ZX trials 'drone lidar' with positive results

Lidar supplier ZX Lidars (formerly Zephir Lidar) has demonstrated the use of the wind measurement device on a commercially available unmanned aerial vehicle.

by David Weston 25 January 2019

ZX will present the results of the drone-lidar tests at a conference in the summer

The UK-based company trialled the new system over the summer of 2018 "with excellent rates and sensitivity".

A ZX spokesman said the application of such a device could have a number of real-world applications, both in and outside of wind projects. 

He said the device — using undisclosed new lidar technology from ZX Lidar — could be deployed when a quick wind speed measurement is required, for example ahead of a crane lift to check wind speeds for safety. 

The results of the trials will be presented by ZX at the Wind Energy Science Conference 2019 being held in Cork, Ireland (17-20 June).