ANEMOMETER

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an anemometer for measuring wind speeds comprising: a) a housing and / or frame, b) a shaft rotatably mounted in a bearing of the housing and / or frame, c) wind pickup devices arranged on the shaft, wherein the wind pickup devices cause the shaft to rotate in the wind, d) measuring means for measuring the rotational speed of the shaft, e) output means for outputting the rotational speed thus measured, f) wherein the housing and / or frame has at least one electric light source as a signal light, wherein the light source is supplied with voltage from a voltage source for operation. Anemometers are devices for measuring wind speed. One of the most common anemometers is the so-called cup anemometer. In the cup anemometer, the wind speed is measured by a wind turbine mounted on a shaft with a horizontal plane of rotation and a vertical axis of rotation, consisting of at least two, but usually three or four, hemispherical cups driven by the wind.The hemispherical shells are arranged in a star shape around a wave.

[0002] The shaft is rotatably mounted in a housing or frame. The wind engages the hemispherical cups, thus driving the shaft around its axis of rotation. The wind speed can be determined from the shaft's rotational speed. Due to its simple design, relatively maintenance-free operation, and robust mechanical construction, the cup anemometer is a preferred measuring system. Furthermore, the system operates without wind direction guidance. No complex measuring technology is required, as a signal is generated directly through either optical or electromagnetic pulse generation.

[0003] Cup anemometers are known that feature a mechanically functioning display, the number of revolutions being shown via a clockwork mechanism. The speed of rotation of the cup anemometer is determined solely by the wind strength and can be measured by this display.

[0004] For electromagnetic pulse generation, for example, a voltage generator is coupled to the shaft. The voltage generator produces an electrical voltage proportional to the rotational speed, which can be converted into a wind speed and displayed using analog or digital evaluation and display devices.

[0005] A similar principle is used in the so-called vane anemometer. The wind sets a vane, which rotates around a horizontal axis, in motion. The rotational speed of the vane represents the wind speed. At very low wind speeds, the measurement is somewhat inaccurate due to the need to overcome the initial resistance, which is still present even with relatively low frictional resistance in the vane's bearing. Modern vane anemometers are usually small, portable devices for mobile use; larger, stationary vane anemometers with a weather vane to track it in the wind direction are used at some weather stations. Otherwise, they are used in stationary applications for measuring relatively weak currents in wind tunnels for research purposes.

[0006] Furthermore, ultrasonic anemometers are often used. These anemometers operate on the principle of transit-time measurement or acoustic resonance. Transit-time measurement utilizes the fact that ultrasonic waves are carried along by the medium in which they propagate, so the transit time of signals over a measuring section of fixed length depends on the flow rate through that section. Acoustic resonance involves several vibrating membranes within a cavity, which generate and receive acoustic ultrasonic waves. Repeated reflections between the reflectors create a quasi-standing wave perpendicular to the wind direction and a transverse wave parallel to the wind direction. If air flows along the axis between the reflectors, this affects the propagation speed of the wave and creates a phase shift, which can be used to calculate the wind speed.

[0007] Beacons are known to signal the position of mobile or stationary objects. These beacons are usually electrically powered lighting devices that produce pulsating or continuously shining light signals. These signals are often different colors and regularly have different meanings. They serve, in particular, to determine the position of an object or to draw attention to an object at a specific location. Such beacons are often used on tall buildings, chimneys, antennas, construction equipment, cranes, or power plants such as wind turbines. They signal, for example, to airplanes or helicopters that a tall object is in the vicinity. Beacons are also known in shipping, especially for position finding. In road traffic, beacons are used for heavy goods vehicles. State of the art

[0008] DE 36 05 462 A1 describes a method for ensuring safe operation of self-propelled jib cranes. This method consists of generating stability signals from sensors on the outriggers and axles, and strength signals from sensors on the crane assemblies. Strength sensors can also be mounted in the outriggers and axles. The sensors can also be configured as inclinometers to limit the crane's tilt, as anemometers to limit the wind's effect on the crane, and similar devices.

[0009] From DE 10 2014 000 652 A1, it is known that a wind turbine and a crane are arranged on the same platform. A wind vane combined with an anemometer is disclosed therein. The anemometer serves to determine the wind speed.

[0010] German patent application DE 20 2006 017 695 U1 discloses a device for measuring wind speed. The measurement is preferably carried out during a production interruption of a wind turbine. The wind turbine is connected to a boom with wind measuring devices, which can be rotated depending on the wind direction. Measuring devices of conventional design are used, in particular mechanical anemometers based on the cup anemometer principle with a wind direction sensor, or anemometers with acoustic detection.

