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Arrival-Time Detection in Wind-Speed Measurement: Wavelet Transform and Bayesian Information Criteria
Wei Zhang1,2, Zhipeng Li1,2, Xuyang Gao1,2
1School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 8, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a new method using wavelet transform (WT) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC) to accurately determine ultrasonic echo arrival times for wind speed measurement. The technique improves precision, especially in noisy conditions.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Signal Processing
Background:
- The time-difference method is standard for ultrasonic wind speed measurement.
- Accurate ultrasonic echo arrival-time determination is crucial but challenging due to noise and sensor variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust method for precise ultrasonic echo arrival-time determination.
- To enhance the accuracy of ultrasonic anemometry, particularly in low signal-to-noise ratio environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized wavelet transform (WT) for time-frequency analysis of ultrasonic echo signals.
- Applied Bayesian information criteria (BIC) within a time window around a rough arrival time for precise determination.
- Validated the method using an ultrasonic anemometer in a wind tunnel.
Main Results:
- Achieved high accuracy in arrival-time determination, with deviations within 5 μs from standard values.
- Demonstrated low standard deviation in measured wind speed (within 0.2 m/s), even in low signal-to-noise conditions.
Conclusions:
- The proposed WT and BIC method significantly improves the accuracy of ultrasonic echo arrival-time measurement.
- This technique offers a reliable solution for accurate wind speed measurement using ultrasonic anemometers in challenging environments.
