Manufacturer: Vaisala
Model: WindCube® Scan
Optimize your solar power plant operations through accurate remote wind measurements and detailed, real-time insights. The industry’s most trusted scanning lidar, Vaisala WindCube® Scan improves the safety, efficiency, and profitability of solar power plants. Its advanced capabilities and sturdy build deliver wind intelligence that empowers operators to prevent damage, reduce downtime, and optimize performance even in extreme weather conditions. WindCube Scan delivers real-time spatial wind data — as much as 10+ kilometers around the solar power plant. It delivers the same superior accuracy, reliability, and unmatched global support that Vaisala’s solutions are known for.
Wind monitoring entails more than tracking wind conditions and patterns. By simultaneously measuring wind, cloud, and aerosol backscatter, WindCube Scan gives solar energy farm operators a comprehensive view of atmospheric conditions and their impact on wind behavior. This allows you to proactively protect your solar power plant against costly damages caused by high winds.
Smart decisions are always data driven. Equipped with advanced technologies, WindCube Scan is capable of long-range measuring and high-level data processing.
WindCube Scan’s strong casing and rugged design keep the system protected against wind, rain, snow, ice, dust, and other elements. A heated scanner lens prevents disruptions from freezing temperatures and high humidity.
Vaisala is the only company to offer 360° of weather intelligence for smarter renewable energy, nearly anywhere on the planet. Every solution benefits from our nearly 90 years of experience, deployments in 170+ countries, and unrivaled thought leadership.
Protect solar equipment
Early detection of strong winds helps you take proactive measures to prevent direct damage to your solar panels. WindCube Scan activates protective measures before stowing thresholds are exceeded.
Reduce downtime
Set smarter, less conservative thresholds to optimize stowing duration. WindCube Scan provides your solar power plant with accurate wind data that minimizes disruptions in your operations.
Minimize false alarms
Prevent unnecessary shutdowns in your solar power plant. WindCube Scan decreases instances of false positives, avoiding overly cautious wind alerts.
Maximize insurance claims
Secure fair insurance compensation on any weather damage claims you file. WindCube data provides substantial evidence of wind-related damages for forensic analysis.
1. Operating environment
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
|
Operating temperature |
−30 … +45 °C (−22 … +113 °F) |
|
Maximum operating altitude |
3048 m (10.000 ft) |
| IP rating | IP65 |
2. Mechanical specifications
Dimensions (L × W × H)
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| System | 830 × 1012 × 1370 mm (32.68 × 39.84 × 53.94 in) |
| Shipping case closed | 948 × 1204 × 1507 mm (37.32 × 47.40 × 59.33 in) |
| Shipping case opened | 948 × 2736 × 1905 mm (37.32 × 107.72 × 75.00 in) |
Weight
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| System only | 232 kg (511 lb) |
| Shipping case only | 100 kg (220 lb) |
| Total with accessories | 370 kg (816 lb) |
3. Laser
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Laser source | Pulsed at 1.54 µm |
| Lidar eye safety | Class 1M according to IEC 60825‑1:2014 |
4. Inputs and outputs
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Power supply |
100 … 240 VAC, 18 … 9 A RMS, 47 … 60 Hz With mains supply voltage fluctuations up to ±10 % of the nominal voltage |
| Power consumption | 500 … 1600 W ( range includes the use of coolers and heaters) |
5. Compliance
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
|
Compliance marks |
CE Marking |
6. Lidar parameters
| Specifications | WINDCUBE 100S / 200S | WINDCUBE 400S | WINDCUBE 200S-AT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accumulation time | 0,1 … 10 s | 0,1 … 10 s | Down to 50 ms in vortex mode |
| Range resolution | 25 m, 50 m, 75 m or 100 m | 75 m, 100 m, 150 m or 200 m | 34 m in vortex mode |
| Display range resolution | Down to 1 m (with gate overlapping) | 5 m in vortex mode | |
| Number of range gates) | Up to 320 (depending on range gate length used) | ||
| First range of measurement | More than twice the range gate length | 68 m (in vortex mode) | |
7. Scanner parameters
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Scanner rotation speed | Up to 30°/s |
| Azimuth angle | 0° … 360° (with 0,01° increment) |
| Elevation angle | −19° … 199° (with 0,01° increment) |
8. System requirements for Windforge software
| Specifications | Request |
|---|---|
| Processor | Core i3 or better |
| Operating system | Windows 7 |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM |
| Hard disk space | 500 GB |
| Resolution | 1366 × 768 |
| Data format | Stored in an embedded SQL database. Export in auto documented NetCDF files by graphical user interface, API, or to an FTP server. The Leosphere NetCDF file format is built on NetCDF‑4 (which is in turn built on HDF5) and its architecture is based on CfRadial2 and Cf convention |
| Storage capacity | 1 TB* hard drive. Database storage autonomy depends on scenario. Typically 1 year (without saving raw signal averaged spectra, and with 1‑second accumulation time) |
| Data transfer | Ethernet/LAN Radial Wind Speed file, 70 gates, 1s accumulation = 25 MB* /h Size proportional to the number of gates and the accumulation time. |
| Synchronization | UTC clock via NTP server and GPS |
| Main functionnalities | – Instrument control andconfiguration – Management of a library of scans – Programming in a loop or a scheduler – Real-time data acquisition and measurement display – System diagnostics and alarms |
