Project success: collaboration with DTU for the calibration and validation of a dual Doppler scanning lidar measurement setup with two Molas 3D lidars

Movelaser is pleased to announce the successful completion of the calibration work on Molas 3D Units 27 and 28. The completion of this work marks the high-precision calibration of these two wind energy measurement units, providing a reliable data foundation for future wind energy research and applications.

Since the second half of 2023, DTU Wind and Energy Systems had been commissioned for an extensive test of two Molas 3D units. The project took place on the Risø campus and compared the lidar measurements against those of the historical “Risø mast”, a high-quality meteorological mast closely monitored by DTU with anemometers as high as 125m above ground.

In this calibration work, the research team conducted a comprehensive calibration of Molas 3D Units 27 and 28. They analyzed the uncertainties in wind speed and relative wind direction in detail, considering various factors including sensor uncertainties, measurement volume disparities, etc. Additionally, the team validated and analyzed the post-calibration data to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the calibration results.

The final report first describes how the lidars were set up to be pointed at the reference anemometer’s location, and how the measured data was filtered to keep only high-quality measurements having wind directions within 20 degrees of the LOS orientation. Subsequent analysis showed very high fidelity to the reference measurements, with both lidar units yielding coefficients of determination R2 above 0.999 (in 10min regressions as well as in binned regressions). The measurement errors are analyzed for sensitivity to several environmental parameters, and no variability is found.

Deviations against reference wind speed show that the lidar errors are equal or smaller than the reference anemometer’s measurement uncertainty.

Linear regression of 10min. averages show that there is no systematic offset, and the measurements are reliable with a low spread of the points.

The completion of the calibration work on Molas 3D signifies Movelaser’s continued progress in the field of scanning wind lidar technology. In the future, Movelaser will continue their efforts to drive the development of wind energy technology and contribute more to the realization of sustainable energy goals.