* One sensor measures speed and direction
* Optical fiber downlead resists lightning
* Analog, pulse or serial output
Rotorvane F combines the accuracy of Rotorvane with the advantages of optics. The optical fiber downlead resists lightning so Rotorvane F anemometers may confidently be connected to costly or critical equipment. With no electronics outdoors Rotorvane F is more reliable, avoids electronic interference problems and eliminates a potential ignition source in hazardous areas.
The vector sensor measures both wind speed and direction. One sensor is simpler to mount and maintain than separate speed and direction sensors, and avoids adjacent sensor wind shadow errors. Its passive optical encoder needs no electronics or weather seals. Wind direction measurement is full circle. Wind speed is measured as by conventional cup anemometers, so speed measurements correlate well with these instruments without need for pressure, temperature, humidity or precipitation corrections.
Anemometer sensors mounted high above the surroundings are exposed to lightning storms and driving rain. These conditions stress electronics and cause failures. Rotorvane F sensors have no electronics and so are much less vulnerable to atmospheric discharges and water damage.
A wire downlead is a lightning conductor into on-ground equipment. Minor
discharges from the mast tip, nearby cloud-to-cloud discharges and nearby
ground strikes induce current spikes in a wire downlead which can disrupt
software processes and damage equipment.
Rotorvane F's optical fiber downlead may be up to 30 metres long. In
many installations this allows reliable isolation of equipment from both
sensor and mast, greatly reducing risk to equipment during storms.
The Rotorvane F sensor and downlead are unaffected by electromagnetic fields, so can share a mast with high power radio transmitter antennae. They are electronically silent so can be mounted near radio receiver antennae with no adverse effect on reception.
Rotorvane F optics generate lower optical power density than the sun and generally can not be a source of ignition in explosive atmospheres.
The interface
provides 0-10V analog speed and direction, pulse speed and 0-10V
analog direction, or 1200 baud serial output, switch selectable. Analog
and pulse outputs simplify connection to data loggers and PLCs. Serial
output allows direct connection to a computer serial port or a modem.
The interface is enclosed in a rugged die cast aluminium case designed
to meet IP65 and fitted with cable glands.
