A wind fence is a structure primarily designed to slow the wind in one place by deflecting it to another.
How Wind Fences Work
Instead of creating a solid barrier that wind goes around (potentially causing turbulence), a wind fence typically has some permeability. This design allows a portion of the wind to pass through while redirecting the majority, effectively reducing wind speed in a targeted area downwind.
Effectiveness and Zone of Protection
- Speed Reduction: The most effective windbreaks can significantly reduce wind velocity, producing a zone behind the structure where the wind speed is approximately a quarter of its original speed.
- Protected Zone Size: The area sheltered by a wind fence is related to its height. As an example provided in reference, for a windbreak that is 50ft (15.24m) high, the zone experiencing reduced wind speed can extend about 250ft (76m) downwind.
This principle makes wind fences valuable tools in various applications where managing wind flow is crucial.
