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The ACU-RES® Difference: A New Standard in Wind Measurement

Published in: Wind, Digital Blog

The ACU-RES® Difference: A New Standard in Wind Measurement image

For nearly 25 years, FT Technologies has been a go-to provider of wind sensors for turbine OEMs and retrofits. What differentiates the companys products in a competitive market is its proprietary Acoustic Resonance (ACU-RES®) technology. This measurement method differs significantly from the Time-of-Flight (ToF) principle used in other ultrasonic wind sensors.

While the ToF principle measures the transit time of ultrasonic pulses sent between transducers , ACU-RES® technology operates within a resonant cavity where sound waves oscillate. As wind passes through this cavity, the sensor measures the phase shift of the standing waves to determine airflow characteristics.

A critical advantage of this method is a superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The resonant cavity amplifies the usable signal while significantly reducing interference from external acoustic noise. A high SNR ensures clear, accurate, and stable measurements, whereas a low SNR can lead to noisy data and dropouts, especially during storms.

Engineered for the Harshest Environments

Recognizing that offshore wind installations are some of the toughest environments for any sensor, FT Technologies has focused on maximizing performance and longevity.

  • Robust Design: The sensors feature a comprehensive Environmental Protection System (EPS), which includes heaters, high ingress protection, a hard-anodised aluminum body, and EMC protection.
  • Extreme Conditions: The latest FT7 series is designed to operate without periodic maintenance in regions prone to typhoons, hurricanes, or icy conditions, measuring wind speeds of up to 90 m/s (201 mph).
  • Rigorous Testing: The sensors have passed over 30 independent external tests and certifications. Every sensor is calibrated in-house using a bespoke wind tunnel, with calibrations routinely verified in a MEASNET-accredited facility.

Meeting the Demands of Offshore and Floating Wind

For remote offshore projects, where maintenance is a significant challenge, a component with an extremely low failure rate is essential to keep turbines operational. The ACU-RES® technology is particularly well-suited for the dynamic conditions of floating offshore wind, which creates motion-induced turbulence. The acoustic cavity is designed to behave predictably even with inclined airflow, a performance characteristic verified at a MEASNET-accredited wind tunnel.

Sustainability in Design and Practice

Sustainability is a core principle for the company, reflected in both its manufacturing processes and product design.

  • FT Technologies embraces lean manufacturing principles to reduce material waste.
  • The sensors are ultra-compact and lightweight; the average FT742-FF sensor weighs only 320g and is 16cm long, minimizing material use and lowering CO2 emissions from shipping.
  • The low-powered design still allows for highly effective heating for anti-icing performance, creating savings for customers and environmental gains.
  • The long-lasting, durable construction reduces the need for frequent replacements, thus decreasing e-waste.

Powering the Future of Wind Analytics

As AI and machine learning become central to wind farm optimization, the quality of input data is more crucial than ever. FT Technologies sensors are built to provide the accurate, reliable, real-time data that these predictive models depend on. The sensors are designed for seamless integration into SCADA systems, offering both digital RS485 and analogue 4-20 mA interfaces. Features like Advanced Sensor Diagnostics support AI-driven systems in tasks such as power curve monitoring and proactive maintenance, helping to reduce turbine downtime.

While predominantly known for wind turbine control, the robustness of ACU-RES® technology has led to its adoption in a myriad of other demanding sectors, including maritime navigation, aviation, unmanned systems, and scientific research.

Learn more: https://fttechnologies.com/

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