[0011] DE 20 2013 012 247 U1 describes a wind direction measuring device. The wind direction measuring devices that can be used include, for example, combined wind direction and speed measuring devices (anemometers).

[0012] Cranes and other machines with booms are sensitive to wind. In strong winds, a boom must be retracted and / or secured. Therefore, an anemometer is mounted at the highest point of these machines to measure wind speed. This warns, for example, a crane operator if the wind is too strong for the machine, so that appropriate measures can be taken. There is often insufficient space for both a beacon and an anemometer.

[0013] CN 211651917 U discloses a device for monitoring wind. The device comprises a wind speed measuring instrument, a support pole, and a base that is permanently attached to a concrete slab. The device can collect real-time wind data, even in remote areas, and features a solar panel and a hydraulic telescopic pole for height adjustment. A warning light illuminates when a certain wind speed threshold is reached, serving as a warning to aircraft.

[0014] CN 107247158 A discloses a visual wind direction indicator. The wind direction indicator comprises a base, a support, a circuit, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fans, a generator, and a compass. The indicator uses the brightness of the LEDs to display wind direction and speed by converting wind energy into electrical energy. The compass ensures that the device is correctly aligned. Different colors of the LEDs indicate the wind direction, and the brightness of the LEDs varies according to wind speed.

[0015] CN 204903567 U describes a wind-cup anemometer with a warning light. It consists of a housing, wind cups, a sensor for measuring wind speed, and an LED circuit board with several LEDs. The LEDs serve as warning lights, which can be controlled by a light-sensitive switch to save power. The anemometer is intended to improve safety by using the warning lights to alert users to potential hazards.

[0016] GB 1012399 A describes a combined wind direction and wind speed indicator device specifically designed for mounting on the masthead of small boats. It includes a wind vane which, depending on its angled position, activates one of eight lamps to indicate wind direction, as well as anemometer cups which display the wind speed on a voltmeter.

[0017] DE 1953510 A1 describes a flow meter used to measure flow velocity in rivers and seas. The flow meter utilizes an impeller mounted on a spindle, the revolutions of which are counted by a magnetic switching device. The impeller is made of non-corrosive plastic, and the bearing is designed to allow free axial and radial movement. This design enables neutral buoyancy and self-adjustment of the device within the flow. Disclosure of the invention

[0018] The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to create an anemometer that can be flexibly mounted on various movable structures and enables precise and reliable measurements of wind speed even under changing tilt and movement conditions.

[0019] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the fact that, in an anemometer for measuring wind speeds of the type mentioned above, g) Fastening means for attachment to a movable object are provided, h) a swiveling device with a horizontal pivot axis is provided about which the anemometer is pivotably mounted, with a pendulum weight serving as a counterweight. Anemometers are typically located at the highest point of an object, such as a tall building or a crane. Both the anemometer and the beacon, which alerts third parties, such as aircraft, to the object, are located there. The invention is based on the principle of combining the two devices. This saves space at the highest point of the object and effectively combines two functions. Furthermore, the wind can flow freely towards the anemometer, and the light from the beacon is not obstructed by the anemometer. The emitted light can thus radiate freely in all desired directions.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the anemometer according to the invention, the anemometer is designed as a cup anemometer, wherein the wind-collecting elements are designed as hemispherical cups. A cup anemometer is mechanically very simple in design, robust, and not very susceptible to malfunctions. This makes it easy to implement the invention in such anemometers.

[0021] As an advantageous alternative to the cup anemometer, the anemometer is designed as a vane anemometer, where the wind collection elements are shaped like wings or turbine blades. In some applications, it may be preferable not to use a cup anemometer. In such cases, the vane anemometer may be the better choice. While the vane of a cup anemometer is exposed to unwanted environmental influences such as hail or snow, a vane anemometer can be better protected against such elements. This can prevent damage to the vane.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment of the anemometer according to the invention is achieved by using an LED as the light source. An LED consumes relatively little energy. Nevertheless, high luminosity with high efficiency and a long lifespan is achieved with this light source.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the anemometer according to the invention, the light source is designed to emit multiple colors. This measure makes it possible to emit different signals with the beacon. For example, on a ship, it is possible to distinguish between port and starboard if such anemometers are mounted on the corresponding sides of the ship.

