Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture; President and CEO: Joshua Loan; hereinafter "Japan Wind Tunnel"), which handles wind tunnel testing equipment and related fluid experiment devices, and Stratovision (Base: Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative: Hiroki Kawano; hereinafter "Stratovision"), which is engaged in the development of ultrasonic anemometers, have announced the signing of a joint development contract for ultrasonic anemometers.
About Ultrasonic Anemometers
There are various types of anemometers, but among them, the "ultrasonic anemometer," which measures wind speed using high-frequency sound that is inaudible to humans, not only covers a wide range of wind speeds from low to high but also has the excellent capability of simultaneously measuring wind direction.
Conventional ultrasonic anemometers were large in size and expensive. However, the ultrasonic anemometer "ULSA" developed by Stratovision is a compact and low-cost ultrasonic anemometer, which has garnered attention with cumulative shipments exceeding 100 units within a year of its announcement.
For more information on the mechanism of ultrasonic anemometers and the development story of "ULSA," please see here.
About Wind Tunnel Experiments
Wind tunnel experiments, conducted in controlled wind conditions for purposes such as measuring air resistance and visualizing airflow, are fundamental to the development of everyday vehicles and support industrialized society from behind the scenes.
Conducting wind tunnel experiments requires not only the wind tunnel itself, which generates controlled airflow, but also peripheral measurement devices like anemometers and force sensors. Anemometers measure the wind speed generated by the wind tunnel and can also be attached to test objects to measure the wind flowing inside and outside the objects.
Objective of the Joint Development
This joint development aims to combine the fluid dynamics expertise of Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. with the capability of Stratovision to produce compact ultrasonic anemometers. The goal is to develop ultrasonic anemometers with the following features:
- Aerodynamics: Shape optimized for aerodynamics to minimize measurement impact and improve accuracy
- High Wind Speed Compatibility: Accurate wind speed measurement even in high wind speed ranges
- Compactness: Compact size that can be attached to test objects during wind tunnel experiments
- Dust and Water Resistance: Dust and water resistance for outdoor use
In this development, Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. will provide wind tunnel equipment necessary for design and testing, as well as handle fluid dynamic design, analysis, and literature review. Stratovision will develop the sensors and electronic circuits for the ultrasonic anemometers.
Jointly by Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Stratovision
Comments from Joshua Loan, President and CEO of Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Wind tunnel experiments cannot be conducted without peripheral measurement devices such as anemometers. We are honored to have established a cooperative relationship with Stratovision, a company based in Fukuoka with impressive technical capabilities despite being a small business. With the combination of our compact wind tunnel, Aero Optim, and Stratovision's compact ultrasonic anemometer, we aim to expand the possibilities and accessibility of wind tunnel experiments. All involved parties are committed to this effort.
Comments from Hiroki Kono, Representative of Stratovision
Wind tunnel experiments cannot be conducted without peripheral measurement devices such as anemometers. We are honored to have established a cooperative relationship with Stratovision, a company based in Fukuoka with impressive technical capabilities despite being a small business. With the combination of our compact wind tunnel, Aero Optim, and Stratovision's compact ultrasonic anemometer, we aim to expand the possibilities and accessibility of wind tunnel experiments. All involved parties are committed to this effort.
About Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Founded in October 2016 as a venture company originating from Kyushu University, Japan Wind Tunnel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures, and analyzes wind tunnel testing equipment and fluid-related experimental devices. With the slogan "Democratizing Wind Tunnels," the company aims to make wind tunnel testing accessible to everyone through the development and manufacture of products such as the compact wind tunnel testing system "Aero Optim." In March of this year, the company opened the Fuji Aero Performance Center in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, a wind tunnel testing facility available to the general public, attracting attention from industries such as bicycles, automobiles, and drones.
Official Website: https://japanfudo.com/
Fuji Aero Performance Center Website: https://fuji-apc.com/
About Stratovision
Stratovision started as a personal venture in August 2020 to research and develop unmanned observation balloons capable of conducting low-cost extreme environment observations in the stratosphere and other high altitudes. During the process of developing balloon recovery technology, the need arose for a compact airspeed sensor that could be mounted on small balloons, leading to the development of Stratovision's proprietary ultrasonic anemometer in 2022.
The ultrasonic anemometer ULSA (Ultrasonic Anemometer) launched for general sale has shipped over 100 units in its first year and has been adopted by major manufacturers and research institutions.
Official Website: https://strvsn.net/