Ultrasonic wind sensors for the DWD`s maritime

Press release
April 28, 2015
Ultrasonic wind sensors for the
DWD's maritime monitoring
network come from Lufft
In a call for bids for the renewal and extension of ultrasonic wind sensors in the maritime
monitoring network of the German Weather Service, the ultrasonic wind sensor Ventus from
the Fellbach-based manufacturer of environmental measuring equipment won the day
against all competitive products.
In meteorology, the DWD - Germany's largest
weather service - is considered a major
reference with the most exacting standards. The
authority operates the largest national
monitoring network in Germany. It consists of
primary, secondary, and maritime systems that
regularly deliver accurate weather data.
In the recently published tender document, the
DWD called for new wind sensors to replace the
old equipment and to extend the existing monitoring network in maritime use. The maritime
monitoring network includes weather stations on DWD research vessels as well as on
commercial and government vessels. The measurement data obtained from the maritime
monitoring network are of great importance for the calculation of current forecasts.
The weather service took the decision with the aid of a large number of very strict exclusion
criteria. Only a few companies in the world are able to meet these criteria with their
products and were therefore short-listed for the tender.
Among other requirements, the ultrasonic anemometers had to be very robust and have a
closed system. "Since the sensors are used exclusively in the maritime sector, they must be
particularly well protected against extreme weather conditions and bird attacks. The Ventus
ultrasonic wind sensor consists of a seawater-resistant aluminum alloy, which is also used on
ship propellers. The sensor therefore withstands the corrosive conditions without any
problem. In addition, thanks to its enclosed design the sensor has already proved itself many
times over with regard to bird attacks, whereas each year a large proportion of the open
measuring systems from other manufacturers fail for this reason and give rise to
correspondingly high repair costs. Therefore, in its tender specifications the DWD demanded
a closed system", says Udo Kronmüller, sales representative for the wind and weather
segment. Technical problems caused by animals such as bird attacks are not uncommon in
environmental equipment.
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Press release
April 28, 2015
Therefore, Lufft GmbH decided on a closed system for measuring wind speed and wind
direction at an early stage. This makes it almost impossible for birds to damage the sensor.
Since the advantages of this design inevitably lead to the impairment of measurement
uncertainty, detailed minimum standards were required for wind speed and wind direction.
In order to test these and other requirements, specific tests were conducted in the DWD
wind tunnel.
Winning this tender is the second success that the measuring and control technology
company Lufft has chalked up with the German Weather Service within a very short period
of time. Earlier, the DWD had already opted for the cloud ceilometer from the Fellbachbased company. Further information on G. Lufft GmbH: www.lufft.com
About G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH:
Since its founding by Gotthilf Lufft in 1881, G. Lufft GmbH has been the leader in the
production of climatological measuring equipment. Lufft’s capacity for innovation and
precision has helped its products establish the solid reputation they enjoy around the world.
The company’s products can be found in use wherever variables such as air pressure,
temperature, relative humidity and other environmental factors need to be measured. In line
with its commitment to the company motto of "Tradition and Innovation," electronic
products have now joined their mechanical ancestors and show the same Lufft quality in a
digital age. Together with its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in China, the company has 100
employees. In November 2012, G. Lufft GmbH was awarded the German Standards Brand
Prize and was named a “Brand of the Century”. More information at: www.lufft.com.
Company contact:
G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH
Gutenbergstr. 20
70736 Fellbach, Germany
Contact: Tobias Weil
E-Mail: pr@lufft.de
Phone: 0049 711 51822 0
Fax: 0049 711 51822 41
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