Second Wind, Inc. Donates Equipment to Advance OSU Wind Energy Research

Story Posted: Mon, Jan 12, 2009

Second Wind, Inc. of Somerville, MA has donated two of its Triton® Doppler Sodars to help advance the wind research work of Dr. Stel N. Walker at Oregon State University’s Energy Resources Research Laboratory (ERRL).  The Triton® Doppler Sodar units are designed to measure the wind in three dimensions at multiple levels up to a height of 200 meters (~650 ft) depending upon atmospheric conditions.  This data is needed to evaluate the placement of large wind turbines now being deployed and to provide input to wind forecasting models.   The Sodars can also be used for other atmospheric boundary layer research. The data is transmitted via satellite, the system operates off of solar panels, and can be easily deployed and setup on a permanent or temporary basis.  The units have a cost of about $50,000 each.

The ERRL is recognized as a leader in wind energy research. Dr. Walker and Senior Research Assistant Phil Barbour continue to work with the Bonneville Power Administration in providing research assistance in the development of wind energy ramp forecasting, wind data management, and wind integration.  OSU’s ERRL has provided much of the wind data for the Pacific Northwest to allow wind farm developments to rapidly occur.  It also operates the anemometer loan program for the Energy Trust of Oregon. 

Dr. Walker received the Academic Achievement Award from the American Wind Energy Association at the Global Windpower Conference in 2004 “In recognition of exceptional and longstanding contributions to the advancement of wind energy technology and resource development. “  Dr. Walker has been involved in wind energy research and development since 1972.

Contributions are welcomed to OSU’s wind energy research. These may be made to the OSU Foundation’s Wind Energy Fund No. 4100-330050.