Aiding adoption of wind remote sensing technology

19th November 2015

DNV GL

Joe Bush

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A new framework deal has been signed by DNV GL which demonstrates IEC compliance of ZephIR 300 wind lidar as adoption becomes standardised. “DNV GL has been at the forefront of assessing Lidar technology and other remote sensors. The objective of this framework agreement with ZephIR is to further advance the standardised adoption of wind remote sensing technology in the wind industry,” commented Detlef Stein, Global Head of Practice Resource Measurements at DNV GL.

The company has applied its experience in the wind energy sector to the emerging field of remote sensing, specifically its use in the context of the development and financing of wind farm projects. A signed framework agreement at EWEA (European Wind Energy Association) 2015 between DNV GL and ZephIR Lidar demonstrated the continued and repeatable ability for the ZephIR 300 wind lidar to conform to IEC 61400-12-1 (revision Ed.2, CD, Annex L) [2], which describes the application of Remote Sensing for Power Performance Measurements of Wind Turbines.

DNV GL considers ZephIR 300 to be at Stage 3 under ‘benign’ conditions - accepted for use in bankable/finance grade wind speed and energy assessments with either no or limited on-site met mast comparisons. ZephIR was the first commercial wind lidar system to achieve accreditation at this level.

The framework further allows customers to request a ‘DNV GL Independent Quality Report’ in addition to the standard Performance Verification provided with all new systems where traceability of system performance can be tied back to an IEC compliant met mast validation.

Ian Locker, MD at ZephIR Lidar, welcomed the framework agreement commenting, “Having worked with DNV GL, and formerly Garrad Hassan, for more than a decade, it really has been a rewarding journey. Taking ZephIR, the first commercially available lidar for the wind industry through the necessary acceptance processes, being the first to achieve the ‘bankable’ stamp, helping customers raise project finance and even improve that finance, we’ve come a long way. This framework agreement gives the industry further confidence, if required, that ZephIR 300 can be trusted to deliver accurate, IEC compliant and traceable results.”

ZephIR 300 measures wind characteristics onshore and on fixed or floating platforms offshore from just ten metres (33ft) up to 200m (656ft) above the installed position to inform wind regime and quality studies during the development and operation of wind farms onshore and offshore. ZephIR 300 can add value to wind energy projects at every stage - from pre-planning, through development and on to operation. Every system is uniquely subjected to an industry approved validation process, part of which occurs at the UK’s Lidar and Sodar test site, ensuring repeatable finance grade data.

Image: Ian Locker, ZephIR Lidar (left) signs framework agreement with Detlef Stein, DNV GL (right)