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Wind Direction and Magnitude Determination Using Hall Effect-Based Rotary Encoders On High Altitude Balloons

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Abstract

During the ascent stage of a high-altitude balloon flight, it is critical to know the local atmospheric conditions around the balloon. This paper explores the feasibility of using Hall effect-based rotary encoders in conjunction with accelerometric and barometric data to determine both wind direction and speed in the XYZ coordinate frame. The paper also addresses issues and challenges that arise when manufacturing and implementing the technology. Neodymium magnets were used to construct an anemometer and a wind vane which were then both mounted radially on either side of a payload structure. The anemometer and wind vane were both 3D printed and a contactless stem was used to position the magnets above a rotary encoder. The changes in magnetic field strength were then recorded throughout the flight and post-processed to create XY plane wind speed and direction. Accelerometer data was also used to offset rotational motion caused by the flight string. Using an accelerometer and barometer, the wind speed in the z-axis was then also estimated to predict the incoming total XYZ coordinate frame wind vectors. Test flights with this payload were conducted in both daylight conditions as well as in the 2024 total solar eclipse. Initial information related to this research suggests that although rotary encoders are easy to implement, limitations related to the real-time processing of data may pose difficulties in correctly analyzing the data.

Keywords: Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Anemometer, Wind Vane, 3D printed, Rotation Correction, Hall Effect-Based Rotary Encoders

How to Cite:

Somov, M. & Venuganti, S., (2024) “Wind Direction and Magnitude Determination Using Hall Effect-Based Rotary Encoders On High Altitude Balloons”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2024(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ahac.17949