loading page

An analytical model for wind velocity uncertainty estimations in ground-based Doppler lidar measurements
  • Francisco Costa,
  • Michael Stephen Courtney,
  • Po-Wen Cheng
Francisco Costa
Universitat Stuttgart Stuttgarter Lehrstuhl fur Windenergie

Corresponding Author:costa@ifb.uni-stuttgart.de

Author Profile
Michael Stephen Courtney
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet Institut for Vindenergi
Author Profile
Po-Wen Cheng
Universitat Stuttgart Stuttgarter Lehrstuhl fur Windenergie
Author Profile

Abstract

This article presents an analytical model to estimate wind velocity uncertainties in ground-based (dual) Doppler lidar measurements. The model follows the principles of uncertainty propagation as recommended by the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurements. Key-input quantities of the measuring model considered uncertain include elevation and azimuth angles and focus distance, or range. The uncertainty model also accounts for bias and random errors originating from hardware components and data processing techniques. Uncertainty correlations within a single lidar and between instruments in a dual-lidar system are addressed. The measurement model assumes perfect spatio-temporal synchronisation between the lidar instruments while probing a non-turbulent wind inflow described by a vertical shear model. Results from the analytical solution are verified using Monte Carlo simulations, obtaining very good agreement from the comparison. The pattern of the uncertainty distributions is predominantly influenced by the relative positioning of the measuring system(s) and the intended measurement point(s). The magnitude of the uncertainty distributions is principally determined by the intrinsic uncertainty of the lidar, modulated by the set of relevant uncertainty correlations.
Submitted to Wind Energy
17 Aug 20241st Revision Received
18 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
18 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major