Autonomous Aerial Sensors for Wind Power Meteorology

Project Details

Description

Miniaturised meteorological sensors placed onboard autonomous airborne platforms like model airplanes, helicopters, quadrocopters, or kites is a field in quick development due to the relatively low price tag and their flexibility in comparison to other established techniques. Miniaturization and mass production of electronic components during the last years has enormously increased the availability of rather cheap and light-weight meteorological sensors for e.g. temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind. A small, fully equipped model airplane with basic sensors, autopilot system and open-source control software can be produced for less than 5000 euros. Larger planes or helicopters with more advanced sensors, e.g. for highresolution turbulence, cost about one order of magnitude more. They start appearing in large-scale meteorology, where the use of piloted airplanes has a long tradition. However, wind power meteorology poses specific problems which are not yet explicitly tackled by the community, such as flow in complex terrain, measurements beyond 100m above ground, or longer term measurements. Especially offshore wakes are not well understood and very difficult to measure with other means. This project will establish an overview of existing sensors and aerial platforms, poll the wind power community through a workshop on the best uses for those platforms, and fly four promising platforms at the Risø test station in Høvsøre and verify their performance. Finally, we will prepare a follow-up project proposal to further develop the specific tools identified with the biggest potential.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date01/08/200901/01/2012

Collaborative partners

  • Risø (Project partner)

Funding

  • Energinet SOV: DKK3,000,000.00

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