A new type of anemometer enables the measurement of flow rate at a low current speed, for long periods of time.

UNMET NEED
Measuring a low-speed flow in complex environments has always been a challenging task. As a result, applications and studies in which measurements of very low flow speed are difficult to perform, i.e. study of filtration rate of sponges or built-in system for early indication of leakage in smart buildings pipe systems.

OUR SOLUTION
This new low-cost sensor, small enough to be implemented into complex flow systems both as a part of the infrastructure or as a standalone sensor, can give the ability to monitor and measure a wide range of flow speed. 
As seen in Fig-1 the flow can be measured starting from none up to 350 mm/sec with low sensor tip temperature, by changing the sensor tip temperature the range can be easily change: 

Fig-1: Calibration Results 0-350 mm/sec

The prototype and suggested implementation as a part of a pipe complex are shown in Fig-2 and Fig-3:

ADVANTAGES
• Low-cost, stable flow meter for low-speed with minimum disturbance to the flow regime. 
• The system can be used under-water to enable field experiments (tough conditions, sea water).
• This anemometer provide stable measurements, with simple linear correction to ambient temperature drifts, if needed.
• Small size of the sensor (diameter of 2.5 mm) and low heating, minimize the disturbance to the flow field. 

APPLICATIONS
• Medical, biological and chemical laboratories
• Leakage warning in smart buildings
• Under-water flow measuring equipment
• Flow control systems in complex pipe structures

STATUS
We have a working version 3 prototype, after validation and calibration tests. Built five more systems for laboratory biological experiments. For the next phase, we are planning to design an underwater case to enable this system for in-situ biological experiments.

PROVISIONAL PATENT PENDING