| Abstract | In response to a request from the Department of Transport, a de-icing system for anemometers has been developed for use at remote, unattended locations. An electronically controlled propane burner is used to heat a solution of water and ethylene glycol. This flows by convection through insulated copper pipes to apair of copper rings which are located so as to melt any ice which may form at the rotating joint of the vane or cups. A unique icing detector is used, which consists of a low-torque d-c motor coupled to the anemometer cups through a specially designed clutch. If the motor, on command, cannot turn the cups, the burner is turned on automatically. Tests conducted outdoors during the past winter have shown that the de-icing system operates satisfactorily. |
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