NOWA, the New Orthogonal Heat Transfer Anemometer

Many applications ask for long-term measurements in severe weather conditions where conventional instruments fail. Especially for operational measurements there is a need for robust devices that measure continuously in conditions of extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation events and/or icing. The NOWA (Neues Orthogonales Wärmeübergangs-Anemometer) bases on the principles of the hot-wire anemometry, intended to be a new, universal device. It is designed to quantify wind speed, wind direction, icing, air temperature and precipitation. An ingenious construction keeps the delicate inside of the sensor dry, free of ice and protects it against the outside. The consumption of energy including the power of heating is low (18 Watts), therefore energy may realistically be provided by solar panels. This allows the use of the NOWA as part of a remote weather station in inaccessible mountainous regions over long periods of time.

Contact: Prof. Hans Richner