- Masstech is proposing to develop a 3D wind profiler using a multi-beam LiDAR system.
- It is the velocity of the aerosol particles that will be measured.
- This is part of a multi-agency project to improve safety at the nation’s airports.
I came across the summary page for a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant proposing the use of a multi-beam LiDAR to measure wind speed in 3 directions. The company Masstech is actually located in Columbia Maryland, closer to the source of the SBIR funding. If you are wondering how LiDAR can be used to profile the wind, as I was, it is the velocity of the aerosol particles that will actually be measured. This was one of the first applications of LiDAR back in the 1960′s.
The purpose of this effort is to provide more accurate wind velocity data to improve safety around airports. This is part of a multi-agency project including NASA and the FAA called NextGen Aeroportal. A quick search did not find any references to this project on the web. However, it is clear from the SBIR that they are interested in not only measuring wind, but turbulence, cloud ceiling and aircraft wake vortex, to name a few. The goal is to increase throughput and detect aircraft external hazards, which I would assume includes flocks of birds that recently caused the flight to ditch into the Hudson River in New York City.
A number of other applications of the technology were noted including siting studies for wind turbines, DoD ballistic cross wind sensors, and in wind tunnels for automotive and racing applications – I had to work in the car angle. An airborne version of the instrument could potentially be used to warn of turbulence and wake vortices. The key design goals are reliability, eye-safety, portability and low cost.
