Grobler, Jan HMalatji, DB2025-03-092025-03-092024-09http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14129Accurate wind resource assessments are key to developing efficient wind farms. Due to the steady rise in the dimensions of wind turbines in recent years, meteorological masts with heights of 100m and beyond are typically now required for wind resource estimation. There is a need to explore alternative methods in the interest of saving time and costs. In this study, an analysis is done to determine the feasibility of using new technologies based on remote sensing, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), for measuring wind speed and wind direction. A measurement campaign was conducted over a 16-day period using ground based LiDAR and one of the meteorological masts erected near the town of Sutherland as part of the Wind Atlas of South Africa project. Sutherland is situated in the South African Karoo, an area known for relatively high altitude, generally non-complex terrain and low aerosol levels. A WindCube V2 LiDAR unit was deployed at the meteorological mast site. Measurements taken with the LiDAR and cup anemometers on the mast were compared at heights of 40m and 60m. A regression statistical analysis was performed on the datasets to calculate metrics such as the coefficient of determination. Data filtering, which includes wind speed range selection and application of LiDAR data availability thresholds, is done to ensure compatibility between the two datasets. In addition, an adjustment was required to account for time stamp differences between the data sets. The wind speed and winddirection results between the LiDAR and cup anemometers compared well. The coefficient of determination was 0.98 or higher for the two datasets evaluated.FulltextenWindenergy systemsRenewable energy resource assessmentLight Detection and RangingLiDARMeteorological mastCarrier-to-noise ratioCNRConference Presentationn/a