Spatially distributed and simultaneous wind measurements with a fleet of small quadrotor UAS

Abstract The understanding of micro-scale flow in the atmospheric boundary layer is one major challenge wind energy research. Besides broad possibilities numerical simulations, experimental data are necessary for tests conditions within a farm under real conditions. In and science, variety measurement devices exist measuring speed. We propose system that enables completely flexible simultaneous measurements using fleet multirotor unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This approach validated through two-week campaign at field site Falkenberg German National Meteorological Service (DWD). speed calculated from UAS motions hover state without additional sensors. calibrated against sonic anemometers mounted 99 m mast. capability highly accurate spatial distributed with an improved algorithm proven by root mean square error (RMSE) 0.25 ms −1 horizontal < 5° direction. Further, turbulence presented showing valid results up to frequency 2 Hz high Additionally, spatially multiple examined case study gust front event.