[0024] Preferably, the anemometer according to the invention is provided with electronic control means that control the illumination duration and color of the light source. This measure makes it possible, on the one hand, to select the color of the light source and, on the other hand, to set the illumination duration. This allows, for example, a signal flashing of a specific color, such as red or green. A bright white flashing light can also be generated in this way.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in the provision of at least two light sources which can be controlled simultaneously or alternately. This measure allows, in particular, the emitted light intensity to be varied easily. If both light sources are illuminated simultaneously, the intensity is increased. Conversely, the intensity and also the energy consumption are reduced if only one of the two light sources is controlled. Furthermore, if both light sources are controlled simultaneously at reduced power, their lifespan can be increased. Even if one of the two light sources fails, the function as a beacon is still adequately ensured. Two or more groups of light sources can also be provided, each of which individually enables a 360° emission of the beacon.

[0026] A particular embodiment of the anemometer according to the invention consists in the fact that the voltage source comprises a battery. This measure serves to operate the light sources autonomously, i.e., at least temporarily, and independently of a mains power supply or a voltage generator.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the anemometer according to the invention, the voltage source includes a solar module for generating voltage. The solar module can generate electrical energy. This energy can either be passed directly to the light source as a load or stored in a battery so that it can be used at a later time. For example, electrical energy can be generated by the solar module during the day and stored in the battery, and this stored energy can then be used by the light source at night.

[0028] According to the invention, fastening means are provided for attachment to an object.

[0029] According to the invention, a pivoting device with a horizontal pivot axis is provided, about which the anemometer is pivotably mounted, with a pendulum weight serving as a counterweight. This measure ensures that the anemometer's wind-collecting elements can always be aligned horizontally. Even if the object to which the anemometer is attached moves, the axis of rotation remains vertical. Furthermore, the vertical radiation pattern of the beacon or obstruction light remains unchanged regardless of the angle of inclination. The pendulum should be designed—particularly with regard to drag and weight—so that the anemometer does not tilt, even in windy conditions.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the anemometer according to the invention, a twilight and / or proximity sensor is provided for activating the light source. This ensures that the light only switches on when it gets dark and / or when another object approaches. This saves energy, which is particularly important for self-sufficient anemometers that obtain their energy, for example, from a battery or solar module.

[0031] Further embodiments and advantages will become apparent from the subject matter of the dependent claims and the drawings with their accompanying descriptions. Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The invention is not intended to be limited solely to these exemplary embodiments. They serve only to further illustrate the invention. The invention is defined by the appended claims. Brief description of the drawing

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a schematic rear view of an embodiment of an anemometer with a beacon according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the anemometer with a beacon according to the invention. Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the anemometer with beacon according to Fig. 1 and 2 in a top view. Fig. 4a shows in a schematic diagram the beacon of the anemometer according to the invention with two spatially alternating groups of lights with lamps in normal operation. Fig. 4b shows according to Fig. 4a Two spatially alternating groups of lights, in which only the first group is illuminated. Fig. 4c shows according to Fig. 4a or 4b two spatially alternating groups of lights in which only the second group of lights is illuminated. Preferred embodiment

[0033] In Fig. 1A schematic rear view of an anemometer 10 is shown in a schematic diagram. The anemometer 10 is designed as a cup anemometer and has a wind intake element 14 configured as a wind turbine 12 and a housing 16. The wind turbine 12 is rigidly mounted on a shaft 20 by means of fasteners 22 in a plane of rotation 17 and a perpendicular axis of rotation 18. In the present embodiment, the wind turbine 12 consists of three hemispherical cups 24, which are connected to the shaft 20 by spokes 26 via a hub 28. The shaft 20 is rotatably mounted in the housing 16. The open sides 30 of the three hemispherical cups 24 point in the same direction on the plane of rotation.

[0034] The housing 16 can be divided into three housing sections 32, 34, and 36. The uppermost section 32 comprises the wind intake means 14. The lowermost section 34 forms a central main body 38, in which electronics 40, accumulators 42, and mechanical elements, in particular sensing means 43 for detecting the rotational speed ω of the shaft 20, are provided. An electric light source 44 is provided in the middle section 36, which receives its voltage from a voltage source 46, such as the accumulator 42 in the housing 16. This light source 44, also called a beacon or signaling device, is switched on and off by the electronics 40 as needed. A twilight sensor 47 switches the light source 44 on as soon as it gets dark, in order to exert its signaling and warning effect for the respective object. The electronics are processor-controlled and also receive their electrical voltage from the voltage source 46.To generate a flashing or other signal which depends on the signal duration, the control electronics 40 can switch the light source 44 accordingly.

