Resource and Project Energy Assessment 2018

Sessions Speakers Buzz

Power Curve Performance Test with SODAR, LiDAR, and Anemometer: A Comparison Study.

12 Sep 18
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Tracks: Rapid Fire Session

Wind operators and developers have advanced significantly in regards to the usage of remote sensing devices (RSD); however, the industry has been slow to adapt to the rapid pace of RSD technology by relying upon familiar measurement devices such as cup anemometer. A power performance comparison amongst three different measurement technologies (SODAR, LiDAR, and cup anemometer) was carried out by evaluating an operating wind turbine at an undisclosed testing location. The results demonstrate that the power curve from the LiDAR dataset has greater accuracy and precision when benched marked against the expected OEM production. Further assessment across multiple sites will be the natural evolution of this ongoing research. By demonstrating RSD have less uncertainty the industry may merit removing the dependency of RSD validation to anemometry. As consequence performance test or campaigns can shift to measurement across rotor as oppose to single point profile extrapolated to hub height.