Sodar and Lidar Orientation Correction for Non-Stationary Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind speed measurement systems, such as sodar and lidar, are inadequate for accurate resource assessment on non-stationary structures like buoys and ships due to orientation and position errors, which affect data accuracy and are influenced by motion and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors to detect three-dimensional angular orientation and position, along with real-time software adjustments, to compensate for deviations from nominal orientations and positions, allowing for reliable data collection even on unstable platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sodar or lidar equipment is mounted on non-stationary structures (buoys, ships), then the equipment can be deployed in deeper water locations, but the motion and position changes of these structures degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual orientation and position of the sodar or lidar equipment using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS) and feeds this information back to the processing system. The feedback loop enables real-time detection of deviations from nominal orientation, allowing the system to dynamically adjust measurements and maintain accuracy despite platform motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference frame parameters by transforming wind measurements from the instrument's moving coordinate system to a stable Earth-fixed coordinate system. By applying orientation correction data from sensors, the system adjusts measurement parameters (wind speed, direction) to compensate for platform motion, effectively separating true atmospheric wind from apparent wind caused by platform movement.
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus is precisely oriented and leveled during installation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary orientation correction by continuously measuring actual orientation during operation and applying corrections in real-time. Instead of requiring perfect initial orientation, the system proactively monitors and corrects for any deviations that occur during installation or operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming precise leveling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-contained sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, electronic compass) mounted on the apparatus to autonomously detect and measure its own orientation and position. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically determine and correct for its own misalignment without requiring external surveying equipment or manual adjustment, significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and real-time correction software are added to the system, then orientation and position accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes: accelerometers and gyroscopes not only measure orientation for wind correction but also detect platform motion and position changes. The electronic compass provides both heading information and contributes to overall orientation determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement type, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for correcting wind speed and direction data collected by a sodar or lidar apparatus for the orientation and/or position of the apparatus. There are sensors mounted to the sodar or lidar apparatus that detect the orientation and position of the apparatus. Software is used to adjust in situ the calculations of wind speeds and directions in three dimensions for deviations from some nominal orientation. Software and data structures can be used to cause the inclusion of the orientation and position of the system with the collected data.