ARPL’S Mini-SODAR
ARPL offers the 5kHz mini-SODAR; a high frequency version of its field-proven SODAR. The mini-SODAR provides;
- Low power;
- Small size;
- Transportability;
- Low cost;
- Rapid sampling;
Along with the high performance and reliability demonstrated by the mid-frequency ARPL SODAR
THE USES OF MINI-SODARS
Mini-SODARS can be used for;
- Industrial process and thereby pollution control by real-time monitoring of the local atmospheric environment;
- Characterisation of the local micro-climate;
- Wind monitoring at airports, glider fields and parachute drop zones;
- Wind Power assessment, including statistics and wind shear information;
- Blast noise prediction and minimisation.
The mini-Sodar works in the same manner as the standard Atmospheric Research SODAR;
Configuration
The mini-SODAR consists of two main subsystems;
- Antenna Subsystem;
- Control Electronics and Display Subsystem;
The mini-SODAR is available as separate items for permanent installation, or as a self-contained, transportable trailer- or skid-mounted unit. Modifications to the configuration of the hardware, or to the software (eg to the user display), may be undertaken by ARPL, as options within a contract, or as subsequent upgrade contracts.
The Advantages Of Mini-SODARS
Mini-SODARs provide;
- Ease of transport and installation;
- Low power for remote operation;
- Continuous operation and measurement;
- No intrusion into the space being sampled;
- Low labour costs for measurements;
- Many more data points for wind power assesment than a single 10m tower;
- Much higher altitude coverage than can be achieved with a fixed tower, commensurate with the height of modern wind turbines;
See this page for general SODAR Theory and Applications.
Mini-SODAR Performance
| Parameter | Performance |
|---|---|
| Horizontal Wind Speed Components | Range 0-20 m/s, accuracy 0.2 m/s |
| Horizontal Wind Speed Vectors | Range 0 - 25 m/s |
| Vertical Wind Speed Components | Range 0 - 10 m/sec, accuracy 0.1 m/s |
| Horizontal Wind Direction | 0 - 359 degrees |
| Resolution of Reading | 0.1 m/s |
| Sampling Height | 5 m - 290 m AGL |
| Data Interval | Approximately 1 minute |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Display Latency | Real Time |
| Environmental Conditions | -10C to + 40C, 0 - 100% humidity |
| Power Supply | 240V. Options of 110V and 24V with solar array or portable generator input. |
| Acoustic Frequency | 4500 - 5000 Hz (selectable) |
| Dimensions (Skid-Mounted) | 2400(l)x1000(w)x1200(h)mm |
| Packaging Options | Skid mount, trailer mount, slab mount |
5kHz Mini-SODAR in free-standing configuration.
MiniSODAR, showing transducer. Note the proximity of trees, away from the beam, which do not create reflections or background noise.
Control Unit for MiniSODAR, showing simplicity of the electronics, leading to low power consumption and high reliability.
SODAR Electronics Panel, including control processor, is shown above. It can have an optional LCD display. The unit can run on mains power, batteries with solar array, or via portable generator.