Wind Energy System
MEA designs and manufactures wind monitoring systems which collect the data for potential wind generation sites. Each system is designed to meet the project specifications.
In 1984, MEA was awarded a contract to undertake a detailed wind survey of South Australia at 40 sites over a period of three years, so we know the business!
EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION
The system uses high quality sensors, which are mounted on the mast in a manner which conforms to the variouss international standards for wind measurement. Different sensor options will be offered for projects with tighter budgets.
The sensors and their installation will be in accordance with Recommended Practices for Wind Turbine Testing, Wind Speed Measurement and Use of Cup Anemometry (1999). Vertical and horizontal separations of sensors are specified for both cylindrical and lattice towers. Anemometers will be calibrated at a MEASNET facility.
DATA LOGGER
The system data logger is a multi channel data logger with adequate memory for at least 30 days of data recording. Sensor cables are fed through a gland in the weatherproof enclosure and connect through an interface to the data logger. The data logger has a separate internal alkaline battery pack although it will be powered by the system power supply discussed below. A lightning protection device will be mounted at the data logger.
The data logger, sensor interface and 12V rechargeable battery are housed in a weatherproof enclosure, along with a modem and packet data terminal where supplied.
Data can be downloaded from the logger by connecting a laptop using a communications cable supplied with the system, or by removing the data logger from the station. Provided that the data logger is not disconnected from the sensors, data will continue to be recorded during the downloading process.
The data logger is managed with Magpie software.
ANEMOMETRY
Wind direction is measured using the Vector Instruments W200P sensor and wind speed using the Riso WindSensor P2546A anemometer.
Sensors are mounted on a stainless steel frame. The cable from the instruments is fed through a flexible steel conduit, attached to the framework of the mast using steel cable ties and connected to the data logger mounted near the base of the mast.
Anemometers are calibrated in a NATA certified wind tunnel to 1% accuracy to 27 m/s.
OTHER SENSORS
A range of other climate parameters can be connected to the data logger. Commonly used sensors are barometric pressure and air temperature,
POWER SUPPLY
The standard MEA 5 watt solar panel and 12V 7Ah rechargeable battery kit will power the system. Battery voltage will be logged to enable monitoring of the system power supply each time data is downloaded.
MAST
The height of the mast can vary from 10 metres to 60 metres using cylindrical masts and over 60 metres using lattice towers. Guyed cylindrical towers use earth anchors for the guy wires. Lattice towers need on-site concrete pads increasing the cost of mast installation and removal.
Lightning protection equipment consists of a lightning spike, grounding rod and copper rod to run the length of the mast with all copper connections.
The upper instrument set will be located on a boom attached at the top of the mast. Where needed, lower instrumentation will be located on a horizontal boom. Both booms will extend the sensor at least 10 times the mast diameter from the mast. The sensor cables will be fed through conduit attached to the booms and mast.
WARRANTY
Each wind station will have been assembled and allowed to run at the MEA test field before being shipped to the site. A complete system check will be undertaken at installation.
Individual components and the system as a whole are warranted against manufacturing defect for 12 months from date of installation. The warranty is a return to factory warranty.
INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING
MEA provides a complete installation and commissioning services using the services of Enviromet Meteorological Consultants.
Each wind station will have a complete set of documentation covering installation, wiring diagrams, software and maintenance. The software has an extensive on line help facility.
DATA ANALYSIS
For data analysis we recommend Garrad Hassan & Partners Ltd (http://www.garradhassan.com/)
LINKS
AusWEA - Australian Wind Energy Association (http://www.auswea.com.au)
Further information regarding the performance of the Riso cup anemometer can be read in the following documents -
- Open Field Cup Anemometry (Axel Albers, DEWI, "DEWI Magazin Nr. 19", August 2001, www.dewi.de)
- Power Curve Measurements under Influence of Skew Airflow and Turbulence (Troels Friis Pederson, RIS�, 3 Januray 2002, www.risoe.dk)
- Cup anemometer characteristics with respect to recommendations in the Danish certification system. (Troels Friis Pederson, RIS�, 26 November 2001, www.risoe.dk)
Related Items
| Related Items | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Weather Station Masts | Available from 10 - 60 metres in height |