Self-Propelled Floating LiDAR for Autonomous Wind Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floating LiDAR devices require significant power for extended data collection, rely on complex generators with associated risks, and incur high costs and risks for deployment, maintenance, and data loss due to dependency on installation vessels.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled floating vertical wind profile sensor device with a deployable special mark and automated anchoring mechanism, enabling autonomous navigation, anchoring, and switching between vessel and buoy modes, reducing reliance on installation vessels and enhancing data collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional floating LiDAR devices are moored in place for extended data collection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to generator faults and power management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex power generation and mooring systems from the floating LiDAR device. Instead of being moored and requiring onboard generators, the device is deployed from and recovered by a vessel, eliminating generators, fuel tanks, and complex power management systems that cause reliability issues during extended deployments.
2Duration of action of moving object
If floating LiDAR devices are equipped with generators and solar panels for extended operation, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation systems (generators, solar panels, fuel tanks) from the floating device entirely. The device is instead deployed from a vessel that provides power during deployment and recovery operations, and the device operates from battery power during the measurement period without requiring complex power management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel serving as the deployment platform performs multiple functions: it transports the device, provides power during critical operations, and serves as the base for deployment and recovery. This eliminates the need for the floating device to carry its own complex power generation systems.
3Ease of operation
If floating LiDAR devices rely on installation vessels for deployment and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to scheduling constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The floating LiDAR device is designed to be self-deploying and self-recovering. It autonomously navigates to its deployment location and can be recovered by a vessel on demand without requiring complex mooring operations or extended scheduling arrangements, significantly reducing deployment and recovery time.
4Ease of operation
If floating LiDAR devices are towed or lifted by vessels to target locations, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to mooring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mooring system entirely from the floating device. Instead of being permanently moored at the target location, the device is deployed from a vessel, positions itself autonomously, and can be recovered by a vessel when needed, eliminating anchors, mooring lines, and associated complex infrastructure.
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
Enables extended and cost-effective data collection with reduced operational risks and costs by allowing autonomous deployment, retrieval, and maintenance, negating the need for installation vessels and minimizing data loss.
Implementation Method 1
The LiDAR focusses a laser vertically up and incorporates a sensor for detecting returning light scattered by particles and aerosols in the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
The measured returned signal may then be used to determine windspeed based on the doppler shift generated in the scattered light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Floating vertical wind profile sensor or LiDAR device (1) comprising a vertical wind profile sensor sensor (8) for sensing a vertical wind profile, a self-propulsion system (24) for propelling the device through a body of water, and a deployable special mark (10), actuatable to switch between a deployed state for identifying the device as a special marker buoy and an undeployed state for identifying the device as a vessel. A controller (22) is provided for switching the device (1) from a vessel mode to a buoy mode when the vessel is anchored. The controller (22) switches the special mark (10) to the deployed state when the device (1) is in the buoy mode. The method involves the floating LiDAR device (1) navigating to a target location and the buoy mode being activated while vertical wind profile data are collected.