Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (Fraunhofer IWES) has deployed a Wind Lidar Buoy equipped with two different next-generation profiling Lidar systems to assess their suitability for offshore applications. The campaign is evaluating the performance of Lumibird's BEAM6x WindPower and Vaisala's WindCube 2.1 XP under identical offshore conditions.
It is also investigating new measurement concepts aimed at increasing data availability and enabling complementary measurement strategies. The project forms part of the Wind-Lidar-Boje NG research programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Since April 2026, both Lidar systems have been operating simultaneously on a Fraunhofer IWES Wind Lidar Buoy in the North Sea. Measurement data are being validated against the IEC met mast and calibrated Lidars on the FINO3 platform. The campaign is also assessing the integration of two Lidar systems into the buoy's energy system and their operational performance in a dynamic offshore environment.
In addition to validating the new Lidar technologies, Fraunhofer IWES is investigating the potential of a dual-Lidar configuration for offshore wind measurements.
The two systems are installed in separate protective enclosures mounted on a shared support structure developed for the Wind Lidar Buoy. The modular design is intended to protect the instruments from wave-induced motion and the marine environment before manufacturer-specific offshore adaptations are applied.
The project will also support further development of Fraunhofer IWES's high-frequency deterministic motion compensation tools for improved turbulence intensity measurements.
