There has always been good money in being able to predict the future. A team of researchers at Risø / DTU has taken up the challenge albeit in a slightly different form. Group Leader, Christian Petersen from the Institute for Photonics who work with optics, laser light and optical measuring instruments, is after some years of research almost ready with a sensor which can tell wind turbines about the wind 10 seconds into the future. The knowledge permits the mills to set their wings, so that they can take better advantage of the wind and it also reduces wear and tear on the mill, so that it lasts longer.

- Our sensors consist of laser light sitting at the toe of the turbine measuring the wind speed from 50 to 100 meters in front of the turbine. Thus at all times, the mill will know the wind speed that will hit it a short time later and is able to adjust its wings accordantly, "explains Christian Petersen.

Improved with up to 12 pct.
The sensor is made in cooperation between Risø/DTU and the company Opdi Technologies. It is based on diode laser technology, which at the present is unique for the Risø-team. The censors are tested on wind mills on the second half of 2010.

- We do not yet have specific results in terms of to which degree the sensor is able to make the mill more efficient. American tests, however, show that similar projects have ameliorated the yield with up to 12 per cent. If we can reach those figures we are dealing with huge gains both in terms of exploitation and profitability of wind mill farms. It will prolong the life of the mill, and thus you get more for your money, says Christian Petersen.

He adds that the price is not yet established but the ambition is a low- price system so that all mills can benefit.