An indicator of the drying rate of an airflow is the product of airspeed and humidity ratio (or vapour pressure) deficit. Significant\udsensor errors are present in both the high relative humidity and low airspeed ranges. Also, the margin for error is small relative to\udthe desired drying measure for mushroom growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a low-cost prototype\udanemometer for use in a mushroom growth environment. A calibrated thermal anemometer was used as a performance reference\udfor the prototype airspeed sensor. Case studies were carried out on two prototype airspeed sensors to determine suitability for use\udin this drying measure application. The study required the construction of a custom wind tunnel to produce a unidirectional airflow.\udThe sensors (housed in the wind tunnel) were evaluated in an environmental chamber over the range of relevant temperatures.\udResults show promise for the future application of the prototype sensors subject to the sensors being thermally compensated.\udReduction in the cost of a low velocity anemometer by an order of magnitude, would facilitate their purchase and subsequent use\udfor airspeed control by the grower, thus broadening the range of control variables available to the grower.
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