3D mapping of wind conditions by means of laser instruments

Still today it is a scientific challenge to measure and understand the three-dimensional and time varying wind field as it passes through and interacts with the huge rotor of a modern wind turbine. Using traditional wind measurement devices such as anemometers mounted on meteorological masts, it is practically impossible to acquire the full three-dimensional (3D) wind information in a huge rotor plane. Our present comprehension of the turbulent wind flow and its interaction with large scale wind turbines is correspondingly limited.

Due to their 3D remote sensing wind measurement methodology integrated with controllable scanning systems, WindScanners provide detailed full-scale 3D real atmospheric wind and turbulence measurements with lower uncertainty than achievable by down scaled wind tunnel testing or computer modeling. Scientifically, the objective for the new European WindScanner Facility is to establish and jointly operate a new pan-European WindScanners facility for wind and turbulence measurements in relation to wind energy research and development. In addition the consortium will, through joint data analysis and data management, enable detailed 3D wind scanning and mapping of the flow structures within and around today’s huge individual wind turbines, turbine arrays, on and offshore, for local assessment of wind conditions and wind resources. In addition, the Consortium beneficiaries believe the WindScanner Facility will continue to spur new innovative products and remote sensing methodologies developed and operated for integration on wind turbines for enhanced wind turbine steering and control.

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