This article presents an overview of airflow velocity measurement methods applied to renewable energy. Basic measurement methods used in this field are discussed: tachometric, ultrasonic, and calorimetric anemometry. The principle of operation and basic properties of anemometers are presented, and based on publications from the last decade, a systematic review of development directions and trends in this field is made. The aim of the article is to familiarize people dealing with renewable energy problems, in particular wind energy, with the current state of knowledge in the field of anemometric measurements, properties of individual types of measuring devices, as well as directions of development of measurement tools. This will allow for the optimization of processes in the field of wind energy, in particular in the selection of the location of the energy facility, implementation of investments and control, diagnostics, and monitoring during operation. The selection of metrological tools adequate to the problem also allows for ensuring an appropriate level of work safety and environmental and ecological harmony and supporting the process of sustainable development.

The complex ventilation system development process is associated with the stages of modelling, design, execution, and testing. Each of these steps requires the use of measuring equipment that is capable of determining the basic parameters of the flow. In the process of calibrating instruments for measuring flow velocity, one of the limitations is the size of the calibrated devices positioned in the test section of the wind tunnel. This is related to the change in the flow condition within the vicinity of the calibrated anemometers, which is caused by the blockage effect. Instruments with significant dimensions in relation to the cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel test section may have an impact on the reference velocity as indicated by the standard. In such cases, the calibration results may be affected by additional systematic error. This article presents a study of this effect using a real case of a calibration laboratory and commonly used sensors. The influence of different types of air velocity sensors on velocity profiles in the measurement standard area is also investigated. Additionally, the area of the blockage effect is described. The obtained results indicate the possibility of a proper placement for the measuring standard due to minimization of the flow-blocking effect.

Hot-wire anemometric measurements are often related to the determination of flow parameters in a high frequency range. Such knowledge is particularly important when analyzing the flow phenomena in the vicinity of wind turbines. The reliability of obtained results is determined by the knowledge of the properties of the system used for measurements. It concerns both the static and dynamic characteristics of individual measurement channels. In studies of hot-wire anemometric systems, a problem related to the unstable transmission bands of such systems and their high dependence on measurement conditions and the system configuration itself has been commonly indicated. This paper presents the results of an investigation of a new type of hot-wire anemometer, allowing for automatic adjustment of its dynamic characteristics under real working conditions. The presented system is dedicated to the analysis of the wind energy spectrum in experimental laboratory tests on reduced-scale models and to specialized in situ measurements.

A two-sensor correction method employs a relationship between the dynamic coefficients of the probes. This algebraic relationship is reduced to a proportion or a hyperbola and it depends on the sensors diameter ratio. It results from the application of fundamental equations governing the Nusselt number. This paper presents the analytical results of investigations on that relationship with particular use of the well-known experimental formulas governing the heat transfer between the gases and the pair of sensors.

This article presents an innovative design of a tachometric anemometer for measuring wind velocity and direction, which does not contain electronic components and systems or power supply systems in the measurement area. This device can be used in extremely unfavourable environmental operating conditions, in locations exposed to direct atmospheric discharges, in conditions requiring restrictive and intrinsic safety, in special military applications, and in measurements in the presence of extreme electromagnetic fields. An innovative optical–mechanical transducer is used in the anemometer. This transducer generates a light pulse signal, the frequency of which is a function of the flow velocity, and the duty cycle is a function of the wind direction. This signal is transmitted via optical fibre from the sensor assembly to the measuring station, located outside the measurement area. The design of the device is simple, durable, and resistant to environmental conditions.