Showcasing the ability of Indian technocrats to turn out cutting-edge technology solutions, the Gayatri Vidya Parishad Scientific and Industrial Research Centre has developed a laser-based device for real-time remote monitoring of wind data parameters.
The solution, called SAMIRA (Seeing Air in Motion: Instrumentation for Remote sensing Application), does away with the necessity of setting up the conventional 150 m mast for monitoring wind parameters, which is required before taking a decision on the location of wind turbines.
The laser-optic solution is a portable device that can be located at remote locations and has the capacity to monitor and record all the required data.
“SAMIRA is not-only a cost effective solution but also reduces the burden of logistics involved in setting up the conventional tower with its data recorders,” director of GVP-SIRC Rao Tatavarti told The Hindu .
SAMIRA gains importance in view of the focus of the government on renewable energy sources.
The solution developed by the SIRC would cost less than a 10th of the price of similar products available in the international market, he added.
SAMIRA sets up a laser beam and studies the ‘back-scatter’ to analyse the parameters like air density and wind speed at different levels. The focus of the laser beam is adjusted to different levels to enable recording the data at different levels in the atmosphere.
“The laser beam is a coherent beam and the back scatter records very minor changes, enabling highly accurate recording of wind parameters,” Prof. Tatavarti explained.
The centre has developed the software to analyse the data.
“The GVP-SIRC has been recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation by the Department of Science and Technology and has been getting high technology projects from different institutions. We are collaborating in research with some 20 universities and institutions across the country,” Director-General of SIRC P. Srinivasa Rao said.
“The SIRC focuses on experiential learning for students, and there are a large number of undergraduate students who have volunteered to be a part of some or the other ongoing project of the centre,” he added.
The SIRC has developed a number of cutting-edge technologies based on laser optics for environment monitoring, vibration and condition monitoring, and for eavesdropping, among others.
