Tyrell Prouty, Owner Propelled by technology breakthroughs and the push for more efficiency, the wind energy sector is scaling new heights toward a sustainable future.
A key innovation driving this change is light detection and ranging (LiDAR), stepping up wind condition measurement and analysis.
As wind farms continue to proliferate and are placed in challenging geographies—from complex terrain to coastal waters— LiDAR’s mobility, reliability, data accuracy, safety and ease of deployment make it a compelling choice for wind measurement compared to traditional meteorological masts (met masts).
Western Wind Services takes advantage of LiDAR’s indispensable role in wind resource assessments to offer affordable, name-brand LiDAR equipment to different wind power stakeholders across Canada, ranging from developers and consultants to operators and farms.
Along with sales and services, the agile company offers rental options, providing clients with the flexibility to dynamically adjust asset needs at various stages of wind project development.
It also elevates wind energy projects through its custom power supply solutions and extensive field support for LiDAR systems, enhancing project feasibility and accuracy.
“By streamlining the setup, teardown and troubleshooting of LiDAR systems, we not only ensure operational excellence but reinforce our commitment to advancing sustainable wind energy development, with efficiency and reliability at the forefront,” says Tyrell Prouty, Owner.
The dedication to quality is evident in the company’s choice of suppliers, with LiDAR equipment sourced exclusively from the industry’s leading brands. This ensures clients receive products that are not only reliable but trusted within the industry. Whether the choice is to purchase or rent, clients benefit from a model that offers flexibility, especially valuable for those lacking the capacity to store equipment post-project. To top it off, Western Wind Services handles all aspects of setup and any necessary maintenance, providing a hassle-free experience for clients.
SIMPLIFYING WIND ENERGY ASSESSMENTS WITH SELF-RELIANT SYSTEMS
The industry standard for wind speed measurements involves using expensive meteorological towers, which requires extensive planning, permitting and lead time before installation.
To address these challenges and enhance reliability—crucial for reducing project risks and financing costs—Western Wind Services developed a hybrid power system combining solar PV, battery and a fuel cell.
The autonomy of this system is one of its most compelling features. It can be deployed rapidly with minimal input, presenting clients with the flexibility to either rely on Western Wind Services for the entire setup or to take charge of the installation process themselves. Reliability also sets it apart, drastically reducing the necessity for frequent site visits. This aspect is particularly beneficial given that wind farm development often occurs in remote locations, far removed from operational bases, where field operations can be costly and logistically challenging.
“Once operational, the system’s independence not only cuts operational costs but streamlines the monitoring process. Clients can remotely access performance data, battery conditions, and wind speed readings via cloud services,” says Prouty.
Adding another layer of innovation, the integration of LiDAR technology into the system enhances its versatility. LiDAR allows for the easy relocation of the system, ensuring thorough coverage across vast areas and facilitating the collection of valuable data from complex terrains without the need for multiple permanent installations.
By streamlining the setup, teardown and troubleshooting of LiDAR systems, we not only ensure operational excellence but reinforce our commitment to advancing sustainable wind energy development, with efficiency and reliability at the forefront
Prouty sheds light on the broader implications of these advancements: “LiDAR is rapidly becoming the go-to standard for offshore applications in the wind power industry, sidestepping the prohibitive costs and technical hurdles associated with traditional met masts. Onshore, its ability to deliver precise wind measurements, either as a complement to or a replacement for traditional methods, signifies a shift toward dynamic and data centric wind farm assessments.”
It is this visionary thinking that drives Western Wind Services’ forward trajectory.
OVERCOMING TRADITIONAL WIND SPEED MEASUREMENT CHALLENGES
Since the turn of the 21st century, onshore wind turbines have seen a significant increase in average hub height, from around 60 meters in 2000 to the current 100 meters, with greater energy generation capacity and larger rotor diameters over 130 meters. This growth requires traditional met masts to match the heights of wind turbines, which often present challenges in terms of practicality, cost and deployment. The challenge of capturing accurate wind data at greater heights is easily solved by LiDAR technology. By measuring wind speeds at various elevations, without physical structures, it overcomes increasing costs and logistical difficulties of using met masts.
LiDAR systems used in wind speed measurements are positioned on the ground, directing lasers upward to capture data up to 300 meters, aligning with the tip of the blade of wind turbines, where most power is transmitted.These systems emit lasers that interact with airborne dust particles, measuring the light’s reflection and the resultant wavelength shift. This enables determination of wind speed and direction at various altitudes, using the changes in reflected laser light to accurately assess atmospheric wind conditions.
By enabling the use of shorter meteorological towers, LiDAR provides precise wind measurements at multiple heights and over extensive areas, overcoming the limitations of traditional met masts that are constrained by their fixed height and ability to collect data from only a single point. This offers a quicker, more affordable and easily redeployable measurement solution that presents a cost-efficient approach to understanding wind conditions.
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The system’s independence not only cuts operational costs but streamlines the monitoring process. Clients can remotely access performance data, battery conditions, and wind speed readings via cloud services
Tall meteorological towers also have complex permitting due to their interactions with aviation. Implementing LiDAR technology reduces the reliance on these towers and minimizes project planning and costs associated with wind farm assessments.
TURNING CRISIS TO OPPORTUNITY
Western Wind Services operates in a relatively small, niche market, with only a few competitors offering similar services. It stands out for its ability to adapt dynamically to new projects, offering tailored solutions. This mindset positions Western Wind Services as a proactive problem solver dedicated to working alongside clients.
During COVID-19, a future client encountered an issue while operating a system from a competitor. The system went offline, leaving them in the dark and unable to diagnose the problem. Based in the U.S., the client was unable to visit the Canadian site due to travel restrictions. Western Wind Services was requested to investigate without clear information on the issue. Before the visit, it strategized potential solutions for the problems. Upon arrival, subsystems were tested, and a blown circuit board was identified. After the repair, a new system for remote monitoring was installed, enabling the client to observe the site’s battery conditions and gain better insight into the on-site operations.
Western Wind Services has experienced rapid growth, particularly post-COVID, and is poised to grow alongside Canada’s wind energy market, forecasted to expand by about nine percent annually over the next five years.
With an eye on future growth, the company is considering extending its services to the U.S. to add to sustainable wind power development on a broader scale.
