High-Precision Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Sensor

Reliable 2D Wind Measurement for Harsh Outdoor Environments

The JW-WDSS2(HY05) High Precision Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Sensor is a high-precision 2D ultrasonic anemometer designed for continuous wind monitoring in demanding meteorological, industrial, marine and infrastructure applications.

Using ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement technology, the sensor measures both wind speed and wind direction without relying on traditional rotating cups or a mechanical wind vane.

It provides a wind speed measurement range of 0–60 m/s, ±2% wind speed accuracy and 0–359° wind direction measurement.

A rugged stainless-steel and aluminum-alloy structure, IP65 protection and an integrated heating system of up to 120 W make the sensor suitable for environments involving low temperatures, ice and severe outdoor weather.

Communication options include RS485, RS232 and MODBUS, with optional SDI-12 and 4–20 mA analog outputs for integration with automatic weather stations, data loggers and environmental monitoring systems.

The sensor measures:

• Wind speed range: 0–60 m/s
• Wind speed accuracy: ±2%
• Wind speed resolution: 0.01 m/s
• Wind direction range: 0–359°
• Wind direction accuracy: ±3°
• Wind direction resolution: 1°

This makes the sensor suitable for applications requiring continuous and precise wind-condition monitoring.

For other wind measurement configurations, explore the JW-IoT Wind Sensors range.

How Does an Ultrasonic Anemometer Work?

An ultrasonic anemometer measures wind by analysing how airflow affects the travel time of ultrasonic signals between acoustic transducers.

When wind moves in the same direction as an ultrasonic signal, the signal reaches the opposite transducer faster. When the signal travels against the wind, its travel time increases.

By comparing these ultrasonic transit times along different measurement paths, the sensor calculates the corresponding wind vector and determines both:

• Wind speed
• Wind direction

Because this measurement method does not require rotating cups or a mechanical wind vane, ultrasonic technology is well suited to automated and long-term wind monitoring systems.

This transit-time measurement principle is also described in WMO technical material on ultrasonic anemometer wind measurement.

Technical Specifications

Average Wind and Gust Measurement

JW-WDSS2(HY05) supports output of average wind and gust data in accordance with the product’s WMO-related measurement configuration.

This makes the sensor particularly suitable for professional meteorological and environmental monitoring systems where both average wind conditions and short-duration wind events need to be recorded.

Typical Applications

Automatic Weather Stations

The sensor can be integrated into an automatic weather station together with temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall and solar-radiation sensors.

RS485, RS232 and MODBUS interfaces make it suitable for connection to compatible weather-station data loggers and monitoring platforms.

JW-WDSS2(HY05) can be integrated into an automatic weather station together with temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall and solar radiation sensors.

Meteorological Monitoring Stations

High wind-speed resolution, wide measurement range and average/gust data output make JW-WDSS2(HY05) suitable for professional meteorological observation.

Highways and Bridges

Wind conditions can directly affect transportation safety on exposed highways, elevated roads and bridges.

A high-precision wind speed and direction sensor can provide continuous wind information for roadside weather monitoring and infrastructure monitoring systems.

Offshore Platforms and Drilling Rigs

Offshore monitoring systems operate in environments where wind, salt exposure and severe weather conditions are common.

The rugged metallic construction and ultrasonic measurement principle make the sensor suitable for offshore environmental monitoring applications.

Ports and Marine Monitoring

Wind direction and wind speed are important environmental parameters at:

• Ports
• Harbors
• Coastal monitoring stations
• Marine facilities
• Ships

The sensor can provide data in both conventional meteorological units and marine units such as knots.

Wind Farms

Wind-speed and wind-direction data can be incorporated into environmental and operational monitoring systems at wind-power sites.

Aviation Monitoring

Real-time wind measurement can also form part of aviation meteorological monitoring systems where wind speed, direction and gust conditions need to be continuously observed.

Ultrasonic Anemometer vs Mechanical Anemometer

Traditional wind monitoring systems often use a cup anemometer for wind speed and a wind vane for wind direction.

An ultrasonic anemometer measures both parameters using ultrasonic signals.

The main difference is the measurement principle.

Mechanical systems rely on moving parts, while ultrasonic systems measure changes in acoustic travel time caused by airflow.

For projects involving:

• Extreme cold
• Ice
• Remote monitoring
• High-frequency measurement
• Long-term automatic operation
• Harsh outdoor environments

an ultrasonic solution may provide operational advantages.

However, sensor selection should always consider measurement requirements, installation environment, interface compatibility and project budget.

System Integration

A typical monitoring architecture can be configured as:

JW-WDSS2(HY05) Ultrasonic Wind Sensor
→ RS485 / RS232
→ Data Logger or RTU
→ Communication Network
→ Monitoring Platform

For larger meteorological systems, wind measurement can also be combined with:

• Air temperature
• Relative humidity
• Atmospheric pressure
• Rainfall
• Solar radiation
• Visibility
• Other environmental parameters

This allows system integrators to build a complete remote weather monitoring system according to project requirements.

For system integrators, the official Modbus protocol specifications provide additional information about protocol implementation and interoperability.

High-Precision Wind Monitoring for Demanding Projects

The JW-WDSS2(HY05) High Precision Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Sensor combines high-resolution wind measurement, rugged construction, multiple communication interfaces and a powerful integrated heating system.

It is designed for monitoring systems where reliable wind data is required under challenging environmental conditions.

For project selection, please provide:

• Installation environment
• Expected wind-speed range
• Minimum operating temperature
• Required communication interface
• Data acquisition system
• Required output frequency
• Power-supply conditions

JW-IoT can then recommend the appropriate sensor configuration and integration solution.