316 Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Wind Sensor for Offshore Wind Monitoring

Description

JW-ST50H(SW04) ultrasonic wind sensor is designed for continuous wind speed and wind direction measurement in offshore, coastal and other demanding outdoor environments.

Using ultrasonic phase-difference measurement technology, the sensor measures wind without rotating cups or a mechanical wind vane. Its 316 stainless steel housing, C5-M corrosion resistance, IP67 protection and integrated automatic heating system make it especially suitable for offshore wind power, coastal weather observation and harsh industrial monitoring sites exposed to high humidity, salt-laden air, severe cold, strong wind or icing conditions.

The standard wind speed measuring range is 0 to 50 m/s, with an optional range up to 0 to 75 m/s. Multiple analog and digital output options, including RS485, allow the sensor to be integrated into weather stations, data acquisition systems, SCADA platforms and industrial monitoring systems.

For projects requiring reliable wind measurement with reduced mechanical maintenance in challenging environments, JW-ST50H(SW04) provides a robust ultrasonic alternative to conventional cup-and-vane wind sensors.

Product Overview

The JW-ST50H(SW04) stainless steel ultrasonic wind sensor is a professional instrument developed for real-time wind speed, wind direction and wind temperature measurement.

Unlike a conventional mechanical anemometer that depends on rotating cups, bearings and a wind vane, the JW-ST50H(SW04) uses ultrasonic signals passing through the air to determine wind conditions.

The absence of rotating wind-measurement components eliminates mechanical bearing wear associated with traditional cup-and-vane structures and makes the sensor suitable for applications where maintenance access may be difficult.

This is particularly important for:

• Offshore wind turbines
• Offshore substations
• Coastal monitoring sites
• Marine platforms
• Remote meteorological stations
• High-altitude installations
• Cold and icing regions
• Harsh industrial outdoor locations

The housing is manufactured from 316 stainless steel and designed with C5-M corrosion resistance, while the complete sensor provides IP67 environmental protection.

An integrated heating and temperature-control system further improves suitability for cold-weather applications where snow, frost or ice may otherwise interfere with wind measurement.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Wind Speed Performance

Wind Direction Performance

Wind Temperature Performance

Output and Communication

The ultrasonic wind sensor supports a wide range of output signals, making it easy to integrate into industrial control systems, weather stations, SCADA platforms, and IoT monitoring networks.

Analog Output Options

• 0 to 20mA
• 4 to 20mA
• 0 to 10V
• 2 to 10V
• 0 to 5V
• Pulse 2 to 2000Hz
• Gray code 2 bit and 4 bit

Digital Output

• RS485 half duplex
• RS485 full duplex

These options allow the ultrasonic wind sensor to be incorporated into both new and existing monitoring systems.

For projects requiring digital communication, confirm the communication mode, baud rate and receiving equipment before ordering.

How Ultrasonic Wind Measurement Works

Ultrasonic wind measurement does not depend on the rotation of mechanical wind cups.

The sensor transmits ultrasonic signals through defined acoustic paths. When air moves through the measurement area, the propagation characteristics of the ultrasonic signals change.

By analysing the phase difference of the ultrasonic signals, the sensor calculates wind speed and wind direction.

The resulting measurements are converted into electrical or digital output signals for use by the connected monitoring system.

Because the measurement principle does not require rotating cups, wind vanes or wind-measurement bearings, ultrasonic technology avoids several mechanical components that are subject to wear in traditional anemometers.

This characteristic is especially useful in remote or difficult-to-access installations.

Why Offshore Wind Monitoring Requires a Different Sensor Design

Wind measurement at an offshore or coastal site is not the same as installing a general-purpose wind sensor in an ordinary land-based environment.

Offshore equipment may remain continuously exposed to combinations of:

• High relative humidity
• Salt-laden air
• Strong wind
• Rapid weather changes
• Rain and water exposure
• Low temperatures
• Frost and icing
• Difficult maintenance access
• Long unattended operating periods

This makes the mechanical design, housing material, corrosion protection, heating capability and electrical interface important selection factors.

The JW-ST50H(SW04) is designed around these environmental requirements rather than simply providing basic wind speed and direction measurement.

Why 316 Stainless Steel Matters for Marine and Coastal Applications

Material selection becomes especially important when wind-monitoring equipment is installed near the sea.

