Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 9,395,338 for its self-regulating terrestrial turbine control, which is done through environmental sensing. The Multimodal Environmental Impact Monitor (MIME) developed by WHOI uses an all-in-one sensor package that measures flicker, acoustic noise, and vibration generated by wind turbines.
MIME measures ground-coupled vibration, optical changes (shadow and flicker), and low-frequency acoustic emissions. The monitor also uses precise measurements to optimize a wind-turbine’s performance and energy output.
Data obtained from these modalities can then be used to provide input for turbine control paradigms optimize operations and maximize energy production.
“Current models for blade shadow flicker don’t take into account surrounding reflectors or structures, only topography and sun placement, and such estimates may be inaccurate,” explained WHOI Senior Engineer and MIME Inventor Paul Fucile.
Fucile notes that measurement of turbine infrasound generation has become an area of interest in recent years, particularly because of its potential health effects on those living in close proximity, and is something that MIME measures with great accuracy.
Accurately determining the environmental impact and site suitability for new turbine installations enables more responsible planning and building, and lets developers to establish an accurate pre-installation baseline.
MIME is intended for permanent installation at turbine sites for persistent observation with the option for turbine control. It can also be placed on a tripod for short-term studies of multiple sites.
Filed Under: News, Sensors
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