A Comparison of Turbulence Measurements Made by a Hot-Film Probe, a Bivane, and a Directional Vane in the Atmospheric Surface Layer

Abstract

A three-dimensional hot-film probe, a Vector Vane, and an Aerovane were used to measure the mean wind speed and turbulence structure in the atmospheric surface layer at a location on the south shore of Long Island. A comparison was recently made of the characteristics of the three instruments to determine their capabilities in measuring the various meteorological parameters of interest. Results from the comparison indicated that the mean wind speed measured by the three instruments was the same. The estimated spectral densities of the Vector Vane were approximately equal to those of the hot-film probe to a cyclic frequency of 1 Hz. The standard deviations of the velocity fluctuations were equal. Comparison of the longitudinal velocity fluctuations measured by the Aerovane and Vector Vane were not significantly different to a frequency of 0.3 Hz. The Aerovane underestimated the lateral velocity fluctuations.