Valmeyer Wind Energy Project:

Wind Data

This page provides an explanation of the MAR Graphics anemometer used in the project and the monthly wind data summaries.

author: Jack Rozdilsky

Data Collection: The MAR Graphics Anemometer

The anemometer is composed of two parts. The sensor head, called the anemometer, is an apparatus which consists of three cups that catch the wind, causing them to spin. The spinning motion is used to produce a small electric current, by electromagnetic induction, which is porportional to the wind's velocity. A wind speed computer then receives the signal from the anemometer, records the signal, analyzes the signal, and displays the information.

The anemometer is located at MAR Graphics in Valmeyer, Illinois (elevation 745 feet). The anemometer's tower height is 53.8 feet (16.4 meters) and the swept diameter of the rotor is 7.5 inches (190 mm).

With microclimate data for the new village site available on the World Wide Web, the people of Valmeyer will be able to use this information to make informed decisions concerning how best to use the locally available, renewable natural resources. The decentralized nature of the Internet makes the World Wide Web an appropriate medium for the dissemination of information concerning decentralized energy technology, such as wind power.

These data are provided as a public service. Therefore, both the author and MAR Graphics assume no responsibility for the uses or interpretations of these data.

Valmeyer (MAR Graphics) Wind Data by Month

May 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 6.31 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 9.8 mph (May 8)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 0.8 mph (May 31)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 5.33 mph to 7.31 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 49 mph (May 18)

June 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 4.48 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 6.6 mph (June 8)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 1.5 mph (June 22)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 4.05 mph to 4.91 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 56 mph (June 7)

July 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 4.54 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 10.5 mph (July 5)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 1.5 mph (July 19)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 3.78 mph to 5.30 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 36 mph (July 4)

August 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 3.83 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 6.6 mph (August 31)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 1.1 mph (August 18)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 3.53 mph to 4.14 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 30 mph (August 10)

September 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 5.77 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 8.9 mph (Sept. 30)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 2.8 mph (Sept. 23)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 5.15 mph to 6.39 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 28 mph (Sept. 16)

October 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 7.10 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 14.9 mph (Oct. 23)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 2.7 mph (Oct. 11)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 5.53 mph to 8.68 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 46 mph (Oct. 16)

November 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 9.06 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 16.7 mph (Nov. 10)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 3.4 mph (Nov. 29)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 6.57 mph to 11.55 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 42 mph (Nov. 9)

December 1995

Monthly Average Wind Speed = 7.23 mph
Highest Daily Average Wind Speed = 14.4 mph (Dec. 9)
Lowest Daily Average Wind Speed = 3.8 mph (Dec. 7)
Expected Range of Wind Speeds = 6.01 mph to 8.55 mph
Peak Wind Gust = 39 mph (Dec. 2)

the views expressed on this page are those of the author