Cornell University deploy dual ZephIR 300 wind lidars for more accurate turbulence study for wind turbines

Professor Rebecca Barthelmie, Croll Fellow, directs the Wind Energy Research Lab at Cornell University, and is a previous winner of the Scientific Award from the European Wind Energy Academy for 'her extraordinary efforts and achievements in the field of wind energy research'. The Lab took possession of two new ZephIR 300 lidars which are specialist equipment for ground-based remote sensing of wind flow in the atmosphere. The University selected ZephIR 300 in order to accurately and precisely measure the wind and turbulence interactions between the atmosphere and wind turbines.

ZephIR 300, a continuous wave (CW) wind lidar provides high resolution measurements at an unmatched data rate of 50Hz - every second, 50 points are measured in the free space targeted by the sensor, and chosen by the user, anywhere from 10 metres (33 feet) up to 200 metres (656 feet). This type of CW wind lidar gives very accurate measurements of the wind speed, direction and other characteristics including Turbulence Intensity (TI). The effect of TI on wind turbines is of continual interest as the impact of irregular wind loading can effect both production from the turbine, but also the operating costs of the turbine with increased stresses and strains reducing component life.

The Cornell Wind Team is preparing for an international experiment at the Canadian Wind Energy site on Prince Edward Island.

Professor Barthelmie joined Cornell University in 2014. She previously held positions at the Danish Technical University, Edinburgh University and Indiana University. She is author of over 110 journal papers, 330 conference papers and reports and is co-chief editor of the journal Wind Energy.

ZephIR 300 is the single most validated wind lidar at a consistent IEC compliant met mast site and provides wind industry users with:

• DNV GL Stage 3 finance-grade data in benign terrain
• Natural Power finance-grade data in complex terrain
• Hub height wind direction, horizontal and vertical wind speeds
• True 1 second, or averaged 10 minute wind data
• Vertical wind shear
• Wind veer (variation of wind direction with height)
• TI and other turbulence measures
• No annual servicing or annual calibration

ZephIR Lidar in North America?

Campbell Scientific designs instruments and systems used worldwide in industry and research. They market the ZephIR 300 and ZephIR DM wind lidars, the best wind lidars in the world, supporting clients with every aspect of a wind energy campaign onshore, offshore, and turbine-mounted.