JW-ST50H(SW04) uses a 316 stainless steel housing and is specified with C5-M corrosion resistance.

These characteristics make the sensor better suited to demanding coastal and offshore environments where moisture and salt exposure may increase corrosion stress on field equipment.

For project engineers, sensor material should therefore be evaluated together with:

• Installation location
• Salt exposure
• Humidity
• Expected maintenance interval
• Temperature range
• Icing conditions
• Mounting structure
• Cable and connector protection

Selecting a wind sensor based only on measurement range may overlook environmental factors that can be equally important for long-term field operation.

Integrated Heating for Cold and Icing Environments

Cold-weather wind monitoring introduces another challenge: icing.

Frost, snow or ice accumulation around the sensing area may interfere with wind measurement if the sensor is not designed for the environment.

JW-ST50H(SW04) therefore incorporates an automatic heating and temperature-control system.

The heating function is particularly relevant for installations such as:

• Offshore wind turbines in cold regions
• Northern coastal weather stations
• Mountain meteorological stations
• High-altitude wind monitoring sites
• Cold-region industrial infrastructure

When heating is required, the power system must be designed around the higher heating-mode power requirement rather than the normal sensor operating consumption alone.

This consideration is especially important for remote sites using solar panels, batteries or other limited power sources.

C5-M Corrosion Resistance and Environmental Protection

Offshore monitoring equipment must be selected not only according to sensor accuracy but also according to environmental exposure.

JW-ST50H(SW04) combines:

316 stainless steel housing + C5-M corrosion resistance + IP67 protection

to support installation in demanding outdoor applications.

The IP67 design provides dust and water protection, while the corrosion-resistant construction is intended for environments where exposure conditions are more severe than those encountered by many standard meteorological sensors.

For marine applications, cable entries, connectors, mounting hardware and the complete installation system should also be selected according to the actual environmental conditions.

The protection level of a sensor alone does not determine the environmental resistance of the entire monitoring installation.

Reliability and Environmental Test Standards

This sensor is designed for demanding field use and references the following test standards:

For projects with specific certification, regulatory or customer acceptance requirements, please confirm the required documentation with JW-IoT before ordering.

Typical Applications

1. Offshore Wind Power

Offshore wind turbines and related infrastructure require local wind information for meteorological and operational monitoring.

JW-ST50H(SW04) provides wind speed and wind direction measurement in a corrosion-resistant, non-mechanical sensing structure designed for demanding offshore environments.

It can be used as part of a wider offshore weather monitoring system together with additional environmental sensors and data acquisition equipment.

2. Coastal Weather Monitoring

Coastal monitoring sites frequently experience high humidity, salt exposure and strong wind conditions.

The 316 stainless steel housing, C5-M corrosion resistance and IP67 design make the sensor suitable for coastal weather observation and long-term outdoor monitoring.

3. Cold and High-Altitude Meteorological Sites

Low temperature, snow and icing can create additional challenges for exposed wind sensors.

The integrated heating system allows the JW-ST50H(SW04) to be considered for meteorological sites in severe cold and high-altitude regions.

4. Onshore Wind Farms

The sensor can also be used at onshore wind farms requiring an ultrasonic alternative to conventional mechanical anemometers.

Its wide wind-speed range and multiple signal interfaces make it suitable for integration with wind monitoring and data acquisition systems.

5. Harsh Industrial Outdoor Sites

Industrial facilities in corrosive, cold, high-wind or remote environments may require continuous wind monitoring for environmental or operational applications.

The available analog and RS485 outputs allow the sensor to interface with different industrial data-acquisition architectures.

Offshore Wind Monitoring System Integration

The ultrasonic wind sensor can operate as an individual field instrument or as one component of a wider meteorological monitoring system.

A typical architecture may follow:

JW-ST50H(SW04) Ultrasonic Wind Sensor

↓

Weather / Environmental Sensors

↓

Data Logger, RTU or Industrial Controller

↓

Communication Device

↓

SCADA, Server or Monitoring Platform

Depending on the project requirements, wind data may be combined with other meteorological measurements for centralized monitoring.

Because the JW-ST50H(SW04) provides several output options, system integrators can select the interface according to the existing acquisition architecture instead of designing the complete monitoring system around a single proprietary interface.

RS485 or Analog Output: Which Should You Choose?

