15/02/2007

A new cutting edge technology for measuring wind speeds at great heights and under special weather conditions (the LIDAR system) has been obtained by the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (CRES) for Greece. This is an innovative service that addresses the problem of installing wind masts in inaccessible areas where the cost is high and working conditions unfavourable.

The LIDAR system measures wind speed up to 150 m from the ground by projecting a laser beam vertically. Specification wise, it has been designed to ensure continuous, uninterrupted operation in adverse weather conditions and also has built-in high-tech modules that analyse and process the signal. The system operates on a fully automated basis and can also connect to mobile telephony networks.

Today modern wind turbines are almost 100 m tall at hub height. Precise wind speed measurements are exceptionally important for assessing wind turbine energy efficiency and for determining wind flow speed. LIDAR has generated reliable, accurate results in comparative wind speed tests at the CRES Wind Farm.

The LIDAR system acquired by CRES was built by the English defence system manufacturer Qineteq and the cost was financed by the Ministry of Development's Competitiveness Operational Programme (AKMON Development of Public Research Bodies Programme). It is one of 10 such systems in operation worldwide and can record wind speed under all weather conditions. It is expected to make a substantial contribution to the spread of wind energy in Greece.

More information:
CRES (contact D. Fousekis)
Tel.: 210 6603362, Fax: 210 6603201
E-mail: infowind@cres.gr, dfousek@cres.gr

Source: Centre for Renewable Energy Sources