What is a Vane Anemometer?

It’s a device with a tricky name, but if you’re interested in weather watching, you need to know about Vane Anemometers and their indoor and outdoor applications.

What is a Vane Anemometer?

A Vane Anemometer is a type of wind meter that measures wind velocity and volumetric flow. Generally, they are small handheld devices comprising a turbine and a digital screen. The ‘turbine’ (often referred to as a propeller, impeller or fan) can either be built into the device or supplied as a separate sensor plugin.

You measure wind velocity by first facing your Vane Anemometer towards the source of the wind. Wind speed is usually calculated on a vane anemometer by a rev counter on the wind turbine unit. If the cross-sectional area is known, you can use this to calculate volumetric flow.

Working Principle of a Vane Anemometer

Vane Anemometers work on the principle that a freely spinning turbine will rotate at a speed that is directly proportional to the wind speed. With a quick calibration, a device can then display a wind speed measurement.

What are some uses for a Vane Anemometer?

Vane anemometers can be used both indoors and outdoors and work best when the wind direction remains consistent. Common applications include:

• HVAC Monitoring
• Measuring hoods and airflow equipment
• Water treatment plants
• Exhaust monitoring
• Education

Examples of Vane Anemometers

We asked our scientists to review some representative examples of Vane Anemometers. Here are the devices they chose.

Meteos Anemo-Thermometer With 54 Mm Propeller

Product Code: IC-AME-04

The IC-AME-04 is an all-in-one anemometer-thermometer that measures and displays the current wind speed, max and average wind speed, the temperature, maximum and average temperature, and wind chill.

Application(s):TheIC-AME-04 is ideal for indoor use in HVAC and airflow equipment monitoring. Due to its ability to float, we recommend the device for outdoor applications such as water treatment plants and education.

Outstanding Features: Multi-directional impeller, backlit LCD screen, floats on water, and supplied with a bottom plate for mounting the device onto a tripod.

Wind Measurement Units: km/h, mph, m/s, fps, knots and Beaufort

Wind Measurement Range:2 to 150 km/h

Accuracy: ±3%

Vane Anemometer With Temperature & Humidity Measurement

Product Code: 0560-4102

The 0560-4102 reliably measures airflow velocity, temperature and humidity.The device features a robust 40 mm vane making it well suited for fast spot checks at air vents. Other useful features include a timed mean value calculation, minimum and maximum values and a hold function.

Application(s): HVAC systems, monitoring airflow equipment and exhaust monitoring

Outstanding Features: Timed mean value calculation, windchill calculation, calibration protocol, and comes with an included wrist strap and belt holder.

Wind Measurement Units: m/s, km/h, fpm, mph, kts, Beaufort

Wind Measurement Range: 1.44 to 72 km/hr

Accuracy: ±(0.2 m/s + 2% of mv) 

Thermo-anemometer with 100mm vane probe

Product Code: LV110S

The LV110S is by far the most popular Vane Anemometer for HVAC systems! It features a 100mm wired probe, calculates airflow, automatically averages wind speed, and detects flow direction.

Application: This anemometer is perfect for HVAC monitoring of exhaust flow, exhaust hoods, and airflow equipment.

Outstanding Features: Conforms to EMC 2004/108/CE and EN 61010-1, is supplied with a 100mm vane probe, and the coiled sensor cable makes for ease of use.

Wind Measurement Units: m/s, fpm, km/h

Wind Measurement Range: 1.08 to 126 km/h

Accuracy: From 0.3 to 3 m/s : ±3% of reading (±0.1 m/s) From 3.1 to 35 m/s : ±1% of reading (±0.3 m/s)

Conclusion

A Vane Anemometer is a type of wind meter that is used to measure wind velocity and can be used to calculate volumetric flow. These small, easy to use devices are most commonly used in HVAC monitoring, monitoring airflow equipment, and exhaust monitoring.

Do you have more questions about Vane Anemometers or any questions about any of the products reviewed above? Contact one of the Instrument Choice Scientists. We’re here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].