LiDAR

Remote sensing systems have become more and more popular in the wind industry as a supplement to the traditional met mast. Remote sensing systems can be applied to complement a wind site assessment campaign or for wind farm monitoring.

The systems measure the wind conditions from the ground up to a height of 200 meters. Thus the wind speed and wind direction up to rotor blade tip-height or for the whole rotor blade area can be used to calculated the wind energy yield forecast.

Types of Remote Sensing Systems

There are two types of remote sensing systems on the market:

1. SoDAR (Sonic Detection and Ranging) and
2. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

SoDAR instruments measure the wind conditions by means of sound; LiDAR instruments use light to measure the wind characteristics. LiDAR systems can also be installed on top of a wind turbine to measure wind conditions in front and behind the turbine.

SoDAR and LiDAR devices have to be properly supplied with sufficient power.