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Vindicator brings space sensor technology to the wind industry |
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Tuesday, 06 May 2008 |
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Catch the Wind, Inc has recently introduced
a forward-looking, laser-based wind sensor system capable of sensing wind speed
and direction at a distance. Named the Vindicator, the system utilises the
latest aerospace industry technology to provide advance control information to
wind farm turbines.
 The Vindicator uses laser Doppler techniques to "see the
wind" in the distance in much the same way as radio frequency-based RADAR
systems allow meteorologists to see storm patterns before they arrive. The
Vindicator sensor will provide improved control data to the turbines, allowing
them to adjust position and blades before the wind arrives rather than after.
When in position on the top of a wind turbine, the Vindicator will be barely
noticeable. Weighing about fifty pounds, its three eye-safe laser beams become
the eyes of the turbine, creating a three-dimensional picture of the wind. Only
the sensor lenses themselves will sit on top of the turbine. All of the laser
and control electronics can be positioned at ground level.
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