NRG Spidar User Manual
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NRG Spidar User Manual

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November 4, 2020

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Summary of Contents for NRG Spidar

  • Page 1 November 4, 2020...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................ 5 A. NRG Spidar Vertical Profiler ..................5 B. Direct Detect Lidar and the Cross Correlation Method ..........5 II. SAFETY AND WARNINGS ....................7 A. Laser Safety ........................7 B.
  • Page 3 AC Power Connections ..................... 34 DC Power Connections ..................... 35 Power Controller to Spidar Connections ..............37 Installing SIM Card in Spidar Power Controller PC ............ 38 Connect and Confirm Spidar Power Controller Operation ........41 Setting SIM Card APN ....................42 Confirm Power Controller PC Configuration .............
  • Page 4 TI Filtering ............... Error! Bookmark not defined. SPIDAR TO METEOROLOGICAL TOWER CORRELATION GUIDELINES ......63 A. Introduction ........................ 63 B. Positioning the Spidar near the Meteorological Tower ..........63 C. Data Filtering Procedure ..................... 63 Spidar Data Filtering ....................63 Met Mast Data Filtering ..................

  • Page 5: Introduction

    NRG Spidar is a vertical profiling pulsed direct detect Lidar specifically designed for wind measurement within the wind energy industry. Spidar remains the only direct detect Lidar in use by wind energy professionals globally for early stage prospecting, wind shear validation, horizontal uncertainty reduction, and as a permanent met mast replacement on operating wind farms.
  • Page 6 Laser pulses from the downwind Spidar beam sample the atmosphere. The same aerosol density signature is identified. This establishes the time of flight between the two beam locations. Combined with the known distance between the two locations, Spidar is able to determine both wind speed and direction.

  • Page 7: Safety And Warnings

    The Spidar utilizes a 1550nm fiber-laser source. The Spidar contains a Class 4 laser source, but the product is equipped with all the laser safety means needed for the assignment as a Class 1M laser product to comply with the IEC/CE 60825-1 standard, as well as the CDRH (FDA) Title 21 CFR 1040.10 standard.

  • Page 8: Ergonomic Safety

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Input voltage for the Spidar is 24V DC. Use only the Spidar DC input voltage for the Spidar is 24V DC. Use only the supplied power cable. supplied power cable. Input voltage rating is 110V to 220V AC (50/60 Hz).

  • Page 9: System Overview

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual III. SYSTEM OVERVIEW Figure 4: NRG Spidar System Overview Optimal Installation Dimensions Figure 5: Optimal Installation Height Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 9 Rev. 3 4 November 2020...

  • Page 10: Minimum Installation Dimensions

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 6: Optimal Installation Footprint Minimum Installation Dimensions Figure 7: Minimum Installation Height Figure 8: Minimum Installation Footprint Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 10 Rev. 3 4 November 2020...

  • Page 11: Maximum Installation Dimensions

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Maximum Installation Dimensions Figure 9: Maximum Installation Height Figure 10: Maximum Installation Footprint Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 11 Rev. 3 4 November 2020...

  • Page 12: Spidar Specifications

    20 – 200m Number of Range Gates Range Gate Heights Configurable Hardware Specifications Warranty 2 years – see NRG warranty statement Maximum Site Slope 20° Typical footprint: 1,092mm x 1,259mm x 1,425mm Dimensions (43” x 49.6” x 56.1”) Shipping Crate: •...

  • Page 13: Environmental Specifications

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Storage File Format ASCII Storage Capacity ~3 years • .csv files delivered via email at configurable interval Data Output Options • Continuous delivery to SCADA networks via Modbus Environmental Specifications Operating Temperature Range -40° to 50°C...

  • Page 14: Unpacking

    Figure 11: Spidar Installation Flow Chart Package Integrity + Visual Inspection Before unpacking the Spidar from its shipping crate, verify the crate integrity, stickers, documents and markings. Verify that the TiltWatch™ tilt indicator and the Shockwatch™ shock indicator are not colored red.

  • Page 15: Opening The Crate

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 12: Tilt and Shock Indicators Figure 13: Crate Shipment Integrity Features Opening the Crate Removing the Upper Cover Unscrew the four screws located on the upper cover side boards using a Posidrive head screwdriver.

  • Page 16: Removing The Protective Beam

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 14: Shipping Crate Upper Cover Removing the Protective Beam Unscrew the four screws located either side of the protective beam using a Posidrive head screwdriver. Remove the crossbar carefully and place it to the side.

