Wind Speed and Direction Sensors

The four common types of wind direction indicators are wind vanes (mechanical), ultrasonic anemometers, sonic detection systems, and optical scintillation sensors. OSI specializes in optical scintillation-based sensors, which measure crosswind and turbulence by analyzing the scintillation pattern of an infrared beam transmitted across a defined path — offering superior accuracy and reliability over mechanical alternatives.

Optical scintillation-based wind measurement analyzes the fluctuations in an infrared light beam transmitted between a sender and receiver unit. As wind disturbs the beam's path, the resulting scintillation pattern is processed via DSP algorithms to calculate crosswind velocity and Cn² atmospheric turbulence — providing spatially averaged, highly accurate results with no moving parts.

The LOA-005 sensor measures crosswind velocity and Cn² turbulence over path lengths from 100 meters up to 10 km, making it ideal for airport runways, industrial fencelines, and large open environments. The LOA-105, designed for aluminum smelters, covers path lengths of up to 3 km within indoor pot room environments.

No. OSI's Long-Baseline Optical Anemometers use a DSP-based design that eliminates the need for field calibration. The sensors also include AGC circuitry that compensates for LED output power variation, contaminated optics, and dusty air conditions, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring continuous accuracy throughout the sensor's operational life.

Yes. The LOA-005 is approved by NOAA, the EPA, and Environmental Technology Laboratories (ETL). The LOA-105 holds EPA Method 14 Equivalency Approval specifically for measuring airflow velocity in aluminum smelter roof vents, making it a compliance-ready solution for industrial emissions monitoring and environmental reporting requirements.

OSI wind sensors serve aviation (wake vortex and crosswind detection at airports), industrial fenceline monitoring (refineries, chemical plants), aluminum smelting (pot room airflow and emissions compliance), environmental and climate research, wind energy optimization, and government agencies including NASA, NOAA, FAA, and the U.S. military. They are deployed globally across hundreds of commercial and critical infrastructure sites.