In the wind power generation industry, wind speed is the core variable that determines everything. From micro-site selection to daily power generation, the production of every kilowatt-hour of clean electricity begins with the precise measurement of wind. Despite the continuous emergence of new technologies such as ultrasonic anemometers, the three-cup anemometer, which is structurally robust, reliable in principle and easy to maintain, remains the main force and trusted choice in the long-term monitoring networks of many wind farms around the world. HONDE Company has been deeply engaged in industrial-grade wind speed sensing technology. Its high-precision three-cup anemometer series, with its outstanding reliability, continuously provides solid raw data support for the safe and efficient operation of wind power assets.
I. Why is the three-cup anemometer still the “compass” of wind farms?
Reliable principle and historical verification: Based on the classic aerodynamic principle, the three-cup anemometer has a simple structure and stable performance. It has over a hundred years of application history and globally recognized measurement standards. The data is reliable and easy to trace.
Strong environmental adaptability: Made of high-strength materials and with precise bearing design, it can withstand the long-term test of extreme low temperatures, freezing, salt spray, sand and dust and other harsh weather conditions, especially suitable for harsh environments such as sea, plateau and desert.
Long-term cost advantage: The initial investment is relatively low, and the daily maintenance requirements are few. Over the long life cycle of a wind farm (usually over 20 years), its total cost of ownership (TCO) has a significant advantage.
Data continuity and consistency: As the mainstream equipment in the wind resource assessment stage, continuing to use the same type of equipment for post-assessment after the power station is put into operation can ensure the continuity and comparability of the data sequence to the greatest extent, which is crucial for accurately assessing the power generation performance.
Ii. Core Applications of HONDE Three-Cup Anemometers throughout the Entire Life Cycle of Wind Power
1. Preliminary wind resource assessment and micro-site selection
In the early stage of wind farm construction, wind measurement towers serve as “intelligence centers”. The HONDE three-cup anemometer, with its recognized accuracy, is installed at multiple levels of the wind measurement tower in conjunction with the wind vane to continuously collect data for 1 to 2 years. These data are used for:
Draw a wind rose chart and determine the prevailing wind direction.
Calculate the wind speed and wind shear index at different heights.
Evaluate the intensity of turbulence to provide key input for the selection of aircraft models that match safety levels.
2. Performance verification and operation optimization of wind turbine units
After the wind farm is put into operation, the wind measurement tower (or independent mast) is continuously operated at representative wind stations or in the center of the farm area, and the HONDE three-cup anemometer is installed. Its function is transformed into:
Power curve verification: Provide real environmental wind speed data independent of the wind turbine’s own anemometer to verify whether the power curve indicated by the manufacturer meets the standards. This is a core link to ensure investment returns.
Station performance evaluation: As the “truth source”, it is used to assess the impact of wake currents, the overall power generation efficiency of the station, and provide a calibration benchmark for the optimization of wind farm control strategies (such as yaw Angle control to reduce wake losses).
Data calibration: Calibrate the anemometer readings at the rear of the wind turbine nacelle to eliminate measurement errors caused by nacelle turbulence and ensure the accuracy of the data reported throughout the site.
3. Safe operation and Disaster early Warning
Wind speed is one of the most important input signals in the safety control system of wind turbines.
Overspeed protection: Provides reliable wind speed data to ensure that the fan can safely shut down when the cut-off wind speed is exceeded.
Extreme weather warning: Before the arrival of extreme weather such as typhoons and cold waves, continuous and stable wind speed monitoring data is the basis for assessing risks and initiating protection modes in advance.
Icing monitoring: In areas prone to icing, the HONDE anemometer, when combined with the heating option, can ensure normal operation even under mild icing conditions. Abnormal drops in wind speed readings (when power output does not change synchronously) can also serve as an auxiliary indicator for judging blade icing.
4. Research and post-evaluation
For cutting-edge fields such as the large-scale development of wind turbine units and deep-sea and far-sea development, long-term, stable and high-quality basic wind speed data are indispensable scientific research resources. The long-term data sequences provided by the HONDE equipment offer valuable on-site evidence for the design of new blades, load simulation verification, and research on the Marine atmospheric boundary layer.
Iii. Technical Advantages of HONDE Three-Cup Anemometer
Precision sensing and durable design: It adopts a lightweight carbon fiber cup body and a stainless steel shaft system, and is equipped with high-precision photoelectric or magnetic sensors. While ensuring sensitivity, it greatly enhances fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance.
Wide-range measurement and precise capture: The measurement range is usually extensive and can accurately capture the entire process of wind speed changes from gentle breeze to hurricane level.
Industrial-grade protection and adaptability: With a protection level of IP65, a wide operating temperature range, and an optional heating device, it can handle the vast majority of wind farm environments worldwide with ease.
Intelligent output and convenient maintenance: Standardized voltage, current or digital signal output, easy to integrate. The modular design makes it quick and easy to replace bearings or cup bodies on site.
Iv. Application Testimony: The Value of Data Stability
During the 20-year operation cycle of a certain offshore wind farm in Northern Europe, the HONDE three-cup anemometer, which serves as the core of the reference wind measurement mast, has been in continuous operation and has withstood countless storms. The long-term consistent data provided by this equipment has not only been successfully used in the performance audit of multi-wheel units, avoiding contract disputes caused by data disputes, but also the unique offshore wind spectrum data it has accumulated has provided an irrefutable design basis for the owner to invest in the next generation of larger-capacity offshore wind turbines. The project’s technical director commented: “In an era of pursuing new technologies, sometimes the most classic solutions, due to their ultimate reliability, become the most strategically valuable assets.”
Conclusion
In the field of wind power generation, which coexists with natural forces, reliable data is the sole basis for rational decision-making. The HONDE three-cup anemometer may not be the coolest technology, but it represents a profound commitment to long-termism, data authenticity and asset security. Like an “old sailor” in the wind power industry, it measures the power of every gust of wind with unchanging firmness and reliability, silently safeguarding the stable output of green energy, and is an indispensable “ballast stone” in the full life cycle management of wind farms.
About HONDE: As a long-termist in environmental and industrial sensing technology, HONDE not only offers cutting-edge ultrasonic sensors but is also committed to pushing classic sensing technology to the ultimate level. We are well aware that in areas concerning the security and investment of major infrastructure, reliability is always the top technical criterion.
For more wind speed sensor information,
please contact Honde Technology Co., LTD.
WhatsApp: +86-15210548582
Email: info@hondetech.com
Company website: www.hondetechco.com
Post time: Dec-04-2025