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Irwin Sensor Overview
Among RWDI’s numerous contributions to the field of wind engineering was the invention of instrumentation that accurately measures wind flows.
The most widely recognized of these is known as the “Irwin Sensor” for pedestrian-level wind speed measurement in the wind tunnel, which was named after the designer, Peter Irwin, past president of RWDI. It has been evolved by RWDI’s Scott Gamble and Nick Cook for measuring wind directions as well. The “Wu Tube”, designed by RWDI’s Hanqing Wu, is capable of measuring both wind speeds and directions on the ground and at elevated locations.
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Benefits
These sensors are relatively easy to fabricate and maintain and are robust and inexpensive when compared to traditional thermal anemometers.
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Key Features
Pressure devices can be connected to electronic scanning systems, and allow for quick measurements at a large number of locations (up to several hundred).
There is no need for alignment with wind flows.The pressure difference between the top of the tube and the tap at the bottom can be converted to a wind speed at the top level of the tube.
Consulting in the science of buildings, structures and environment
RWDI
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