A flying anemometer quadrotor: Part 1

Abstract

The feasibility of using a Multi-rotor Unmanned Aerial System (MUAS) as flying anemometers for measurement of wind in urban environments was investigated. Flow mapping was conducted around the MUAS using smoke flow visualisation and multi-hole pressure probes to analyse the effects of the propellers on the measured flow speed and direction and determine a suitable mounting location for an on-board multihole pressure probe sensor system. It was determined that propeller-induced effects extended beyond a feasible on-board probe length. Therefore correction factors were developed from experimental measurements for application to the output of the on-board multi-hole pressure probe.