Performance evaluation of Teledyne Geotech bivane

Technical Report · Tue May 13 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:7110575

Addis, R P

The new production prototype bivane manufactured by Teledyne Geotech underwent tests to evaluate its performance and determine its suitability as a replacement for obsolete instrumentation presently on the SRP meteorological towers. The bivane performs well for routine observations for emergency response, as well as for most routine plume dispersion research to be conducted at SRL for the foreseeable future. It should also be suitable for providing an accurate and reliable meteorological data base for engineering and meteorological applications for the next ten years. The bivane was tested in a wind tunnel where its Damping Ratio was found to be 0.30 (azimuth) and 0.29 (elevation), which contrasts with 0.4 claimed by the manufacturer's preliminary specifications. Although the measured damping is less than the optimum value (0.43), it is estimated that the bivane will be able to measure the turbulent parameters (standard deviation of azimuth and elevation) used in the SRP emergency response codes, within 8%. The bivane's suitability as a research tool for measuring turbulent fluxes was determined by comparison with results from a sonic anemometer. The mean bivane momentum flux measurements were within 5% of those of the sonic, averaged over all measured flux intensities, and within 10% of the sonic for fluxes less than or equal to -0.05 m/sup 2//s/sup 2/. During periods of low fluxes, such as may occur under stable nocturnal conditions, a higher damping ratio (approx. 0.4) and a smaller natural wavelength would improve the bivane response to high frequency turbulence. The cup anemometer paired with the bivane, also performed well in the tests. An intercomparison of wind speeds with those measured by the sonic anemometer showed a mean difference of only 1 cm/s (0.02 mph).

• Research Organization: Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC (USA). Savannah River Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-76SR00001
• OSTI ID: 7110575
• Report Number(s): DPST-86-437; ON: DE87002651
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
ANEMOMETERS
DAMPING
FLUID FLOW
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
QUALITY FACTOR
TESTING
TUNNELS
TURBULENT FLOW
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WIND TUNNELS