Thermodynamic Profiler for the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer Observations

The life expectancy of offshore wind turbines is at least 20 years, during which they must operate optimally with respect to power production, minimization of mechanical stresses, plant wake distribution, and more in a range of atmospheric conditions. These conditions are currently observed using meteorological masts, which provide inadequate observations, thus resulting in suboptimal turbine design and operation. The blades of the tallest offshore wind turbines, Vestas’ V164-8.0 MW, are currently reaching 195 meters at Burbo Bank Extension wind farm in England, and experts predict that further cost reductions of wind power will mostly be achieved through increases in turbine size. As turbine size increases, meteorological towers are no longer cost-effective, and the value proposition for using meteorological masts alone is rapidly vanishing. Pressure from grid operators demanding more accurate power scheduling from wind farm operators and pressure to reduce the cost of offshore wind energy are making remote sensing devices increasingly attractive. Microwave radiometers can provide thermodynamic measurements within the marine atmospheric boundary layer most economically. Development costs for this technology, capable of providing vertical profiles of temperature and humidity, cloud parameters, and integrated measurement of the liquid water content of the atmosphere, are less than the cost of one offshore meteorological mast of modest height. The cost of a fully equipped buoy for observation of wind and thermodynamic variables within the marine atmospheric boundary layer is approximately one tenth of the cost of a meteorological mast. In addition, such a buoy would provide more complete information about the status of the atmosphere than a met mast, requires less permitting, and could be relocated easily. Preliminary design of the Marine Profiling Radiometer (MPR) was finalized during Phase I, culminating in a robust, autonomous instrument, capable of operating on a buoy in the corrosive marine environment without maintenance for more than half a year. Its power consumption, size, and weight were determined, and a conceptual design for mechanical attachment to the WindSentinel FLiDAR 6M buoy was finalized with AXYS Technologies, including the electrical power interface, communications format, and data transfer to the shore. Improved, more localized, offshore or near-shore weather forecasts have a broader societal impact, with beneficiaries including the general public, aviation, marine transportation, renewable energy producers, electrical utilities, energy traders, and others. During Phase II we will build two prototypes of the MPR and prove its observational value through comparison with other remote sensing and in-situ instruments at an atmospheric observatory.