It should be kept in mind that, in order to optimize their performance, solar cells should be positioned at different tilt angles (angles to the earth), depending on the location and conditions. As a result, the wind acting at different angles and orientations on the array’s plane also causes variations in the convection coefficient. The effective area varies according to the direction of the wind because various winds have different characteristics at different locations. For evaluating power plant performance in areas where diverse wind directions are common, SEVEN wind direction sensors are essential.

A wind direction sensor uses a Hall Effect Position Sensor to track and convert changes in wind direction into a signal. The body and the vane are its two parts. The wind direction is measured in degrees (°). It comes with a cable and mounting facilities. For industrial and environmental applications like photovoltaic plants, Modbus wind direction sensors are advanced and professional measuring sensors with a digital interface. They offer excellent durability against outdoor environments thanks to their seawater-resistant anodized aluminum body. The MODBUS RTU protocol is used to send the measured value across the serial RS485 interface to monitoring devices, dataloggers, and other receiving equipment.

Technical Specifications of Aluminium Wind Direction Sensor

Item Code 3S-WD-MB-A
Sensor Type Vane-Driven Hall Effect Position Sensor
Measuring Range 0-359°
Accuracy ±1% of Measuring Value
Resolution 0,1°
Start Speed 1 m/s
Data Output RS485
Communication Protocol Modbus RTU
Power Supply 12 – 30 V DC
Power Consumption Typically 20 mA at 24 VDC
Cable Length & Features 50 cm 2x2x0,22 mm² – LI2YC11Y-TP /2,5 m 3x2x0,22 mm² – LI2Y(st) C11Y Cable, UV and Weather Resistant
Operating Temperature Range -40°C … +85°C (Ice free)
Dimensions Ø: 305 mm x185 mm
Box Dimensions 80 mm x 82 mm x 55 mm (W x L x H)
Weight 0.59 kg
IP Rating IP 54 (IP65 Optional)
Housing Material Aluminium
Vane Material Aluminium
Mounting Method Pipe or Ground Mounting
Standard Compliant to IEC 61724-1:2021

How to install Aluminium Wind Direction Sensor?

The system must be operated at ground level prior to installation in order to ensure that every component is operating as it should. The 3S-WD Wind Direction Sensor was designed using the Plug & Run concept. This design makes setup easier and reduces the possibility of mistakes. Below is a detailed description of the installation techniques. There are two different mounting options available.

Pipe Mounting:

WD pipe mounting

Ground Mounting:

WD ground mounting

Why SEVEN Aluminium Wind Direction Sensor?

  • High Accuracy: Provides accurate wind direction data with little variation, guaranteeing the data’s dependability.
  •  High Durability: The device offers exceptional endurance against outside circumstances thanks to its anodized aluminum body, which is resistant to seawater.
  • Long Lifespan: Made to resist dust, strong winds, and other outside conditions, this device has a long working life and requires little maintenance.
  • Best price/performance ratio: For the typical needs of industrial and environmental applications, like photovoltaic plants, the product provides the best price/performance ratio.
  • Easy Connection: It integrates easily with SCADA systems, dataloggers, inverters, and the majority of industrial configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1- What standards does the sensor comply with?

The 3S-WD-MB-A is compliant with IEC 61724-1:2021, ensuring reliable performance for PV monitoring applications.

2- How do I set up the sensor?

Follow our user manual which include step-by-step instructions. The user manual link is https://www.sevensensor.com/files/d/en/3S-WD_User_Manual.pdf

3- Does the sensor include a cable?

The sensor comes with a 50 cm 2x2x0,22 mm² – LI2YC11Y-TP /2,5 m 3x2x0,22 mm² – LI2Y(st) C11Y Cable, which is UV and weather resistant. Custom lengths are available on request.

4- How to mount of 3S-WD-MB-A?

There are two different mounting options; namely, pipe and ground mounting.

5- What is the warranty period of 3S-WD-MB-A?

All 3S-WD-MB-A sensors come with a 2-year warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship.

6- What are the delivery times?

Small Orders (up to 5 pcs): approx. 2-3 weeks

Bulk orders (up to 100 pcs): approx. 7-9 weeks

7- What is the price of wind direction sensor?

The price of wind direction sensor with analog output is between 450 and 500 EUR.