  • Page 17: Unpacking The Crate

    Figure 16: Shipping Crate Front Panel Unpacking the Crate Removing the Spidar Main Body Remove the Spidar main body, lifting carefully by its red handles. Only lift the Spidar by its red handles. Safety shoes must be worn when installing the Spidar.
  • Page 18 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 17: Spidar Main Body + Accessory Boxes Figure 18: Removing Spidar Main Body from Crate Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 18 Rev. 3 4 November 2020...

  • Page 19: Removing The Internal Boxes

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Removing the Internal Boxes Remove the three cardboard boxes from the main crate, please see Figure 12. • Box #1 – size 75×30×15 cm • Box #2 – size 28×22×12 cm Open the three boxes and verify that all parts are present.
  • Page 20 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Tool Kit Screw Box 2 Met Sensor Box 3 Spidar Power Controller Figure 19: Spidar Components Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 20 Rev. 3 4 November 2020...

  • Page 21: Spidar Tripod Assembly

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Spidar Tripod Assembly Leg Assembly Remove leg subassemblies from the shipping crate. Cut the zip ties securing the support rod on each telescopic tripod leg assembly. Figure 20: Tripod Leg Subassembly Figure 21: Tripod Base Subassembly Assemble the three tripod subassemblies legs, as seen in Figure 16.

  • Page 22: Tripod Mounting

    Figure 22: Tripod Leg to Base Assembly Tripod Mounting This section describes how to mount the telescopic tripod legs to the Spidar main body. Each of the tripod legs should be inserted into the leg sleeves and screwed on tight.
  • Page 23 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 23: Tripod Assembly Repeat for all 3 legs. Two people are needed: one should hold and tilt the Spidar while the second connects the legs. Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 23 Rev. 3...
  • Page 24 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 24: Final Leg of Tripod Mounting Remove the Allen screw from a support rod. Figure 25: Remove Support Rod Screw Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 24 Rev. 3 4 November 2020...
  • Page 25 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Position the support rod between the chassis and the telescopic leg and insert and tighten the Allen screw. Rotate the tightening nut for proper tension in order to reduce stress from the chassis. Figure 26: Connect and Adjust Support Rod Repeat steps C + D for all 3 support rods.

  • Page 26: Installation + Commissioning

    Note that additional setbacks are required for sodars in order to prevent echoes from fixed objects from interfering with measurements. Spidar has the smallest cone angle of any remote sensor in the wind industry, allowing it to be sited closer to potential obstacles than any other device.

  • Page 27: Elevation + Leveling

    Elevation + Leveling This section describes how to set the height of the Spidar above level ground. The Spidar can be installed with a range of total system heights, from 912mm up to 1,305mm. The best height for your installation will depend on site conditions, particularly how level it is and the expected snowfall.

  • Page 28: Set Tripod Leg Length

    Figure 28: Remove Surface Obstructions Set Tripod Leg Length The Spidar can reach a maximum of 500mm ground clearance for normal operation by extending its telescoping legs. For installations in areas likely to experience heavy snowfall, the Spidar should be installed with maximum possible ground clearance to minimize potential obstruction by snow and ice.
  • Page 29 Spidar User Manual Figure 30: Spidar Leg Engraving The Spidar has a built-in spirit level to enable precise leveling. The Spidar is plumb when the spirit level air bubble is within the red circle. Figure 31: Spirit Level and Spirit Level Cover...
  • Page 30 The three legs should be different lengths when installing on an uneven surface to achieve rough leveling. Figure 33: Adjusting Leg Length After roughly leveling the Spidar, tighten with an Allen key. Tighten the Allen screws affixing the support rods. Figure 34: Tightening Support Rod Screw Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 30...

  • Page 31: Anchoring

    Spidar User Manual Using the built-in Spirit Level, determine which tripod leg(s) require fine adjustment to bring the Spidar into plumb. Spidar is plumb when the spirit level air bubble is within the red circle. To make an adjustment, fold up the rubber ‘sock’ on the appropriate leg and rotate the base assembly on the fine adjustment nut to bring the Spidar to plumb.

  • Page 32: Orientation

    Figure 37: Inserting Anchors Orientation This section describes how to determine the Spidar’s orientation relative to north, which is important to enable accurate wind direction measurements. The azimuth angle is the angular difference between compass north and the Spidar’s orientation, and should be measured during commissioning and recorded in the system’s configuration information.

