Aerodynamic analysis of FT Technologies’ ultrasonic wind sensors using Computational Fluid Dynamics presented at the 17th OpenFOAM Workshop in Cambridge, UK

FT Technologies’ Multiphysics Research Team recently presented their aerodynamic analysis of FT’s ultrasonic wind sensors at a conference held at the University of Cambridge.

For the first time in the company’s history, the team shared the results of their numerical and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to the wider world. Dr Antonio Jimenez-Garcia, Lead Research Engineer, and George Quixley, Aerodynamics Engineer, presented to the 17th OpenFOAM Workshop at the University of Cambridge on 12th July 2022.

Their presentation shared how FT’s aerodynamic platform and methodology provide a better understanding of the fundamental physics behind our proprietary Acu-Res® Technology. The research team’s findings are used to propose new product developments to address the needs of FT’s customers, such as reading higher wind speeds with increased accuracy.

Over the past twenty years, FT Technologies has designed and manufactured wind sensors utilising its proprietary Acu-Res® Technology that measures wind speed through the interaction between the flow field and the acoustic field.

Because aerodynamics plays a critical role in understanding the quality of airflow and turbulence effects that leads to greater accuracy for wind measurements, it is studied and researched extensively at FT. The company is proficient in the use of the state-of-the-art methods needed to optimise the aerodynamic performance of wind sensors.

The conference offered an opportunity to share and discuss industry best practice and insights in OpenFOAM and CFD methods that will further advance FT’s research into the aerodynamic performance of wind sensors.

Speaking after the conference, Dr Jimenez-Garcia said:

“Presenting at the OpenFOAM Workshop at the University of Cambridge was an amazing experience. I am proud to share the work of the Multiphysics Research team with such an esteemed audience. The aerodynamic analysis of our wind sensors using CFD is quite unique and we had a lot of interest in our findings from the rest of the attendees. We were able to share and discuss industry best practice and insights in OpenFOAM and CFD methods that will further advance our research into the aerodynamic performance of wind sensors.”

Olivier Schlenkhoff-Hus, Director of R&D at FT Technologies added:

“The combination of Aerodynamics and Acoustics research here at FT gives us tremendous insight into the way our wind sensors deal with the turbulent airflow they encounter in the various applications in which they are used, on the top of wind turbines, and on moving vehicles for example. The extensive research and modelling we conduct in-house allow us to constantly refine our product and deliver increased reliability and accuracy to our global customers.”