Low-cost semiconductor laser wind senso

The overall objective of the project is to develop a cost-efficient Lidar wind sensor to be integrated on individual wind turbine in order to maximize power production and minimize dynamic load on the turbine.

Current commercial wind LIDAR systems are expensive (cost price of approx. USD 125-150,000) bulky and produced outside of Denmark. Thus, our project's main objective is to introduce superior wind sensors - inexpensive (fraction of the competitor price level), compact and volume-producible semiconductor laser (SL) wind LIDARs.

Our POC (proof-of-concept) LIDAR eill serve as a platform for a finalized design of the LIDAR prototype for measuring both wind speed and direction. To achieve this functionality, an all-optical method that utillizes polarization switching (a cheaper and more robust alternative to mechanical beam scanner) will be tested. We will test a LIDAR embodiment in which the transceiver contains no electronics and weighs <5 kg (features not found in current LIDAR products w/approx. 30 kg transceiver). Using a finalized design, 5 prototypes will be produced by an external photonics manufacturing company (e.g. aerospace instrument manufacturer) to meet specifications for turbine application in extreme environments. The prototypes will be tested internally with DTU Wind Energy partners and externally with one or more identified end-users in the wind turbine industry. Exposure of our technology will come in the form of publications, conference presentations, exhibitions and field demonstrations.