The WINDCUBE v2 is an active remote sensor that operates by emitting a laser pulse through the atmosphere. Along its path, the laser light is backscattered by aerosols in the air and received by an optical sensor in the lidar unit. These signals capture the shift in atmospheric particles, or the absolute wind speed in the lidar line of sight.
Weighing 45 kg and measuring approximately 55 cm square, the WINDCUBE v2 features no internal moving parts, multiple communications options (including satellite), has low power requirements (45 watts), and an all-weather enclosure. The quiet, ultra portable 200m wind profiler includes ten programmable measurement heights, providing ready-to-use data.
“Lidar has quickly become the must-have tool in resource assessment,” said Alex Sauvage, president and CEO of Leosphere. “Over the past year, our two companies have worked tirelessly to enhance the portability and durability of our lidar remote sensor, making it ideal for complex terrain, remote locations, and offshore.”
“By collecting actual measurements of the entire swept area of the wind turbine, the WINDCUBE v2 improves data accuracy and reduces overall uncertainty of the wind farm design,” said John Norton, chief operating officer for NRG Systems. “Improved certainty can make the difference between project success or failure.”
In March 2009, Leosphere and NRG Systems formed a global joint venture to expand the use of remote sensing with lidar in the wind energy industry.