Sodar and Lidar Orientation Correction for Mobile 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 positional errors, which affect data accuracy and are not suitable for long-term measurements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors to detect three-dimensional angular orientation and position, along with gyroscopes and GPS, to continuously correct wind speed and direction data in real-time, allowing for reliable measurements even on dynamically moving platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sodar or lidar equipment is deployed on non-stationary structures (buoys, ships), then the system can conduct measurements in deeper water locations, but the measurements are adversely affected by platform motion and orientation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors platform orientation and position using sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS) and feeds this information back to the processing system. The measured orientation data is used to dynamically correct the wind speed and direction calculations, compensating for platform motion effects in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference frame parameters dynamically based on measured platform orientation. By transforming the measurement coordinates from the moving platform frame to the stationary earth frame using measured attitude angles and position data, the system maintains measurement accuracy despite platform motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional anemometry is mounted on floating structures, then measurements can be taken in open water, but the structure adversely affects accuracy by influencing airflow and the motion of structures degrades measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary correction system that separates the measurement function from the platform motion effects. By introducing orientation sensors and correction algorithms as intermediaries between the raw measurements and final data, the system eliminates the adverse effects of platform motion and structure-induced airflow disturbances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ship-based measurements are used for resource assessment, then the system can be deployed in deeper water, but the duration of measurement is inadequate for accurate resource assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for dynamic long-term operation on moving platforms. The real-time correction algorithms continuously compensate for platform motion throughout extended measurement periods, enabling year-long deployment durations suitable for accurate resource assessment while maintaining data quality.
4Measurement precision
If fixed foundations are used for wind measurement equipment, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the cost increases significantly for deeper water installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of fixed foundations with a sensor-based correction system. Instead of physically anchoring equipment to the bottom, the system uses electronic sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS) to detect platform motion and computationally corrects the measurements, dramatically reducing installation costs for deep water deployments.
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 solution enables accurate wind speed and direction measurements on non-stationary structures by compensating for orientation and positional shifts, reducing the need for precise installation and post-processing corrections, and providing reliable data despite environmental factors and platform motion.
Implementation Method 1
one or more gyroscopes or other acceleration measurement sensors to also account for angular motion of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
one or more gyroscopes or other acceleration measurement sensors to also account for angular motion of the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The system may further comprise a GPS receiver that is used to measure the position of the apparatus
Implementation Method 4
Sodar systems employ directed sound waves to detect atmospheric phenomena such as wind speed
Implementation Method 5
Sodar systems employ directed sound waves to detect atmospheric phenomena such as wind speed
Implementation Method 6
Meteorological lidar systems use laser beams for the same purpose
Data Source
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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.