Smart anemometer from Windcrane

According to crane wind speed and anemometer specialist Windcrane changing anemometer type for crane manufacturers is not easy. One of the reasons, it said, is that the configuration of the crane’s PLC needs to be updated for the new sensor. There is also the possibility of customers mixing sensors by accident for the same model of crane resulting in misconfigured wind speed readings.

To help avoid this Windcrane has launched the 3D.WS smart anemometer, which emulates any signal the crane PLC expects. According to Windcrane this makes it a seamlessly replacement without any type of adjustment on the crane configuration required. In effect, the signal output can be programmed to match the crane itself, Windcrane explained. 

Despite the level of technology contained within the 3D.WS smart anemometer Windcrane said it has been designed to be highly durable. To ensure that it was tough enough for the harsh conditions of a construction site Windcrane conducted a range of practical tests, including driving a van over it, submerging the sensor in water with chemicals for a year, and attempting to destroy the rotor of the anemometer with a 10 kg sledge hammer – all of which it survived (see the video).

According to Windcrane, the key to this is that the anemometer is made using 3D printing technology, allowing it to design internal core parts of the sensor that are not possible to manufacture in traditional plastic injection moulding or metal, utilising a honeycomb structure for strength. 

In addition to wind speed, the 3D.WS measures temperature, humidity, and pressure.

It has built-in IoT global GSM connectivity that is accessible via the Windcrane’s platform for remote monitoring and generating down time wind reports.