DNV has published a new Recommended Practice document that provides the wind power industry with in-depth knowledge about the use of remote sensing technology for characterizing wind resources. The document (DNV-RP-J101), which addresses the use of Sonic Detection And Ranging (SODAR) and Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) equipment, has been developed by DNV’s specialists in conjunction with equipment manufacturers and project developers.
“As the size of wind turbines continues to increase, both in terms of blade diameter and hub height above ground, remote sensing is being increasingly relied on to gain vital insight into resource conditions at operating heights well above traditional meteorological towers. As long as this sensing technology is used correctly, it can provide a cost-effective technique to obtain the required data,” says Dr. Tony Rogers, Principal Specialist and a remote sensing expert at DNV.
“DNV’s independent role in developing technology standards together with the key players and authorities is especially valued by the wind industry. This supports the rapid development of the industry, ensuring the highest levels of safety and added business value,” says Robert Poore, Vice President of Business and Service Development at DNV’s Cleaner Energy operations in the U.S.
“Therefore, in order to provide the wind industry with expert guidance on the optimal use of remote sensing technology, DNV and its key partners now have developed this Recommended Practice (RP) document. Entitled ‘DNV-RP-J101 Use of Remote Sensing for Wind Energy Assessments’ it is based on 10 years of operational experience with remote sensing instrumentation,” he says.
The new RP is intended to give the industry, and the financing community in particular, greater confidence in the use of sodar and lidar data in energy assessments.
Poore continues, “A better understanding of the conditions above typical measurement heights is a key part of reducing the uncertainty in energy assessments. The RP, therefore, addresses the planning and implementation of remote sensing measurement campaigns, as well as using the data obtained by remote sensing in energy assessments. Key topics include siting of sensors to avoid noise and echoes; complex flow effects, correlation with other measurement sources, to name a few.”
Copies of DNV-RP-J101 can be obtained here.
