P2546A-L Three-Cup Anemometer with MEASNET Calibration
IEC 61400-12 Class 1 Anemometer

weather applications water applications energy applications gas flux and turbulence applications infrastructure applications soil applications

Overview

The P2546A, manufactured by WINDSENSOR, is a Class 1 anemometer often used for wind speed resource assessment and wind turbine power performance monitoring. Wind speed is sensed by a three-cup rotor assembly. Magnets mounted on the shaft cause a switch to close and open two times per revolution. Our data loggers measure the switch closure and convert the signal to engineering units (mph, m/s, knots). The anemometer is mounted using the 27739 30-inch mounting pole. The P2546A comes with a MEASNET calibration certificate.

The P2546C (coil version) and P2546D (electronic version) are also available.

Note: The P2546A, which includes a mercury reed switch and is not CE- or RoHS-compliant, has been replaced for most applications by the P2546D.

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Benefits and Features

  • IEC Class 1 performance
  • Constructed from only durable materials such as anodized aluminum and stainless steel
  • No bounce switch
  • Mechanism reduces the variation in operating time over the frequency range
  • Compatible with many Campbell Scientific data loggers

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Detailed Description

The P2546A is constructed with durable anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Its switch has no bounce and has a mechanism that reduces the variation in operating time over the frequency range.

Specifications

Sensor 3-cup anemometer
Measurement Description Wind speed
Signal Type/Output Contact closure (pulse)
Range 0 to 70 m/s
Starting Threshold < 0.4 m/s
Starting Speed 0.27 m/s
Gain 0.6201 m
Distance Constant λ0 = 1.81 ± 0.04 m
Standard Deviation of Offset 0.014 m/s
Standard Deviation of Gain 0.027 m
Variation among Units ±1%
Non-Linearity < 0.04 m/s
Temperature Influence < 0.05 m/s (-15° to +60°C)
-NOTE- The specifications are based on 80 wind tunnel calibrations performed according to the Measnet Cup Anemometer Calibration Procedure. The specified offset and gain figures represent the mean values of these calibrations. Variation among units designates the maximum deviation of any unit from the straight line representing these mean values. All units are run-in for 225 hours at 9 ms-1, in order to reduce the initial bearing friction to a level close to the steady state value. After run-in, bearing friction is tested at -15°C and at room temperature. The allowed limits for this test assure that the temperature influence on the calibration is within the specified limit.

Calibration

Standard U=A0+B0×f
Wind Speed U [m/s]
Offset A0=0.27 m/s ("starting speed")
Gain B0=0.620 m
Output Frequency f [Hz]

Switching Characteristics

Signal Type Potential free contact closure
Duty Cycle 40% to 60%
Maximum Switching Voltage 30 V
Maximum Recommended Switching Current 10 mA
Series Resistance 330 Ω, 1 W
Operating Temperature Range -35° to +60°C

Compatibility

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Dataloggers

Product Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X
CR300
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR350
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to P2546A-L: 5

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  1. Yes. Every P2546A-L ships with a MEASNET calibration certificate.

  2. Yes. Campbell Scientific recommends checking the local regulations to ensure that mercury switches are usable in the intended area. If a sensor without the mercury switch is required, contact us for assistance with ordering the P2546C-L.

  3. Not every sensor has different cable termination options. The options available for a particular sensor can be checked by looking in two places in the Ordering information area of the sensor product page:

    • Model number
    • Cable Termination Options list

    If a sensor is offered in an –ET, –ETM, –LC, –LQ, or –QD version, that option’s availability is reflected in the sensor model number. For example, the 034B is offered as the 034B-ET, 034B-ETM, 034B-LC, 034B-LQ, and 034B-QD.

    All of the other cable termination options, if available, are listed on the Ordering information area of the sensor product page under “Cable Termination Options.” For example, the 034B-L Wind Set is offered with the –CWS, –PT, and –PW options, as shown in the Ordering information area of the 034B-L product page.

    Note: As newer products are added to our inventory, typically, we will list multiple cable termination options under a single sensor model rather than creating multiple model numbers. For example, the HC2S3-L has a –C cable termination option for connecting it to a CS110 instead of offering an HC2S3-LC model. 

  4. Most Campbell Scientific sensors are available as an –L, which indicates a user-specified cable length. If a sensor is listed as an –LX model (where “X” is some other character), that sensor’s cable has a user-specified length, but it terminates with a specific connector for a unique system:

    • An –LC model has a user-specified cable length for connection to an ET107, CS110, or retired Metdata1.
    • An –LQ model has a user-specified cable length for connection to a RAWS-P weather station.

    If a sensor does not have an –L or other –LX designation after the main model number, the sensor has a set cable length. The cable length is listed at the end of the Description field in the product’s Ordering information. For example, the 034B-ET model has a description of “Met One Wind Set for ET Station, 67 inch Cable.” Products with a set cable length terminate, as a default, with pigtails.

    If a cable terminates with a special connector for a unique system, the end of the model number designates which system. For example, the 034B-ET model designates the sensor as a 034B for an ET107 system.

    • –ET models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station.
    • –ETM models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station, but they also include a special system mounting, which is often convenient when purchasing a replacement part.
    • –QD models terminate with the connector for a RAWS-F Quick Deployment Station.
    • –PW models terminate with the connector for a PWENC or pre-wired system.
  5. Many Campbell Scientific sensors are available with different cable termination options. These options include the following:

    • The –PT (–PT w/Tinned Wires) option is the default option and does not display on the product line as the other options do. The cable terminates in pigtails that connect directly to a datalogger.
    • In the –C (–C w/ET/CS110 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CS110 Electric Field Meter or an ET-series weather station.
    • In the –CWS (–CWS w/CWS900 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CWS900-series interface. Connection to a CWS900-series interface allows the sensor to be used in a wireless sensor network.
    • In the –PW (–PW w/Pre-Wire Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a prewired enclosure.
    • In the –RQ (–RQ w/RAWS Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a RAWS-P Permanent Remote Automated Weather Station.

    Note: The availability of cable termination options varies by sensor. For example, sensors may have none, two, or several options to choose from. If a desired option is not listed for a specific sensor, contact Campbell Scientific for assistance.