  • Page 33: Meteorological Sensor

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Stand at least 5 meters back from the Spidar. The further away from the Spidar you are, the more accurate the result achieved. Position yourself to clearly observe the protruding rods vertically aligned, while observing the jig aligned with a compass.

  • Page 34: Spidar Power Controller

    Spidar User Manual Spidar Power Controller This section describes how to configure the Spidar Power Controller for use with AC or DC power and connect the Power Controller with the Spidar. It also explains how to use the Power Controller PC and where to install the SIM card.

  • Page 35: Dc Power Connections

    Skip to section ADD SECTION for the next steps. DC Power Connections When using a Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery power supply the Spidar Power Controller needs to be wired differently. The following instructions explain how to wire the Power Controller: 1.
  • Page 36 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Figure 42: Cut gasket, place wires in gasket, secure with nut 4. Locate the AC/DC adapter cable that comes through the first strain relief port from the left and remove the positive and negative leads from the terminal blocks. Tape the ends and secure the wires out of the way to make room for the PV and battery leads.

  • Page 37: Power Controller To Spidar Connections

    Power Controller to Spidar Connections To access the connection panel, locate it along the base of the Spidar and unscrew the four Allen screws, using a 3mm Allen Screwdriver. This will release the cover and allow you to lower it, exposing the connections underneath.

  • Page 38: Installing Sim Card In Spidar Power Controller Pc

    With this configuration the RS232 to USB cable must be installed inside the electrical connection panel and the USB cable run from connection panel into the Spidar Power controller and plugged into one of the USB ports. This will allow Technical Services to update software and troubleshoot via RS232 if needed.
  • Page 39 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual 1. Disconnect all cables from the Spidar Power Controller PC • Undo the flat head screws on the green connector behind the two antennas on the PC to remove the green power adapter (no need to undo the red and black wires) 2.
  • Page 40 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual 7. Gently remove the modem by lifting it slightly and then gently pull/wiggle it out. 8. Slide the SIM card tray back to release it and pull it out 9. Insert the SIM card with the contacts down and the notch in the upper left corner.

  • Page 41: Connect And Confirm Spidar Power Controller Operation

    Connect and Confirm Spidar Power Controller Operation Once the Spidar Power Controller has been connected to a power source and the SIM card installed, it is ready to be used. Before leaving the site the Power Controller PC should be logged into to verify the functionality of the following apps: •...

  • Page 42: Setting Sim Card Apn

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Connect via direct connection: 1. Open the Spidar Power Controller pelican case and plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port being used by the remote power switch (LAN 1). 2. Use Remote Desktop to connect to the PC: •...

  • Page 43: Confirm Power Controller Pc Configuration

    Connect/Disconnect for the network. NOTE: by using the modem in the embedded Spidar Power Controller PC, it is not necessary to use the SIM card tray in the Spidar Connection Panel. If for some reason the modem inside the Spidar needs to be used, please contact Technical Support for instructions on programming the APN for the SIM.

  • Page 44: Spidar Setup And Operation

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Spidar Setup and Operation This section describes powering on and launching the Spidar. Once powered on, it is necessary to calibrate the device and test for accurate wind data readings. This section includes the following procedures: •...

  • Page 45: Filling Wiper Fluid Reservoirs

    Wiper fluid is held in an internal 1.1 gallon (~4 liters) reservoir within the Spidar. As part of the of the Spidar maintenance, it is necessary to verify sufficient Anti-Freeze liquid and proper function of the wiping system every two months to six months.
  • Page 46 Connection Panel where the pump is plugged in – see image on next page). b. If the blue tube is not visible from the bottom of the Spidar, open the Utility Panel and make sure the blue tube is fitted through the drain hole.
  • Page 47 9. When water starts leaking out of the bottom drain tube, disconnect the power wire from the Spidar. Remove the pump, dry it and store the pump in the Spidar transport case. 10. With a full reservoir the LED Status Indicator should turn green, indicating the Spidar is ready for operation.

  • Page 48: Configuring The Spidar

    To program the Spidar’s settings and measurement heights use the FileZilla application installed on the Spidar Power Controller PC. Locate the shortcut on the desktop of the PC and follow these instructions: 1. Enter the Host (192.168.1.1), Username (Pentalum), Password (xphhsr) and Port (21) in FileZIlla and click “Quickconnect”:...
  • Page 49 5. Set the number of range gates and measurement heights: 6. Set the direction offset (if the unit is not aligned north). 7. NRG strongly recommends NOT changing the “Time Reference for output files” to be at the end of the 10 minute interval.

