WIND METER: HISORY OF WIND METER:

The history of wind power shows a general evolution from the use of simple, light devices driven by aerodynamic drag forces; to heavy, material-intensive drag devices; to the increased use of light, materialefficient aerodynamic lift devices in the modern era. But it shouldn't be imagined that aerodynamic lift (the force that makes airplanes fly) is a modern concept that was unknown to the ancients. The earliest known use of wind power, of course, is the sail boat, and this technology had an important impact on the later development of sail-type windmills. Ancient sailors understood lift and used it every day, even though they didn't have the physics to explain how or why it worked The first windmills were developed to automate the tasks of graingrinding and water-pumping and the earliest-known design is the vertical axis system developed in Persia about 500-900 A.D. The first use was apparently water pumping, but the exact method of water transport is not known because no drawings or designs -- only verbal accounts -- are available. The first known documented design is also of a Persian windmill, this one with vertical sails made of bundles of reeds or wood which were attached to the central vertical shaft by horizontal struts (see Figure 1a). A 19th Century American approximation of this panemone device is shown at the left (Figure 1b). Grain grinding was the first documented wind mill application and was very straightforward. The grinding stone was affixed to the same vertical shaft. The mill machinery was commonly enclosed in a building,

which also featured a wall or shield to block the incoming wind from slowing the side of the drag-type rotor that advanced toward the wind. Vertical-axis windmills were also used in China, which is often claimed as their birthplace. While the belief that the windmill was invented in China more than 2000 years ago is widespread and may be accurate, the earliest actual documentation of a Chinese windmill was in 1219 A.D. by the Chinese statesman Yehlu Chhu-Tshai. Here also, the primary applications were apparently grain grinding and water pumping. One of the most scenic and successful applications of windpower (and one that still exists), is the extensive use of water pumping machines on the island of Crete. Here, literally hundreds of sail-rotor windmills pump water for crops and livestock.

Figure 1a. Maximum efficiency of a "drag" device is obtained when the collector is pushed away from the wind, as is a simple, drag-type sail boat.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Wind Meter:

NK was the first to provide accurate relative humidity measurements from a hand-held weather meter, and the Kestrel 3000 features two patents on its humidity measuring sensors. A testament to the 3000s accuracy: its become practically required equipment for wildland firefightersusers whose lives literally depend on the accurate weather data their Kestrel 3000 provides.

From the Kestrel 3000s accurate relative humidity readings, it also calculates the dewpointheat stress indeximportant information to know when working or playing outdoors in hot and humid conditions. and

Kestrel Wind Meters are used by NFL trainers to determine how frequently the athletes need to hydrate, and when the conditions are unhealthy for strenuous exercise.

SPECIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS:

Kestrel 3000 Measures Current Wind Speed Maximum Wind Gust Average Wind Speed Air, Water & Snow Temperature Wind Chill Relative Humidity Heat Stress Index Dewpoint

FEATURES:
Protective cover with sure-grip overmolding Data hold function Large easy-to-read display with backlight Waterproof and floats Humidity sensor can be recalibrated in the field with our Relative Humidity Calibration Kit. User-replaceable impeller External temperature sensor

Patented Quick-Response RH Sensor All instruments and accessories are completely assembled in the USA 5-year warranty Kestrel 3000 Includes A slip-on protective cover Neck lanyard CR2032 coin cell battery (Average life 300 hours) Kestrel Certificate of Conformity

APPLICATIONS:
Typical applications 1. Agriculture - checking conditions prior to crop spraying or burning 2. Aviation - gliders, para-gliders, micro-lights, parachutists and ballooning 3. Construction - site safety, working conditions, working at height in cranes or access vehicles 4. Education - air flow experiments, environmental studies, outdoor sports 5. Heating and ventilation - air flow through fans, checking condition of filters 6. Industry - air flow measurements, pollution control 7. Science - aerodynamics, environmental science and meteorology 8. Fire fighters - checking fire spreading hazard 9. Outdoor activities - sailors, walkers, model boats/air craft, kite flyers, archery, shooting, fishing, golf & athletics