OVERVIEW OF A WIND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT CAMPAIGN - Wind Resource Assessment: A Practical Guide to Developing a Wind Project - page 16

Ground-Based Remote Sensing. Sodar and lidar, two relatively recent addi-
tions to the technologies available for measuring wind speed, can be useful for
spot-checking the wind resource at different points within the project area and for
measuring the wind profile throughout the rotor plane. Short-term (4-12 weeks) cam-
paigns are typical, but longer or multiple campaigns may be advisable for large projects
( 100 MW), in complex terrain, or for projects where significant seasonal variation

of shear is expected. More information on remote sensing technology can be found
in Chapter 8.

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2.2.2 Measurement Plan
Common to all monitoring programs is the need for a measurement plan. Its purpose
is to ensure that all facets of the wind monitoring program combine to provide the
data needed to meet the program's objectives. It should be documented in writing and
reviewed and accepted by the project participants before being implemented. The plan
should specify the following elements:

• measurement parameters (e.g., speed, direction, temperature);
• equipment type, quality, and cost;
• equipment monitoring heights and boom orientations;
• number and locations of monitoring masts;
• minimum desired measurement accuracy, duration, and data recovery;
• data sampling and recording intervals;

parties responsible for equipment installation, maintenance, data validation, and
reporting;

•

data transmission, screening, and processing procedures;

•

quality control (QC) measures;

•

data reporting intervals and format.

•

It is generally recommended that wind monitoring last at least 1 year (12 consecutive
months), although a longer period produces more reliable results, and that subsequent
masts that are installed overlap the first in time. The data recovery for all measured
parameters should be as high as possible, with a target for most tower sensors of at
least 90%, with few or no extended data gaps. The rate actually achieved will depend
on a number of factors, including the remoteness of the site, weather conditions, the
type and redundancy of instruments, and methods of data collection.

2.2.3 Monitoring Strategy
At the core of the monitoring strategy are good management, qualified staff, and
adequate resources. It is best if everyone involved understands the roles and responsi-
bilities of each participant and the lines of authority and accountability. Everyone
should be familiar with the program's overall objectives, measurement plan, and
schedule. Communication among the participants should be frequent and open.