The Need

In the realm of aerial technology, the demand for accurate, low-cost wind monitors that are both scalable and efficient has never been higher. Traditional methods, such as pitot tubes and cup-and-vane anemometers, are marred by issues like icing vulnerability, high energy consumption, and unsuitability for aerial applications. Moreover, existing thermal and ultrasonic anemometers suffer from power consumption challenges and non-aerodynamic designs. There is a critical need for a solution that offers precise wind speed and direction measurements without compromising energy efficiency, aerodynamics, or accuracy.

The Technology

Introducing our groundbreaking Low-Drag Smart Tether System—a revolutionary advancement in the field of fluid speed and direction measurement. This innovative system comprises a specialized sleeve with an airfoil-shaped cross-section, a pressure sensor, and a Dyneema tether. The sleeve, designed for minimal drag, rotates about the tether's longitudinal axis when exposed to fluid flow. The pressure sensor, utilizing cutting-edge technology like strain-based, capacitive, or piezoelectric sensors, accurately measures the pressure exerted by air, enabling precise wind speed calculations. Additionally, a directional sensor, often a magnetometer compass or an angular encoder, provides cardinal orientation data. This comprehensive system offers unparalleled accuracy and energy efficiency, ensuring reliable measurements in various environmental conditions.

Commercial Applications

• Aerial Vehicles: Ideal for drones, microaerial vehicles, and unmanned aerial systems, providing real-time wind data for safe and efficient flight operations.
• Weather Observatories: Perfect for enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasts by delivering precise wind measurements in real-time.
• Wind Farms: Enables wind farm operators to optimize turbine performance and energy output by offering detailed wind speed and direction data.
• Environmental Monitoring: Essential for research and environmental studies, providing valuable insights into local wind patterns for various applications.
• Maritime Navigation: Facilitates safer maritime navigation by providing ships and vessels with accurate wind speed and direction information.

Benefits/Advantages

• Low Drag Design: The airfoil-shaped sleeve minimizes aerodynamic drag, ensuring accurate measurements without compromising flight stability in aerial applications.
• Energy Efficiency: Utilizes advanced pressure sensors and low-power components, allowing for extended operational hours without frequent battery replacements.
• High Accuracy: Incorporates state-of-the-art sensors and directional measurement devices, guaranteeing precise wind speed and orientation data for critical decision-making processes.
• Scalability: Can be integrated into various platforms, from small drones to large weather observatories, catering to diverse commercial needs.
• Real-time Data Transmission: Equipped with a wireless transmission device, enabling seamless real-time data transfer to monitoring stations or control centers for immediate analysis and response.

Patent Protection

• PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/036848 (PUBLISHED)