Wind LiDAR ยท 6 min read
1. Define what the campaign must deliver
Write down the purpose: early screening, a supplement to a met mast, a stand-alone assessment, or verification against an existing mast. The purpose drives everything else, including duration, siting and how the data will be reviewed.
2. Choose measurement heights
Select heights that cover the planned turbine rotor, from below the lower blade tip to above the upper tip, plus heights that match any nearby mast instruments so the two can be compared. Confirm that the chosen instrument can measure at those heights.
3. Pick the site carefully
- Representative of the planned turbine positions, and clear of nearby obstacles such as trees and buildings.
- Firm, level ground with safe vehicle access for delivery and servicing.
- Landowner agreement in place, and any permissions the site requires.
- In complex terrain, discuss the location with your adviser, because the terrain can affect how the measurement is interpreted.
4. Plan the duration
Short deployments can support screening or verification. Resource assessment campaigns commonly run for many months, often a year or more, so that seasonal patterns are captured. Agree the duration with your adviser and plan maintenance visits across it.
5. Design power and communications
An unattended LiDAR needs reliable power through winter, cloudy spells and nights. Off-grid systems are typically solar with battery storage, sometimes with a backup generator or fuel cell. Size the system for the worst season, not the average. Remote data and status monitoring usually rely on cellular coverage, with satellite as an option where there is none.
6. Secure the site
Fencing, locks, discreet placement and, where appropriate, remote monitoring or cameras reduce the risk of theft and vandalism. Talking to the landowner and neighbours early helps too. Check that the equipment is insured for the deployment.
7. Agree data handling before you start
Decide who retrieves the data, how often it is checked, who performs quality control and how gaps are reported. Instrument verification, configuration records and a maintenance log all support the credibility of the final dataset.
A short checklist
- Objective and adviser requirements agreed
- Measurement heights selected
- Site, access and landowner consent confirmed
- Duration and maintenance visits planned
- Power and communications sized for the worst season
- Security and insurance arranged
- Data retrieval, quality control and reporting responsibilities set