An Inexpensive Low-Power Ultrasonic 3-Dimensional Air Velocity Sensor

摘要: The ability to monitor the direction and speed of air within buildings would enable closed-loop control systems, improving occupants’ comfort, health, safety, reducing building energy use. Leveraging inexpensive low-power Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology used in ultrasonic range-finding, we have developed a unique anemometer (i.e., velocity sensor) that measures 3-dimensional for indoor environmental applications. uses novel tetrahedral arrangement four transceivers, minimum number transducers required capture flow. We describe this paper hardware software anemometer, algorithms eliminate or compensate shielding effects its support struts base. angular accuracies are unprecedented an instrument. In range 0 - 6 m/s, error averages ±3% speed, 2.9° yaw (azimuth) angle, 2.3° pitch (vertical declination) angle. is simple assemble needs no calibration.