Doppler Lidar Wind Event Warning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind event detection systems fail to provide timely and accurate warnings for severe wind events, particularly for wind turbines and aircraft, due to the rapid onset and unpredictability of such events, leading to potential damage and financial losses.
Innovation Solution
A Doppler lidar system operates in two modes: a coarse scan to detect potential wind events by scanning in multiple directions and a fine scan to quantify the event, using high-energy lidar to determine the direction and magnitude of wind speed changes, allowing for precise prediction and warning of severe wind events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a full 360-degree scan is performed to detect wind events from all directions, then detection coverage is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into two segments: a coarse scan mode that performs rapid 360-degree detection to identify potential wind events, and a fine scan mode that performs detailed measurement only in the sector where an event is detected. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both comprehensive coverage and fast response time by avoiding unnecessary detailed scanning in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing a complete coarse scan for event detection, but only a partial fine scan in the specific sector where an event is suspected. This approach avoids the excessive time consumption of performing fine scans in all 360 degrees, while still ensuring accurate measurement when needed.
2Loss of time
If high-energy lidar is used to extend detection distance, then warning time is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic operation modes that adapt to detection needs. The lidar system switches between coarse scan mode for rapid screening and fine scan mode for detailed measurement. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve extended warning time through high-energy lidar when necessary, while reducing operational complexity by using lower energy consumption during routine monitoring.
3Speed
If coarse scan mode is used for rapid coverage, then response speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into coarse and fine modes with distinct functions. The coarse scan mode rapidly covers all directions to detect potential events, sacrificing some precision for speed. When an event is detected, the system transitions to fine scan mode that concentrates measurement resources on the specific sector, achieving high precision quantification of the wind event without compromising the initial rapid detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects and quantifies wind events, providing timely warnings that enable protective measures such as feathering turbine blades or reorienting structures, thereby reducing damage and operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Wind may be measured by the Doppler shift from naturally occurring aerosol (dust) particles entrained in the wind
Implementation Method 2
Wind may be measured by the Doppler shift from naturally occurring aerosol (dust) particles entrained in the wind
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a wind event utilizing Doppler lidar includes causing a Doppler lidar unit to operate in a course scan mode in which a lidar beam is scanned along several directions. Line-of-sight wind speed measurements are generated at each direction and a derivative with respect to distance of the line-of-sight wind speed measurements is calculated at each of the directions. A predicted angular position of a wind event is determined, and the lidar unit may then operate in a fine scan mode in which only a limited sector is scanned. The potential wind event is then quantified utilizing data obtained using the fine scan mode.