Non-coherent Laser Anemometer Wind Velocity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind monitoring systems for wind turbine installations are inadequate in providing accurate, real-time three-dimensional wind velocity data at a high refresh rate, which is essential for optimizing wind turbine operation and power generation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing non-coherent laser anemometers that measure wind characteristics in multiple sub-volumes, combined with a data processing subsystem to provide three-dimensional wind velocity vectors at a refresh rate of at least one per second, and includes tunable lasers, scanners, detectors, and correlation circuitry to calculate optimal wind turbine placement and power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wind monitoring systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and three-dimensional wind velocity data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement volume is divided into multiple sub-volumes, with each non-coherent laser anemometer measuring wind characteristics in a specific sub-volume. This segmentation allows for precise three-dimensional wind velocity measurement throughout the entire volume while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional two-dimensional wind measurement to three-dimensional wind velocity vector measurement by deploying multiple non-coherent laser anemometers at different locations and orientations, enabling comprehensive spatial wind field characterization.
2Productivity
If conventional wind monitoring systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but refresh rate and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic measurement cycles where each non-coherent laser anemometer repeatedly measures wind characteristics in its assigned sub-volume at high speed. This periodic action enables real-time monitoring with refresh rates of at least one measurement per second across the entire measurement volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple non-coherent laser anemometers operate simultaneously and continuously to measure wind characteristics in overlapping or adjacent sub-volumes, ensuring uninterrupted real-time wind field monitoring throughout the measurement volume without gaps or delays.
3Measurement precision
If non-coherent laser anemometers are deployed in multiple sub-volumes, then measurement precision and three-dimensional coverage are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each non-coherent laser anemometer is designed as a universal measurement unit capable of measuring wind characteristics in any sub-volume where it is deployed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each location and simplifies system configuration and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
A data processing subsystem acts as an intermediary between multiple non-coherent laser anemometers and the user, collecting, synchronizing, and processing data from all anemometers to produce integrated three-dimensional wind velocity field information, thereby managing system complexity centrally.
4Productivity
If high refresh rate three-dimensional wind velocity data is provided, then wind turbine control and power generation optimization are improved, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing subsystem performs preliminary processing of wind velocity data from multiple anemometers, calculating three-dimensional wind velocity vectors and identifying optimal wind turbine placement and operational parameters in advance, enabling proactive control decisions that maximize power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where processed wind velocity data is used to adjust wind turbine operation in real-time, optimizing power generation based on current wind conditions. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic control strategies that respond to changing wind patterns while managing data processing loads efficiently.
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 precise alignment and control of wind turbines for maximum power generation, improves wind farm integration into electricity grids, and facilitates better wind resource assessment and forecasting, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable laser, providing laser beam outputs at multiple wavelengths in various scanning directions
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector for receiving signals from back scattered laser beam outputs
Implementation Method 3
correlation circuitry operative to correlate signals received by the at least one detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for monitoring wind characteristics in a volume including a plurality of non-coherent laser anemometers operative to measure wind characteristics in a plurality of corresponding sub-volumes located within the volume and a data processing subsystem operative to receive data from the plurality of non-coherent laser anemometers and to provide output data representing the wind characteristics in the volume.