Test and monitoring means
A wind lidar in the Mediterranean
For the past three years, we have been conducting a data acquisition campaign using a wind profiling lidar deployed in the Mediterranean Sea on the Planier island.
A wind lidar deployed in the Mediterranean since 2022
Since December 2022, we have deployed a Vaisala WindCube v2.1 wind profiling lidar (certified according to IEC 61400-12-1) on Planier Island in the Gulf of Lion. Located 9 km offshore, this site allows us to capture undisturbed atmospheric phenomena representative of the conditions encountered at floating wind farm sites in the Mediterranean. The acquisition campaign, which is still ongoing, is enabling us to compile an unprecedented dataset.
Why choosing us?
Accessing a unique database
The measurements taken with the wind lidar, without interruption for three years, have made it possible to build up a unique database. This database contains data on average wind speeds and directions, turbulence intensity, wind shear, and the occurrence and intensity of low-level jets. There is no equivalent database for this very specific area of the Gulf of Lion, located in the extreme north-west of the Mediterranean.
Conducting R&D of excellence
For several years, we have been conducting research on the detailed characterisation of wind turbulence. We have developed real expertise in lidar measurements and the correction of associated biases. We are continuing to improve our reconstruction methodology so that it can be applied to floating configurations.
An operational and scientific team
Instrumentation & Acquisition
This team is specialised in deploying offshore devices and acquiring offshore data. Its members specify the measurement systems best suited to the study sites and oversees offshore operations in accordance with safety best practices. This teams deployed the wind lidar on the Planier island in the Mediterranean and regularly maintains it.
Wind & Ocean Dynamics
Within this department, several scientists have extensive experience in atmospheric physics, particularly with regard to lidar measurements of turbulence. They possess comprehensive expertise combining in situ observation and numerical modelling. Having been involved in applied R&D projects and providing services to industry since 2021, they are fully aware of the challenges of profitability and reliability in offshore wind farms.
Find out where our test and monitoring means are located
Thanks to our unique at-sea test and monitoring facilities, long-term observations and experiments can be carried out in offshore environments. It is crucial for stakeholders in the sector to have access to data acquired in the field, under real-life conditions.
Our references
The evaluation process is not simply a box-checking exercise, it’s a real opportunity to discuss the content.
Another key strength of this Committee was that it is made up of researchers from different backgrounds, laboratories and countries. This leads to very rich and stimulating discussions.
We often tend to work on individual projects. The DRACCAR-MMERMAID research project gives us the opportunity to be involved in studying cumulative effects at the scale of an entire coastline.
