What is the Anemometer of the Cup?

Anemometer Cup is a scientific tool used to measure wind speed. This device is named for cups used to capture and measure the wind. They are able to measure wind speed quite accurately, but most versions cannot measure the direction of the wind. These are standard features in most modern weather stations and simple versions can be easily built or purchased for use at home weather stations.

The Irish scientist, John Thomas Romney Robinson, invented the Anemometer Cup in the 19th century. The British were very interested in meteorological research because, in addition to the scientific community, this information was used by the Royal Navy. Britain moved quickly to create a regular network of meteorological stations and include cup anemometers to measure wind speed.

This scientific tool has changed little since the earliest days. The construction of the cup anemometer is simple. Three or four cups, usually made of metal or rough plastic, are on EN symmetrically roReadyds weapons that are attached to the central swivel point. Each cup is placed so that its hollow interior is parallel to the length of the support arm. Such a configuration ensures that the cups capture the wind from any direction.

The wind turns in cups in the anemometer and stronger winds turn the tool faster. The specific ratio between wind speed and the speed of the cup varies depending on the specific specifications of the tool. The standard anemometer of the cup is not able to determine the wind direction and is usually paired with the second device that can be as simple as the meteorological blade to make this measurement. Newer versions of the Cup anemometer use cups with different shapes and can use a different thrust on different cups to determine the direction of the wind blows, but most still use older design.

Anemometer of a rotating cup can measuring up to at least 60 milesper hour (about 100 kilometers per hour). Faster winds, however, reduce the accuracy of wind speed in a modest range. Extremely strong wind can damage the cup anemometer, but modern models can survive most of the hurricane conditions and still create useful data.

Residential anemometers are widely available to buy, but enterprising aspiring meteorologists can also build these tools. The improvised anemometer can be made of paper cups. A small mounted wheel can serve as a base for anemometer of paper. Paper cups can then be mounted on wheels with dowels or other lightweight materials that are useful. Such a tool is surprisingly accurate when measuring wind speed, but is best maintained outside the hurricane strength of the wind.