Apex Wind Energy (Apex) and Second Wind have announced the commencement of a multi-month wind farm optimization (WFO) campaign using two Triton advanced SoDAR systems at a utility scale wind project under development by Apex. This WFO represents the first case of multiple mobile ground-based wind measurement instruments being deployed simultaneously to verify several project sub-sectors and enhance pre-construction energy estimates.
The Midwest site has several years of data from 50 and 60 meter tall met towers that have been used for preliminary energy estimates and to guide the design of various wind farm layouts. Both Tritons have been deployed and will be moved around the site to collect hub-height wind speed data as well as wind speed (shear) and directional (veer) profiles at multiple locations across the project site. The Triton data will enable Apex to evaluate and optimize turbine layout and reduce annual energy production uncertainty estimates.
Apex and Second Wind will periodically reevaluate the energy analysis as additional data sets are completed to update the project’s financial estimates. “We expect to reduce the overall shear estimate and extrapolation uncertainty and gain a better understanding of sub-sectors within the existing project array layout,” stated David Balfrey, Apex Wind’s Director of Energy Assessment. “This approach provides valuable insight prior to confirming final turbine locations and configurations, allowing us to optimize the design of our wind farm. With the right application, it also enhances the project information available for financial due diligence by an independent engineering group and others.”
“We are excited to be working with Apex Wind on developing a Triton wind resource campaign to provide a deeper understanding of the hub-height wind conditions across the project. The Triton offers developers the flexibility to adjust measurement campaigns dynamically due to its mobility and easy acceptance by landowners,” said Larry Letteney, Second Wind’s CEO.
