Sensitivity Analysis in Wind Speed Measurement Using Ultrasonic Transducers

Wind speed measurement is a quantity used in wind energy systems, aerodynamic testing, flow measurement in industrial plants and so on. Ultrasonic anemometers are used in these applications when high accuracy and faster response times are required. The principle of wind speed measurement using ultrasonic transducers is based on the measurement of the ultrasonic time of flight (ToF). However, the ambient temperature influences the variations of the speed of sound, which in turn modifies the ToF estimation. In this scenario, this work aims to perform the analysis of the sensitivity of the wind speed and the ultrasonic time of flight (ToF) considering variations of the temperature in the measurement environment. A wind speed measurement configuration was used with an ultrasonic transceiver pair, obtaining sensitivities simulation results for speeds up to 20 m/s and temperatures up to 200 °C.