Motion-Stabilised Lidar for Accurate Wind Speed Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems for wind speed measurement on floating platforms face inaccuracies due to movements, which distort readings and fail to scan volumes completely, especially in offshore conditions where natural motion of waves and erratic LIDAR movements lead to enlarged measurement volumes and false readings.
Innovation Solution
A motion-stabilized LIDAR (MS-LIDAR) system with a stabilizer unit that isolates base end motions from the probe end, equipped with a motion detector and processor to calculate wind speed corrections, ensuring accurate measurements by maintaining a constant probe volume relative to a fixed point in space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LIDAR is mounted on a floating platform to enable offshore wind speed measurement, then measurement location flexibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to platform movements
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the floating platform and the LIDAR. This stabilizer unit isolates the LIDAR from platform movements, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while operating from floating platforms. The stabilizer acts as a mediator that decouples the LIDAR from the unstable platform environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization methods with motion detection and computational correction. Motion detectors capture platform movement data, and processors apply correction algorithms to the wind speed measurements, substituting complex mechanical stabilization systems with sensor-based detection and software-based correction.
2Measurement precision
If motion stabilization is implemented to improve measurement precision, then wind speed measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a stabilizer unit for physical isolation, motion detectors for sensing, and processors for computational correction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design and maintenance while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer unit serves as an intermediary that physically isolates the LIDAR from platform movements, while motion detectors act as intermediaries between the physical movement and the computational correction system. These intermediary components bridge the gap between the unstable platform environment and the precise measurement requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If LIDAR scans remote probe volumes to obtain wind speed data, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to LIDAR movement during scanning
Solution Approach 1:
Motion detectors continuously monitor LIDAR position and movement, providing real-time feedback to the processing system. The processor uses this feedback to apply dynamic corrections to the wind speed measurements, compensating for LIDAR movement during scanning and maintaining measurement precision across the entire probe volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical systems to physically stabilize the LIDAR during scanning, the patent employs motion detection and computational correction. The system detects LIDAR movement and mathematically corrects the measurements, replacing mechanical stabilization with software-based solutions.
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 MS-LIDAR system provides reliable and accurate wind speed measurements by compensating for LIDAR movements and maintaining a stable probe volume, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing distortions caused by platform movements.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR systems provide wind speed data by measuring the Doppler shift imparted to laser light that is scattered from natural aerosols (e. g. dust, pollen, water droplets etc.) present in air
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns motion-stabilised LIDAR (100), MS-LIDAR, for measurement of wind speed, comprising: a stabiliser unit (25) having a having a probe end (30) for attachment to a laser radar, LIDAR (10), and a base end (40) for attachment to a buoyant platform (80), which stabiliser unit (25) is configured for at least partial isolation of motions of the base end (40) from the probe end (30); a LIDAR (10), attached in fixed relation to the probe end (40); a motion detector in fixed relation to the probe end (30); which MS-LIDAR (100) is arranged to make wind speed measurements at one or more remote probe volumes.