Compact Weather Stations Help Measure the Wind

Wind is a limited resource. As such, finding areas where one can harvest the most energy from this limited resource is becoming increasingly important in today’s power generation market. Proper turbine selection, controls and siting are among the top of the important decisions list.

Two years ago, Lufft provided a solution to your controls application problems, the WS series of compact ultrasonic weather stations. The Ventus model is ideal for wind turbine control applications and other instances where precise measurement of wind speed and direction is required in cold climates. The model includes a 200W heater for use in cold weather climates and covered design with heated roof. Additionally Lufft USA is offering a demonstration unit for a six month trial period to those who are interested.

The WS200-WS600 and Ventus wind sensor models are designed with different levels of functionality to meet specific weather monitoring applications. The WS600 for example, measures temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure, wind direction and wind speed. This sensor data can be polled wirelessly through the UMB or Universal Measurement Bus system.

Lufft USA

GE designs an “overcoat” for 2.5 MW turbines

GE Energy says its most advanced wind turbine, the 2.5xl, is now available with a Cold Weather Extreme (CWE) package. It ensures that the wind turbine operates in temperatures as low as -30C, and in survival mode without operation, at temperatures as low as -40C. The CWE package is important for wind turbines that operate in Canada where cold temperatures are common. Earlier this year, GE announced that the 2.5xl, already available in Europe and Asia, will be launched in North America in 2010. The CWE package originally was developed for the company’s 1.5-MW turbine and has been adapted for the 2.5xl.