Automated constant voltage anemometer for measurements with fluid temperature drifts

An automated procedure has been developed for a constant voltage anemometer to obtain in situ heated and cold resistances of a hot wire in each measurement cycle. From these parameters mean velocity can be deduced in the presence of ambient flow temperature variations, using a calibration curve based on, e.g., King’s law with the assumption of constant coefficients over a given temperature range. The method requires only one hot wire. This is a definite advantage over previous methods established for constant current or constant temperature anemometers where an additional temperature sensor is needed, with a separate temperature calibration of the hot wire. Results from a typical test are presented to demonstrate the procedure. The prototype tested was a 400 kHz bandwidth unit and the measurement cycle can be changed through software commands to suit each test requirements.