An optimal study of wind measurement device using piezoelectric unimorph benders

A piezoelectric unimorph anemovane is proposed and analyzed for measuring precisely variation of wind direction and speed. The proposed anemovane has various advantages, compared with general anemovane. It can detect the wind in all direction, and be fabricated as small one. This anemovane was designed as the shape similar to a sea urchin. We use cantilevers to imitate prickles projected on the sea urchin sphere. If the wind blows, it hit the cantilever and the pressure makes the voltage signal through the piezoelectric unimorph bender. The simulation of the proposed system was performed using the FEM software (COMSOL Multiphysics), and the multi-physics analysis (Fluid mechanics, Mechanics and Electrostatics) was executed by considering real boundary conditions. Based on FEM analysis of the new anemovane with the new structure and control method, the characteristics between the fluid and the piezoelectric unimorph bender was comprehended. The possibility of the proposed anemovane was verified through the fabrication and the experiment.