Wind Turbine Performance Assessment and Verification with a 4-Beam Nacelle Lidar

A new and novel nacelle-mounted 4-beam Pulsed Lidar configuration has been shown to accurately characterize wind turbine performance by measuring wind inflow conditions across the entire rotor span. In this presentation we provide updates on validation of this technology in real-world conditions at operating wind farms in both Europe and the USA, in a variety of terrain types. The primary motivation behind the design of the 4 beam Lidar is the potential for a dramatic reduction (up to 80%) in the price of power performance testing, especially in complex terrain, as well as the added convenience it offers by not requiring a pre-construction "site calibration"as is mandatory in current met mast-based tests.