High resolution laser based wind estimation

Purpose and goal

The project goal was to develop a commercially viable product-concept for high resolution wind flow measurements with 3D sensors aimed to give Wind Vector competitive advantage when launching a product for high resolution wind measurements. The goal of creating a basis for WindVector AB´s growth by broadening the company´s product portfolio is considered to have good potential to be accessed by the project result; a preliminary product design, a started project to continue work on the demonstrator, collaboration with Acreo, Optronic others and a plan for forthcoming funding.

Results and expected effects

The project has resulted in a preliminary design for serial version based on 1) WindVectors existing technology platforms, 2) the development of the demonstrator constituting the central component of the product now being developed by Acreo et. al, 3) the results from analyzing our competitors, 4) existing market channels and 5) potential for funding through a series of submitted and ongoing common grant applications. The project result ensures that the product development can proceed as planned, despite a certain delay, but we expect that the product is on the market within 3-5 years.

Approach and implementation

The project included a concept study, protection of intellectual property rights and a market analysis. The concept study identified a lack of price worthy components, but resulted in a new demonstrator project. The outcome of the project is at the present not good enough for a patent application, but the plan is to protect the rights for the demonstrator. The market investigation has confirmed our assumption that the few laser-based systems available in the market for high resolution wind measurements are too expensive and are thus not sufficiently cost-effective for large-scale use.