[0035] The accumulators 42 can be charged by a solar module 48. The solar module 48 can be attached to a suitable location on an object. The light source 44 consists of LEDs, preferably in different colors. The colors of the light source 44 are controlled by the electronics 40 as needed. An interface 49 serves to transmit signals or data obtained during wind measurement by the anemometer 10, or to control or program the electronics externally.

[0036] A pivoting device 50 is provided on the central main body 38. The pivoting device 50 comprises a cylindrical body 52 at one first end 54 of which the central main body 38 is pivotably mounted (see Fig. 2(u. 3). At the other end 56 of the cylindrical body 38, a mounting flange 58 and the interface 49 are provided. The mounting flange 58 serves as a fastening element 60 to attach the anemometer 10 to an object via the swivel device 50. The fastening elements 60 can, for example, be welded, glued, screwed, riveted, or clamped to the object.

[0037] To prevent the anemometer 10 from swinging sideways around the pivot axis 61 of the pivoting device 50 in the event of wind, a pendulum weight 62 is provided as a counterweight to the anemometer 10. The pendulum weight 62 is rigidly connected to the base 66 of the housing 16 via a rod 64. The pendulum weight 62 keeps the rotation axis 18 of the anemometer 10 largely vertical. This keeps the wind turbine 12 in its horizontal position.

[0038] The Fig. 2shows in a schematic side view the anemometer 10 with the lighthouse 44 according to Fig. 1 Therefore, if the illustrations are identical, the same reference symbols are used.

[0039] The anemometer 10 is accordingly also designed as a cup anemometer. The wind turbine 12 is mounted on the shaft 20 in the plane of rotation 17 and the perpendicular axis of rotation 18. The wind turbine 12 has three hemispherical cups 24, which are connected to the shaft 20 via the hub 28 by means of the spokes 26.

[0040] Housing 16 shows three housing sections 32, 34, and 36. The uppermost housing section 32 contains the wind intake means 14. The lowermost housing section 34 forms a central main body 38. The control electronics 40, the accumulators 42, and the mechanical elements are housed in the main body 38. The control electronics 40, the voltage source 46, and the mechanical elements form, among other things, the sensing means 43 for detecting the rotational speed ω of the shaft 20. The electric light source 44, which receives its voltage from the voltage source 46, is also located in the central housing section 36. The light source 44 is switched by the control electronics 40 in a suitable manner. The twilight sensor 47 assists in the switching process so that the light source 44 is only switched on when it begins to get dark.

[0041] The light source 44 comprises LEDs. Different signals can be generated using different colors of the light source 44. The control electronics 40 appropriately control the light source 44 depending on the application. The signals and data acquired by the anemometer 10 during wind measurement are transmitted via the interface 49. The control electronics 40 can also be controlled or programmed externally via the interface 49.

[0042] The pivoting device 50 is mounted on the central main body 38. The central main body 38 is pivotably mounted on the cylindrical body 52 of the pivoting device 50. The cylindrical body 38 is attached to an object (not shown) by means of the mounting flange 58. The fastening means 60 includes the mounting flange 58, thereby attaching the anemometer 10 to the object.

[0043] The pendulum weight 62 acts as a counterweight, preventing the anemometer 10 from swinging sideways around its pivot axis 61 in the event of wind. For this purpose, the pendulum weight 62 is rigidly and securely screwed to the base 66 of the housing 16 by means of the rod 64. The pendulum weight 62 keeps the rotation axis 18 of the anemometer 10 largely vertical. This keeps the wind turbine 12 in its horizontal position.

[0044] Fig. 3 A schematic diagram shows the anemometer 10 with beacon 44 according to Fig. 1 and 2 in a top view. Therefore, if the illustrations are identical, the same reference symbols are used.

[0045] The wind wheel 12 is mounted on the shaft 20 in the plane of rotation 17 and the perpendicular axis of rotation 18 of the cup anemometer 10. When the wind wheel 12 rotates, the shaft 20 is also set into rotation. The wind wheel 12 has three hemispherical cups 24, which are connected to the shaft 20 via the hub 28 by means of spokes 26, preventing rotation.

[0046] The swivel device 50 is attached to an object by means of the fastening means 60. The central main body 38 of the anemometer 10 is pivotably mounted on the swivel device 50. The fastening means 60, which also include the mounting flange 58, are rigidly and immovably connected to the object. The housing 16 of the anemometer 10 can thus be swivelled accordingly.

