SgurrEnergy is using its wind meaurement device, Galion Lidar, to carry out a comparison study of all recognized methods for determining turbulence from Lidar measurements.
Renewable energy consultancy SgurrEnergy, has commenced the a comprehensive study of turbulence from wind farms using the versatility of its own wind scanning Lidar, Galion, and synchronized Lidar techniques.
SgurrEnergy is using its Galion Lidar wind measuring devices to carry out an comparison study of all recognized methods for determining turbulence from Lidar measurements.
The methods being investigated include convergent scan geometries, sometimes referred to as “virtual mast,” “dual Doppler,” “multi-Lidar,” or “windscanner” techniques, conventional wind profiling scan geometries, staring mode, and six-beam scan geometries proposed specifically for quantifying turbulence. Results of the study will be verified by measurements acquired by an industry standard meteorological mast and by other Galion Lidar devices.
“Turbulence measurements are critical for ensuring the appropriate model of wind turbine is selected for a wind farm site,” says Dr. Peter Clive, technical development officer with SgurrEnergy. “Two topics of interest in this study are the ability of Lidars to replicate the turbulence assessments conducted using met masts, and the ability of Lidars to provide us with more detailed and valuable information about turbulence than would be available to a simple met mast arrangement.”
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of turbulence that goes far beyond simple turbulence intensity calculations by looking at turbulent phenomena in a more detailed and instructive way.
The research is being conducted at SgurrEnergy’s Carrot Moor test facility. Its location and complex terrain allows testing wind sensing equipment in a realistic deployment setting.
“This study builds on the convergent scan geometry research which we first commenced with Galion Lidar in 2010,” continued Dr Clive. “The versatility of Galion lets us compare every proposed Lidar method for measuring turbulence using a single kind of instrument, minimizing the uncertainty of the assessment. We are evaluating these methods to ensure we can advise clients about the best approach to assessing turbulence for any set of project requirements and any set of circumstances on site.”
Similar studies are currently being carried out by Indiana University at the National Wind Technology Center in Boulder, Colorado. The University is using a G4000 Galion Lidar to assess turbulence in highly complex conditions, including temperatures of -20°C.
The outcome of these studies will offer insights into turbulent phenomena which will be used to address several key questions relating to the description of wind conditions and inform decisions on the selection of appropriate turbine technology for wind power projects.
SgurrEnergy
www.sgurrenergy.com
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