UK wind energy companies could soon be assisted in their search for suitable windfarm sites by a unique wind-profiling device being developed by a company in Glenelg.

Chillwind Ltd, in partnership with Swedish company AQ System, is developing a prototype wind measurement system with assistance from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise's (SALE) Innovation Support Programme. 

Should it reach market, it would be the first of its kind in the UK, and the first SODAR system - acoustic or sonic radar - specifically designed for use by the wind energy industry.

The ground-based pulsed sound energy system can measure wind speeds at heights up to 150 metres, and is being designed specifically to provide renewable energy companies with data on wind patterns at heights greater than currently available.

Wind profiling is typically carried out using anemometers erected on steel masts, which for reasons of stability and weight can only reach a maximum height of 70 metres.  But with the average wind turbine blades rotating at heights upwards of 100metres, there is a real need from the wind energy industry to be able to acquire data at these greater heights.

"The Wind Profiler works by emitting a sound pulse into the atmosphere and measuring the doppler shift of the back-scattered energy," explained Mr Hammond.  "As well as being able to measure wind data at greater heights than current masts, the system is also highly manoeuvrable, allowing the unit to be moved easily to acquire data at different points in a given site.

"We are currently testing the profiler, and aim for it to be ready to go to market in time for the British Wind Energy Association Conference in Glasgow at the end of October."

The SODAR equipment was manufactured in Sweden and has been installed on to a specially designed all-terrain trailer in Glenelg.  Mr Hammond and his colleague, Andy Oldroyd, will now work with Strathclyde University over the next few weeks to test and calibrate the system before going to market with his product.

The project has attracted a £14,000 grant from SALE's Innovation Support Programme, which is part funded with European money.  This scheme offers financial assistance for businesses to improve their competitiveness, profitability and performance by developing new products and processes.

Carole Inglis, SALE's innovation manager said:  "Chillwind's product has the potential to be a real winner with the wind energy sector and I am pleased we have been able to support its development at this crucial stage."