Offshore windfarm and ships

Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80 for maritime applications

Boost navigational safety and improve the accuracy of your dynamic positioning capabilities

Next-generation ultrasonic wind sensor

WM80 with marine adapter

Reliable and accurate wind measurements are crucial for navigational safety and dynamic positioning. In dynamic positioning applications — while stabilizing vessels during crew transfers or lifting operations — uninterrupted and reliable wind data reduces operational risks and improves safety. For navigation, the data underpins decision making surrounding potential route adjustments.

The Vaisala Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80 is designed for the demanding and harsh maritime environment, delivering world-class wind measurements to optimize your vessel performance. 

Reliable wind measurements

The Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80 delivers reliable wind measurements in a robust design that fits right in with demanding, naturally corrosive offshore environments.

WM80 delivers unparalleled wind data availability across all weather conditions to enhance navigation and optimize dynamic positioning capabilities. The patent pending reflector design that directs and focuses the ultrasonic beam, provides 5 times stronger signal compared to conventional design. This allows uninterrupted and accurate wind measurements even in heavy rain or high wind speeds up to 90 m/s.

Helicopter approaching ship

Rugged design

WM80

Crafted from corrosion-resistant, anodized marine-grade aluminum, WM80 houses 11 controlled heaters allowing stable performance even in arctic environments, withstanding freezing temperatures, heat, heavy precipitation, high winds, corrosion, vibration, and shock.

Easy installation & use

The compact design of WM80 goes in tight spaces, and installation is straightforward. WM80 uses a convenient push-pull connector for secure and stable connection. The optional alignment tool helps to achieve precise sensor orientation for accurate wind direction information. WM80 is maintenance-free as there are no moving parts that wear, and no need for calibration.

Seamless integration adds to WM80's ease of use. Standardized communication protocol (NMEA and Modbus serial interface) facilitates easy sharing and integration of wind data to the control or navigation system of the vessel.

Trusted Vaisala technology

WM80 uses patented Vaisala WINDCAP® ultrasonic wind measurement technology, which is based on more than 50 years of wind measurement expertise.

This rugged instrument builds on the patented WINDCAP® technology, with a further signal boost from the new patented reflector, resulting in a 10-fold increase in signal level compared to conventional ultrasonic sensors.

WM80 low angle
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Knowledge Brief: Optimizing Dynamic Positioning system performance with reliable wind data

Accurate wind measurements have become indispensable in the growing Dynamic Positioning market for supporting renewable energy projects like offshore wind farms, where reliable DP systems are essential for installation, service and maintenance operations. Download this Knowledge Brief to learn more how accurate and reliable wind sensors can help you to minimize unnecessary risks and optimize your vessel’s performance in any environment.

Windmills and ships in the sea

Webinar: Enhancing dynamic positioning systems with accurate wind data

Join our webinar as we delve into the importance of situational awareness and how accurate and reliable wind measurements lead to greater dynamic positioning system performance. We’ll also introduce new Vaisala Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80, specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of dynamic positioning.

Industry Applications

Wind turbines in mountainous area

General

Explore how the Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80 suits a wide range of weather-dependent applications.

Resources

Teamworking

Get Started with the Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80 Today

Contact Vaisala to learn how to put the industry’s most accurate wind measurements to work for your needs.

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