Ultra-low-cost logging anemometer for wind power generation feasibility surveys

We describe the design and implementation of a cup anemometer capable of logging average wind speed, maximum wind speed and seconds with wind above a criterion speed, on individual weeks. The instrument will operate for at least 54 weeks on two AA dry cells. The intention is that this instrument be deployed to ascertain whether it would be economical to install a wind generator, at a fraction of the cost of a multipurpose weather data logging station. It is designed around a $2 microcontroller that provides non-volatile memory. Provision has been made for using either a magnetic reed switch or the motor from a discarded hard disk drive to sense rotation. The latter enables the use of an otherwise worthless bearing and drive assembly to provide an especially frugal solution