Development of a Profiling Microwave Radiometer for Offshore Wind Farms, Further Characterization of Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer

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, MHI Vestas’ V164-9.5 MW, are currently reaching 200 meters.There are already over 200 of these turbines installed 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.Pressures from grid operators demanding more accurate power scheduling from wind farm operators and pressures to reduce the cost of offshore wind energy are making remote sensing devices increasingly attractive.Microwave radiometers can provide the most economical thermodynamic measurements within the marine atmospheric boundary layer.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.Design of the Marine Profiling Radiometer (MPR) was finalized during Phase II, 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.The MPR power consumption, size, and weight allow its operation on, for example, the WindSentinel FLiDAR 6M of AXYS Technologies.Design of all microwave components was completed, and components were successfully tested.During Phase IIA we will complete two prototypes of the MPR and prove its observational value through comparison with other remote sensing and in-situ instruments at an atmospheric observatory.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.