Model and Simulation Studies of the Method for Optimization of Dynamic Properties of Tachometric Anemometers

Mechanical tachometric anemometers, based on the phenomenon of the exchange of momentum between the flow and rotating measuring element, represent an important class of instruments used in flow metrology. In particular, they are used in meteorological and ventilation measurements. Mechanical anemometers with rotating measuring element are, however, known for their drawback related to their poor dynamic properties resulting from relatively large dimensions and mechanical inertia of the measuring element. In these instruments, the phenomenon of overestimating the measured average velocity caused by the inertia of the rotor takes place. Optimization of the dynamics of the measurement process, as well as the estimation and minimization of the measurement uncertainty, can be performed based on mathematical model of anemometer. In this study, a new, original concept of optimization of dynamic properties of tachometric anemometers is proposed, and the results of model and simulation studies are presented. The new concept of measuring instrument is based on the use of feedback and active control of the rotor. The new method was tested using model research, where two types of flow velocity excitations were applied: sinusoidal and rectangular. The tests carried out showed that the developed method allows for minimization of the dynamic uncertainty of the measurement and minimizes the phenomenon of average flow velocity overestimation occurring in time-varying flows. It has been shown that the use of optimization system allows for approximately tenfold reduction of the error of average velocity measurement in the case of pulsating flows. In addition, the optimization systems allow for anemometer’s transmission bandwidth to be extended about a hundred times. This creates new application possibilities for these instruments and allows for a large reduction of measurement uncertainty.