LiDAR Wind Velocity Correction via Temporal Offset

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining wind speed components, such as those using LiDAR sensors, assume wind homogeneity over large areas, leading to inaccurate measurements due to local variations in wind speed, especially in complex sites, which affects the precision of wind turbine installation and energy production assessments.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a LiDAR sensor to acquire measurement signals, determine the average wind direction and speed, construct a perpendicular projection line, calculate a temporal offset between measurement points and the projection line, and correct measurement signals to accurately determine wind speed components, reducing the homogeneity assumption and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If LiDAR sensor assumes wind homogeneity over large areas, then measurement coverage area is increased, but measurement precision deteriorates due to local variations in wind speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoidwind speed measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement plane into multiple smaller zones or segments, each with its own wind speed calculation. Instead of assuming uniform wind across the entire measurement area, the method processes different regions separately, allowing local wind variations to be captured while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the aggregation of multiple segmented measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If measuring mast with multiple sensors is installed, then wind speed measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind speed measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wind speed measurement function from complex physical sensor arrays and relocates it to the signal processing domain. By using a single LiDAR sensor combined with temporal coherence analysis and wind field reconstruction algorithms, the system achieves multi-point measurement capability without requiring multiple physical sensors mounted on a complex mast structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensor array system with an optical LiDAR-based measurement system. Instead of using multiple anemometers or other mechanical wind sensors physically distributed across a mast, the invention uses laser beams and temporal signal processing to infer wind speed components, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If LiDAR sensor is positioned on ground and oriented vertically, then installation ease is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in complex sites with local wind variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidwind speed measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of average wind direction and speed before conducting the actual wind speed component measurements. This preliminary characterization of the wind field allows the system to compensate for local variations and reconstruct accurate wind speed components even when the LiDAR is positioned on the ground, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method provides precise, robust, and reliable determination of wind speed components, enabling more accurate wind turbine installation and energy production assessments by accounting for local wind variations, thus improving the financial reliability of wind projects.

Implementation Method 1

A second technique is to use a LiDAR sensor (acronym for light detection and ranging). LiDAR is a remote sensing or optical measurement technology based on analyzing the properties of a beam reflected back to its emitter.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection and ranging (LiDAR): LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

This method is used, in particular, to determine the distance to an object using a pulsed laser.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

Method for determining wind velocity components by means of a laser remote sensor and by means of a temporal coherence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemporal coherence:

Data Source

PatentEP4172648B1Method for determining wind velocity components by means of a laser remote sensor and by means of a temporal coherence
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP4172648B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4172648B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4172648B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining wind velocity components by means of a positioned LiDAR sensor (1). For this method, the wind direction (Dir) and average wind velocity (͞ν) are determined in a measurement plane (PM), then a projection line is constructed perpendicular to the wind direction (Dir) in the measurement plane (PM), then a temporal offset (δt) is determined between the measurement points (b1, b2, b3, b4) and the projection line, so as to determine corrected measurement signals.