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 NARRAGANSETT,
R.I., February 10, 2009 (from the University of Rhode Island web site) — Two
high-tech devices that measure wind speeds in different ways are being
installed at the University of Rhode Island's Bay Campus in Narragansett
to demonstrate their capabilities and collect data for research on hurricane
forecasting, assessing the state's wind energy resources, and other uses.
A Triton sonic wind profiler was installed on the Bay Campus dock in early January by Second Wind Inc., which designs and manufactures technologies that collect wind measurement data. The $60,000 device, on loan to the University through February, emits acoustic pulses vertically into the atmosphere every 2 seconds to capture wind speeds at varying heights from 20 to 200 meters above ground.
"The acoustic pulse bounces off turbulent eddies in the atmosphere caused by temperature variations or variations in moisture levels. The device looks for a change in frequency of the acoustic signal that reflects back and interprets the wind speed and direction," explained John Merrill, a URI atmospheric chemist and professor of oceanography.
The sonic wind profiler is solar powered and transmits its data via satellite in near real-time. The company loaned the device to the University to demonstrate its capabilities to URI scientists and to learn more about how it responds to the sound of waves and other environmental noises at coastal locations.
Click the University of Rhode Island website - press page for the full story and more photos.
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