speed?
Wind speed is usually measured in meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph), or knots (nautical miles per hour).
Can an anemometer measure wind direction?
Some advanced types, such as windmill and sonic anemometers with vanes, measure both wind speed and direction.
What is a Robinson anemometer?
The Robinson anemometer is the classic cup anemometer, invented by John Thomas Romney Robinson in 1846, with four cups arranged on arms.
Why is wind speed measurement important in wind energy?
Accurate wind speed data is critical for site selection, turbine placement, and predicting the performance and output of wind power plants.
What is a handheld anemometer?
A portable device, often digital, used by hobbyists, pilots, HVAC engineers, and athletes to measure wind speed instantly on site.
How often is wind speed measured in meteorological stations?
Typically, wind speed is measured and recorded every minute, but average wind speeds are usually reported hourly.
Can anemometers measure air flow in ducts?
Yes, especially hotwire and vane-type anemometers are used to measure airflow rates in HVAC ductwork.
What is the difference between an anemometer and a wind vane?
An anemometer measures wind speed, while a wind vane (weathercock) measures the direction from which the wind blows.
Is there an app to measure wind speed without an anemometer?
Yes, some smartphone apps estimate wind speed based on location and local weather station data, but they do not directly measure wind speed.
What is the basic formula for calculating wind speed with a cup anemometer?
Wind speed = (Number of revolutions × Circumference of rotation × Time conversion factor)
Are anemometers used in marine or sailing activities?
Yes, sailors and boaters use anemometers to monitor wind for safe navigation and performance optimization.
What is the range of wind speeds an anemometer can measure?
Modern anemometers can measure from a gentle breeze (~0.5 m/s) to hurricane-force winds (over 60 m/s).
What does a digital anemometer display?
It typically shows wind speed, sometimes direction, and may log averages, peaks, and environmental data.
How do you calibrate an anemometer?
Calibration is done by comparing its readings with a standard reference or in a wind tunnel under known wind conditions.

Practice MCQs: Anemometer

What does an anemometer primarily measure?
a) Rainfall
b) Temperature
c) Wind speed
d) Humidity
Who is credited with inventing the first mechanical anemometer?
a) Isaac Newton
b) Leon Battista Alberti
c) Albert Einstein
d) Thomas Edison
Which type of anemometer uses sound waves to measure wind speed?
a) Cup anemometer
b) Hotwire anemometer
c) Sonic anemometer
d) Propeller anemometer
In which field is a laser Doppler anemometer most likely used?
a) Household weather forecasting
b) Jet engine research
c) Cooking
d) Road traffic monitoring
What is the main advantage of a cup anemometer?
a) Measures humidity
b) Simple and reliable
c) Requires no calibration
d) Operates underwater
Wind speed is commonly measured in:
a) Pascal
b) Volts
c) Kilometers per hour (km/h)
d) Candela
Which of these is NOT a type of anemometer?
a) Barometer
b) Hotwire anemometer
c) Cup anemometer
d) Sonic anemometer
What would you use to measure wind direction?
a) Anemometer
b) Barometer
c) Wind vane
d) Hygrometer