Non-Coplanar LIDAR Wind Velocity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately measuring wind velocity and direction, particularly in wind farms, where precise atmospheric data is needed for optimal power generation and turbine control, due to limitations in measuring aerosol and molecular components separately and efficiently combining them for accurate wind velocity estimation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LIDAR system that uses multiple non-coplanar lines of sight to measure wind velocity by combining aerosol and molecular components, with a threshold-based approach for deciding when to combine or separate these measurements, improving measurement precision and accuracy based on system design and operational scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR systems use multiple non-coplanar lines of sight to measure wind velocity by combining aerosol and molecular components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system segments the atmospheric backscatter signal into distinct aerosol and molecular components using wavelength-dependent scattering properties. By separating these components and measuring their respective Doppler shifts independently, the system achieves accurate wind velocity measurement while managing complexity through systematic signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in scattering parameters (Rayleigh scattering for molecular components, Mie scattering for aerosol components) at different laser wavelengths to differentiate and measure wind velocity contributions from each component separately, enabling precise combination of measurements
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR systems measure both aerosol and molecular components separately, then wind velocity estimation accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a threshold-based approach where it selectively combines aerosol and molecular measurements only when confidence criteria are met. This partial combination strategy improves accuracy by avoiding unreliable combinations while keeping the measurement process manageable through conditional processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that evaluates the quality and reliability of separate aerosol and molecular measurements before combining them. This intermediary assessment mechanism manages measurement complexity by filtering and validating data before integration
3Reliability
If LIDAR systems use threshold-based approach for combining measurements, then reliability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where measurement results are continuously evaluated against predefined thresholds and confidence criteria. This feedback loop ensures reliable decision-making about when to combine measurements by automatically adjusting processing based on measured quality metrics
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 approach enhances the accuracy of wind velocity measurement, allowing for better control and monitoring of wind turbines, improving power generation efficiency and reducing turbulence-induced damage by providing precise atmospheric data.
Implementation Method 1
a first LIDAR sensor operatively connected to detect scattered energy from the first energy beam
Implementation Method 2
Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) systems adapted to measure air data products
Implementation Method 3
measure wind velocity by combining aerosol and molecular components
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
An apparatus that measures atmospheric conditions upstream of a position at which the apparatus is located relative to a wind direction; comprising: at least one substantially coherent energy source operatively connected to emit at least a first energy beam upstream of the apparatus position relative to a wind direction; a first LIDAR sensor operatively connected to detect scattered energy from the first energy beam directed upstream of the apparatus position; and a processing circuit that generates data on the atmospheric conditions upstream of the apparatus position in response to the scattered energy detected by the first LIDAR sensor, wherein the at least one substantially coherent energy source is operatively connected to emit the first energy beam along a plurality of lines of sight upstream of the apparatus position, at least one of the plurality of lines of sight being non-coplanar with the other lines of sight such that the processing circuit generates three-dimensional data on the atmospheric conditions upstream of the apparatus position.