Wind Event Warning System
sensors
Wind Event Warning System (LAR-TOPS-229)
High-energy Doppler LIDAR to protect wind turbines and aircraft from severe wind events
Overview
NASA Langley Research Center has developed a wind event warning technology providing a practical early warning system (5-10 minutes) for a severe change in the wind vector. Events such as gusts, shear, microbursts or thunderstorm outflows can be detected in time to prevent damage to wind turbines or help airports prevent damage to aircraft. Further, an alternative power source could be ramped up or down as needed to accommodate the power draw in the electrical grid.
The Technology
The Wind Event Warning System (WEWS) is high-energy Doppler LIDAR sensor that measures approaching changes of wind such as an oncoming variation of wind speed that will change the power output of a wind farm. Different from low-energy, the high-energy Doppler LIDAR has the energy to reach the long distances necessary to provide adequate warning time of a wind event. With the time provided by WEWS, the blades of a wind turbine could be feathered to prevent strong wind from damaging the turbine. In addition, airports could use WEWS to protect aircraft from sudden wind hazards.
Benefits
- Provides sufficient warning time for action to protect wind turbines
- Allows time to ramp up or down an alternative power source
- Has the capability for long-range wind measurements in clear air, critical for airports
Applications
- Off-shore Wind Energy Applications
- Airport long-range wind event monitoring and detection