  • Page 50: Finalizing Spidar Installation

    Finalizing Spidar Installation With everything finalized at the site, the final step is to verify that the Spidar has clear access to the sky and is recording data properly. Follow these steps to confirm that the unit is working properly: Spidar Admin Tool: 1.
  • Page 51 NOTE: the above image shows a typical Spidar Beam Signal. Contact NRG Technical Services with questions or if the beams are falling outside of the dotted lines – if this is the case the Spidar likely needs a mirror adjustment.
  • Page 52 After 10+ minutes the Spidar will write data to the storage cards. Before leaving the site it is good practice to pull the latest data file to make sure the data files are being written to the Spidar properly. 1. Current data files cannot be read, so it is necessary to fist cycle power to close the current file.

  • Page 53: System Maintenance

    Check Spidar Glass The top of the Spidar should be clear of any debris and dirt. If dirty, make sure the Spidar has wiper fluid and clean the glass with water and a soft cloth. Use isopropyl alcohol for stubborn stains.

  • Page 54: Wiper Replacement Instructions

    Wiper Replacement Instructions The Spidar wiping system that consists of wiper arm and water nozzle which is used to clean the top window. The wiping system is controlled by an algorithm based off the precipitation sensor and the Lidar beam strength.

  • Page 55: Wiper Fluid Nozzle Service

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Wiper Fluid Nozzle Service The Wiper Fluid Nozzle clips onto the wiper arm and can require maintenance to remove clogs. If the nozzle gets clogged, clear it with compressed air or a pin. Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 55...

  • Page 56: Power Off Spidar

    Power Switch for Newer Spidar systems 1. Remove Connection Panel cover 2. Flip the power switch to OFF NOTE: When rebooting the Spidar, wait at least 1+ minutes before turning back on. Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 56 Rev. 3...

  • Page 57: Viii. Data Analysis

    Spidars can provide when assessing a site’s wind resources. An explanation of how the Spidar calculates wind speed and direction over a range of heights and some key terminology are presented.

  • Page 58: File Format

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual A unique number belonging to a single Spidar, designated during Sensor Serial Number production. A collection of short notes recorded during installation. If notes are not provided, the field will fill with default letters (‘0’). Note examples include: •...

  • Page 59: Time Stamp

    The precipitation sensor detects rain drops at 20Hz. The reading in the file is the sum of these detections, normalized to 1 See section IV. Spidar Specifications for measurement specifications. Spidar User Manual nrgsystems.com | Page 59 Rev.

  • Page 60: Wind Measurements

    The quality is a number between 0-100 Spidar Data Filtering Each Spidar wind speed measurement is accompanied by a quality score (Q value). This is a number between 0 (lowest confidence) to 100 (highest confidence) that is determined based on a combination of several parameters.

  • Page 61: Data Quality Indicator Inputs

    NRG Systems Spidar User Manual Data Quality Indicator Inputs (1) Percentage of raw real time results used to calculate the 10 minute average. (2) Correlation level of the current measurement to other 10 minute measurements in close measurement heights/ranges and close time stamps.
  • Page 62 NRG Systems Spidar User Manual • The quality score does not correspond directly to data availability (i.e. when using filter of quality score >=20 it does not mean that you have filtered out 20% of the data!) • An optimal quality threshold is both site and customer dependent – so there is not a standard value that is optimal in all cases.

  • Page 63: Spidar To Meteorological Tower Correlation Guidelines

    An easy rule of thumb to remember is 10:1. The Spidar needs to be 1m horizontally clear from an object for each 10m in height of the object.

  • Page 64: Time Stamp Alignment

    It may therefore be necessary to adjust the time stamp to account for these differences. A simple way to check that the Spidar and tower data are aligned is to examine a time series plot of the wind speeds.

  • Page 65: System Availability

    An important aspect of a Spidar-tower correlation study is the average wind speed comparison. While the correlation coefficient is an excellent measure of how well the two data sets track one another, the agreement in average wind speed is also a key factor in assessing the quality of the Spidar-tower comparison.

  • Page 66: Average Wind Direction Comparison

    The wind rose is a common method of representing wind direction data. It allows the prevailing wind directions to be easily determined and they provide information about how variable the wind direction is at the site. In this section, the wind rose as determined by the Spidar and met tower wind vane are compared.

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