SODAR and RASS for Wind and Temperature Profiling

Research quality atmospheric boundary layer ground based instrumentation such as the SODAR is highly innovative and allows research institutes, military users and others to better understand the physical properties of our world. Biral has a long history of supplying these sensors and we remain abreast of current and future technology to ensure that we can provide you with the best products for your application.

Introduction to SODARs

A Doppler-SODAR (Sonic Detection And Ranging) system is a ground based remote sensing system for the measurement of vertical profiles of the horizontal wind vector and turbulence in the lower parts of the atmosphere.

It is a mobile acoustic wind and turbulence profiler which gives a continuous near real-time three-dimensional vertical profile of the overhead wind structure. Temperature profiles can also be included using the optional RASS (Radio Acoustic Sounding System) extension.

SODARs do not require any planning permission, structural masts or permanent fixings and can be transported conveniently in a standard van or trailer which simplifies the installation at remote sites. The system installation will take one trained operator less than one hour.

They are an excellent tool for many applications, in particular:

• atmospheric research a SODAR allows the user a better understanding of the boundary layer and any local effects of wind on meteorology.

• airport site evaluation (including wing tip vortex studies, low level wind shear or other turbulent structure monitoring along the glide path or elsewhere on the airfield).  

• plume modelling, flow dispersion, inversion levels or pollution monitoring are easily done with the graphic interface and imaging of the data from the SODAR.  

• ballistic meteorology such as artillery  This is far more cost effective than traditional radio-sonde flight releases during events and also allows a degree of independence as no consumables are required for continued operation.  

• wind farm siting research (they can show the all important effects that turbulence structures will have on the blades of  turbines, as well as aiding in establishing the power curve output for different sites). SODARs can be calibrated for wind energy applications and have been accepted by accredited organisations such as RISO.

ATS through Biral supplies the Metek SODARs which are delivered as turn-key solutions, complete with SODAR antenna, SODAR control unit (PC-unit), software for the SODAR control and comprehensive Graphic Routine "METEK grafik.exe" for data visualisation and analysis. No additional purchase of hardware or software is necessary to get the comprehensive SODAR data set. The toolkit even includes gloves and any small tools that might become necessary.

For use at remote sites there is a low power version for DC powered operation. This version can be supplied with weatherproof housing for the PC so that the whole SODAR system can be operated outdoors if required.

An optional GSM modem can be used to remotely log in and check or change settings and operation as well as allowing an SMS message to be sent when any potential problem should arise such as power fallout.

SODARs are ideal for:

• atmospheric research

• airport site evaluation

• plume modelling

• pollution monitoring

• ballistic meteorology

• wind farm siting research

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