Wind Monitoring

Wind patterns can vary dramatically based on topography, so in many cases the only way to get an accurate assessment of wind conditions at a site is to monitor wind at that site. In order to get a good picture of what normal wind conditions are for the site, it is usually necessary to record wind data for at least a full year, as each season can have its own wind patterns.

The HOBO Micro Station is ideal for recording site wind data because it is easy to set up and can run for a full year on four (4) AA batteries.

In configuring a system for wind monitoring, the most important consideration is wind sensor height, because wind can vary significantly with elevation. The wind sensors should be mounted at the height most relevant for the application. If you are evaluating potential wind turbine sites, then the sensors should be mounted at the height where the turbines would be. If you are looking at potential vineyard sites, then mounting the wind sensor at vine height is best. Up to 4 wind sensors can be plugged into a single HOBO Micro Station for monitoring wind at multiple heights.

Onset offers 2-meter and 3-meter tripods and sensor height is adjustable for both of these tripods. Taller towers are available from other manufactures.