A Triple-Lidar based Automated Remote Sensor for Wind Measurements
Abstract
A Triple-Lidar based Automated Remote Sensor for Wind Measurements This proposal seeks $525,000 for acquisition of a novel remote sensor for probing the lower atmosphere, with unique applications to nominally inaccessible locations such as the coastal marine boundary layer, highly complex terrain, wind turbine wakes and helicopter downwash. The proposed Triple-Lidar assemblage is a commercial outgrowth of antecedent foundational research by the PI and his collaborators in the USA as well as the simultaneous, independent technology development efforts of European scientists. The system is based on cutting-edge wind Doppler Lidar technology, wherein each Lidar of the triumvirate measures the line-of-sight component of the wind. Controllable integrated steering of Lidar beams as well as their focus position by a master computer allow measurements within a hemispherical cone in a threedimensional continuum of points, with a full top angle of ~ 180o and probe volumes from ~ 60 m out to (6-9 km), depending on the range resolution and angles of sight. Three line-of-site velocities so measured enable retrieval of the full wind velocity vector, without making any assumptions on the flow as required in single or dual- Lidar deployments. The instrument is able to produce detailed, full-scale, time-varying, three-dimensional maps of wind velocities, turbulence levels and Reynolds stresses, covering horizontal areas of tens of square kilometers, heights up to ~ 1km and a myriad of measurement surfaces including ‘mobile’ virtual towers. Measurement uncertainties are lower than those achieved by down-scaled wind tunnel testing or computer modeling. Data analysis software will be available commercially, but further refinements will be undertaken. To capitalize on an existing Lidar, the purchase will be made from Halo Photonics Ltd. The proposed system is the first ever commercial Triple-Lidar acquisition in the US. The system is portable, and can be conveniently transported to domestic and foreign field sites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512852
Entities
People
- Harindra Fernando
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Notre Dame