Ecofys WTTS has performed the first ever full uncertainty assessment of a floating LiDAR to support the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) in their preparations of the next round of Dutch offshore tenders.
The aim of the study was to quantify the certainty with which the wind data, currently measured at the offshore wind farm zones Hollandse Kust and Borssele, can be used in calculation of final wind resource assessments.
As part of the study, Ecofys WTTS investigated what the accuracy of Fugro’s OCEANOR AS Seawatch Wind would actually mean for a typical Dutch offshore wind location.
The uncertainty calculations can be used directly in wind resource assessments, together with the classification uncertainty and site-specific uncertainty components. The uncertainty calculations apply specifically to the tested device although the results should be representative for similar devices, provided the International Energy Agency recommended practices are followed for the campaign design, Ecofys WTTS said.
A clearer understanding of the accuracy of wind measurements improves the energy production forecast of a proposed project and enables developers to drive down costs.