ECN approves Mitsubishi lidar

NETHERLANDS: ECN, the energy research centre of the Netherlands has approved Mitsubishi Electric's new wind lidar.

Mitsubishi Electric's new lidar uses a laser to measure wind speeds

The compact unit uses a laser beam to measure wind speeds at varying altitudes and assess wind suitability at possible project sites. It will be globally available from June.

ECN found that the lidar meets European wind measurement standards following tests, which showed it had error rates of less than 1% when compared to more traditional anemometer cups.

Mitsubishi said the unit replaces the need for meteorological masts, which can only measure winds at fixed points and incur construction costs.

The Japanese technology company's new offering is water resistant and would work in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. It also has a motion compensation feature for offshore use.