UAV Meteorological Sensing With Flight-Data Accuracy Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meteorological data acquisition methods, such as met masts and remote sensing devices, are costly, labor-intensive, and environmentally impactful, with significant uncertainties in data collection, especially in offshore environments.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) comprising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with meteorological data sensors and flight controllers, capable of collecting and transmitting real-time meteorological data and flight data, and controlled by a central command center for accurate data calculation and flight path optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If met masts are used for on-site weather monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The met mast structure is divided into multiple sections that can be assembled in place. The patent describes that 'The met mast 110 structure is typically between 30 to 160 meters in height and is built and transported in several sections', allowing the heavy structure to be transported in manageable pieces and assembled at the installation site, reducing transportation difficulties while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If met masts are used for on-site weather monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated met mast structure. 'The met mast 110 comprises of several sensors and anemometers 120 located in different heights on a self-supporting or guyed steel lattice tower', allowing comprehensive meteorological data collection from one structure rather than multiple separate installations, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If met masts are installed offshore, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The met mast uses a guyed structure with counterweights to stabilize the tower offshore. 'The met mast 110 can also be located/installed offshore... The offshore met mast is usually supported by a concrete foundation can weight as much as 2000 tons depending on the water depth', where the heavy foundation and guy wires provide counterbalancing forces to stabilize the structure in the challenging offshore environment, enabling precise measurements despite increased structural complexity.
4Reliability
If met masts are used for wind farm evaluation, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The met mast enables continuous meteorological data collection throughout the year. 'on-site weather monitoring equipment, especially wind property monitoring equipment must be used for at least one year', and the met mast structure allows uninterrupted measurement across varying weather conditions, maintaining reliable data accumulation over the required evaluation period without time losses from equipment relocation or maintenance interruptions.
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 UAS provides a cost-effective, flexible, and accurate method for obtaining meteorological data with reduced environmental impact, offering real-time data collection and improved measurement accuracy by directly measuring critical parameters like wind speed, direction, and turbulence intensity.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one UAV is equipped with a meteorological data sensor... collecting raw meteorological data... wind property data such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, pressure, and humidity
Implementation Method 2
The LiDAR 130 is a device that works based on laser technology, and measures the backscattered light from the atmosphere to determine atmospheric conditions
Implementation Method 3
The SoDAR 140 is a wind profiling technology which works by measuring the scattering of sound waves or acoustic signals by atmospheric turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for obtaining meteorological data by a UAS, the UAS including at least one UAV, a control center and a wireless communication interface. The UAV is equipped with a meteorological data sensor and a flight controller. The method includes the control center sending flight instruction data to the UAV, and performing flight. The UAV collects raw meteorological data and flight data and transmits the collected raw meteorological data and the flight data in real time to the control center, the flight data being collected by any one of a position sensor, a motion sensor, an environment sensor and/or a combination thereof included in the flight controller. The control center calculates meteorological data based on the received raw meteorological data and the flight data and sends return instruction data. The at least one UAV returns to the UAS accordingly.