Research Project LoTar

​​The use of wind lidar profilers in the field of wind energy utilisation is state of the art today. However, there is considerable potential for optimisation with regard to evaluation routines, data processing and the use of lidar wind measurement data.

In LoTar, a framework with modules for general data evaluation of lidar measurements and also specific modules are to be developed. In order to ensure that not only the scientific target group but also users benefit from the framework, modules will be developed for improved handling of wind profile lidar data in complex terrain and for turbulence determination. The accurate measurement of turbulence at wind farm sites is still a major challenge for lidar measurement at complex sites. Fraunhofer IEE is pursuing the goal of qualifying lidar measurements in complex terrain and thus further establishing them in wind energy research and on the market. With the development of an AI-based module for turbulence correction, Fraunhofer IEE is making an innovative and significant contribution to this.

The other goals and development tasks are closely interwoven with those of the overall project. These include the creation and establishment of the Lidaco format for a complete and device-independent provision and documentation of lidar wind measurement data. Furthermore, the quality, consistency and reproducibility of evaluations and uncertainty assessments of lidar wind measurements will be ensured by a user-friendly development of the modular framework. The methods to be developed for the modular framework will be reviewed and compared with established methods in a benchmark. For this purpose, wind measurements of different lidar device types will be carried out and evaluated within the framework of comparative measurements.