SODAR will ensure that wind farms are sited in the places where they will operate to their top potential

(15/10/2008)

Wind and potential power at a proposed site are measured using a wind speed sensor on a mast, but these do not take into account the considerable variations in wind caused by local terrain and atmospheric turbulence. In addition, with the height of wind turbines becoming greater all the time, taller and more expensive masts are constantly required.

Researchers at the University of Salford have begun working on a device to ensure that wind farms are sited in the places where they will operate to their top potential.

The Salford team plan to use acoustic radar called SODAR to provide more accurate data and eliminating the requirement for a physical structure - with a working model due to be introduced in two and a half years.

Dr Sabine von Hünerbein of the University’s School of Computing, Science & Engineering is leading the £330,000 project. “This project draws upon existing research into the use of SODAR to give more accurate measurements of local atmospheric conditions,” she said. “However, we will be refining the technique and introducing new algorithms which will, for the first time, produce highly accurate data. This has great potential to help the green energy sector improve the accuracy of it’s data.”

In addition to wind farms, improved wind data can also be used in air quality monitoring at nuclear power stations and chemical plants, and used by bodies such as the British Antarctic Survey to help with climate studies.

Related categories:  Eco-friendly Power generation   Wind power