[0047] The pendulum weight 62 prevents the anemometer 10 from tipping sideways around its pivot axis 61 in the event of wind. Therefore, the pendulum weight 62 is rigidly and securely screwed to the base 66 of the housing 16 by means of the rod 64. The pendulum weight 62 largely stabilizes the rotation axis 18 of the anemometer 10 in a vertical position. This keeps the wind turbine 12 itself in its horizontal position.

[0048] Fig. 4aFigure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the beacon 44 for the anemometer 10 according to the invention. The beacon 44 comprises, by way of example, two light groups 68, 70, which consist of LEDs. The LED light groups 68, 70 are arranged in alternating spatial arrangements around a hexagonal LED holder 72. Both LED light groups 68, 70 are illuminated in this figure, as indicated by their hatching. With this simultaneous activation of the light groups 68, 70, the maximum luminous intensity of the beacon 44 can be achieved if required. In normal operation, however, half the power is sufficient, which conserves the LEDs and the battery 42.

[0049] Fig. 4b shows according to Fig. 4aThe two alternating light groups 68 and 70 are arranged around the hexagonal LED holder 72, with only the LEDs of the first light group 68 illuminated. The illumination of the first LED light group 68 is indicated by hatching. The LEDs of the second light group 70 are switched off and therefore shown without hatching.

[0050] Fig. 4c shows according to Fig. 4a or 4b the two spatially alternating lighting groups 68, 70, where only the second lighting group 70 is illuminated. Here too, the illuminated lighting group 70 is indicated accordingly by hatching. Figs. 4b and 4c On the one hand, this demonstrates an energy-saving option, as only one of the lighting groups 68 or 70 is controlled at a time. On the other hand, this also allows for a backup operation in case one of the lighting groups 68 or 70 fails. Reference symbol list

[0051] 10 Anemometer 56 Second ending 12 Wind turbine 58 Mounting flange 14 Wind absorption device 60 Fasteners 16 Housing 61 Swivel axis 17 plane of rotation 62 pendulum weight 18 axis of rotation 64 rod 20 Wave 66 Floor 22 Fasteners 68 First LED lighting group 24 hemispherical shells 70 Second LED lighting group 26 spokes 72 Hexagonal LED holder 28 hub 30 Open pages 32 Upper housing section 34 Lowermost housing section 36 Middle housing section 38 Central main body 40 electronics 42 Accumulators 43 Recording equipment 44 light bulbs 46 voltage source 47 twilight sensor 48 solar panel 49 interface 50 Swivel device 52 cylindrical body 54 First End

Claims

1. An anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds, comprising: a) a housing (16) and / or frame, b) a shaft (20), which is rotatably mounted in a bearing of the housing (16) and / or frame, c) wind-receiving means (14), which are arranged on the shaft (20), wherein the wind-receiving means (14) set the shaft (20) into rotation when exposed to wind, d) detection means (43) for detecting the rotation speed (ω) of the shaft (20), e) output means (49) for outputting the rotational speed (w) detected in this way, f) wherein the housing (16) and / or the frame has at least one electric light means (44) as a signal light, wherein the light means (44) is supplied for operation with voltage from a voltage source (46), characterized in that g) fastening means (60) are provided for fastening to a movable object, h) a pivoting device (50) with a horizontal pivot axis is provided, about which the anemometer (10) is pivotably mounted, wherein a pendulum weight (62) is provided as a counterweight, and wherein the anemometer (10) is configured such that it is attachable to the movable object by means of the fastening means (60) via the pivoting device (50).

2. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to claim 1, characterized in that the anemometer (10) is designed as a cup-star anemometer, wherein the wind-receiving means (12) are formed as hemispherical cups (18).

3. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to claim 1, characterized in that the anemometer (10) is designed as a vane-wheel anemometer, wherein the wind-receiving means (12) are formed as blade- or turbine-like vanes.

4. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light means (40) is designed as an LED.

5. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light means (44) is designed to emit in multiple colours.

6. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that electronic control means (40) are provided, which control the illumination duration and the colour of the light means.

7. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two light means are provided, which are actuated simultaneously or alternately.

8. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the voltage source (46) comprises an accumulator (42).

9. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the voltage source (46) includes a solar module (48) for generating voltage.

10. Anemometer (10) for measuring wind speeds according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a dusk sensor and / or a proximity sensor for actuating the light means.