Optical Surfaces has received a sizeable repeat order to produce optical modules for the ZephIR 300 wind lidar system from Natural Power - a company that develops specialised tools for the renewable energy industry. The optical modules supplied by Optical Surfaces achieve good performance with few components through the incorporation of a 200mm focal length aspheric doublet. The ability of the ZephIR system to produce variable focus at different heights is achieved by using a 'point' source originating from a single mode fibre, which is located at different longitudinal positions just beyond the front focal plane of the optical module. The aspheric lenses in the optical module have a durable V-coat to allow the lens surfaces to be cleaned and to optimise performance at the 1.5µm wavelength used.
The accurate prediction of energy yields is fundamental to the success of wind farm projects. The ZephIR 300 wind lidar provides complete wind resource measurement, including horizontal and vertical wind speed, wind direction and turbulence at any height up to 200 metres without the need for a mast, thereby eliminating the need for planning permission or working at height. The portability of ZephIR and ease of deployment makes high density data collection a reality with 50 measurements per height per second, both horizontally and vertically across the extent of the measurement site.
