Vertical Wind Lidars

The vertical wind lidar WindMast WP350 has been used to analyze the Bora Flow Characteristics in a Complex Valley Environment. The experiment was conducted by Center for Atmospheric Research, University of Nova Gorica, Ocean University of China, Slovenian Environment Agency and other authorities. The turbulence characteristics of Bora flow were derived from high resolution Doppler vertical wind lidar measurements during eight Bora wind episodes that occurred in November and December 2019. Based on the vertical profiles of wind velocity, from 80 to 180 m above the valley floor, the turbulence intensity related to all three spatial directions and the along-wind integral length scales related to three velocity components were evaluated and compared to the approximations given in international standards. The resulting turbulence characteristics of Bora flow in a deep mountain valley exhibited interesting behaviour, differing from the one expected and suggested by standards.

Wind field measurements by vertical wind lidars are fundamental for an accurate description of atmospheric dynamics, and therefore, for the understanding and prediction of weather development. In the field of wind energy, they are crucial for the determination of the wind climate and for establishing the power curve of the wind turbine. Measurements of wind speed and direction are further important for assessing the air pollution dispersion in the atmosphere.

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