The correct output depends on the monitoring architecture.

RS485

RS485 is generally appropriate when the sensor needs to communicate with compatible:

• Data loggers
• RTUs
• Industrial controllers
• Automatic weather stations
• Communication gateways
• Centralized monitoring systems

Digital communication can simplify integration where the receiving device already supports the sensor interface.

4–20mA or Other Analog Outputs

An analog signal may be preferred when the existing PLC, controller or data acquisition unit uses analog input channels.

The available options include:

• 0–20mA
• 4–20mA
• 0–10V
• 2–10V
• 0–5V

Before selecting an output configuration, provide JW-IoT with the input specification of the receiving device.

Ultrasonic vs Mechanical Wind Sensors

Both ultrasonic and mechanical sensors can be used for wind monitoring, but they use fundamentally different measurement structures.

Neither technology should be considered universally superior for every application.

Mechanical wind sensors can remain appropriate where project requirements, budget and maintenance conditions support their use.

Ultrasonic sensing becomes particularly attractive when corrosion resistance, icing capability, reduced mechanical wear and difficult maintenance access are important project considerations.

For projects where a mechanical wind sensor is more suitable, see the JW-IoT Wind Speed Direction Sensor for Wind Energy Monitoring.

For additional sensor options, browse the JW-IoT Wind Sensors range.

Installation Recommendations

Correct installation is essential for representative wind measurement.

1. Select an Open Measurement Position

Install the wind sensor where surrounding structures do not unnecessarily disturb airflow.

Potential sources of airflow interference include:

• Buildings
• Towers
• Masts
• Railings
• Antennas
• Solar panels
• Large machinery
• Platform structures
• Exhaust outlets

The exact mounting location should be determined according to the monitoring objective and site structure.

2. Keep the Sensor Correctly Oriented

Wind direction measurement requires correct physical orientation of the sensor.

The installer should confirm the required reference direction during commissioning and verify that the sensor orientation corresponds with the monitoring system configuration.

3. Use a Structurally Suitable Mount

Offshore and exposed locations may experience high wind loading and vibration.

The mounting mast, support structure and fasteners should therefore be designed for the actual site conditions.

Sensor performance should not be evaluated independently from the mechanical stability of the complete installation.

4. Protect Electrical Connections

Although the sensor itself provides IP67 protection, the complete cable and connector system must also be properly protected.

Pay attention to:

• Aviation connector installation
• Cable routing
• Junction boxes
• Cable strain
• Moisture ingress
• Cable shielding
• Grounding
• Surge protection

This is especially important at offshore and coastal sites.

5. Consider Heating Power During System Design

Normal operating consumption and heating-mode consumption are significantly different.

If the heating function will be used, the system power supply must be selected according to the heating requirement.

For battery- or solar-powered monitoring stations, calculate the complete system energy requirement before finalizing the power configuration.

How to Select the Correct Configuration

Before requesting a quotation, determine the following information.

Wind Measurement

• Expected maximum wind speed
• Standard 0–50 m/s or optional 0–75 m/s range
• Required wind-speed accuracy
• Wind-direction requirement

Environmental Conditions

• Installation location
• Minimum temperature
• Maximum temperature
• Relative humidity
• Salt exposure
• Icing conditions
• Altitude
• Expected wind environment

Output Requirements

• RS485 half duplex
• RS485 full duplex
• 4–20mA
• Other current output
• Voltage output
• Pulse output
• Gray code

Power Supply

• Available 24VDC supply
• Heating required or not
• Grid, battery or solar power source
• Available power capacity

System Integration

• Existing weather station
• Data logger
• PLC
• RTU
• SCADA platform
• Communication gateway
• Third-party monitoring system

Providing this information allows the wind sensor configuration to be matched to the actual monitoring system instead of selecting the product only from its measurement range.

Request an Offshore Ultrasonic Wind Sensor Configuration

Choosing an offshore wind sensor involves more than wind-speed range alone.

Material, corrosion protection, heating requirements, environmental temperature, electrical output and system integration should all be considered before selecting the final configuration.

Send JW-IoT your project requirements, including:

Application + installation environment + wind range + minimum temperature + icing conditions + output interface + power supply + monitoring system

and our team can help determine the appropriate JW-ST50H(SW04) configuration for your project.

Contact JW-IoT for technical specifications, project configuration and quotation.