Vindicator®

Vindicator® laser wind sensor (LWS) is capable of measuring real-time horizontal and vertical wind speed and direction data at varying ranges ahead of the sensor location. The sensor design is based on state-of-the-art fiber laser technology developed and patented at Optical Air Data Systems. This commercial application has been licensed to Catch the Wind, Inc. for production.

Several technologies have attempted to address the remote wind sensing market for numerous measurement applications. These products consist of mechanical, acoustic, RF, as well as laser-based sensing devices. The Vindicator® LWS surpasses all existing products by addressing the need for a cost effective, eye-safe, compact, portable, remote wind measurement system capable of operating in multiple user defined orientations. The technology's application is primarily focused towards the renewable wind energy industry. Vindicator® LWS provides the added advantage of sensing the wind as it approaches the turbine allowing the turbine control systems to optimize windmill orientation for maximizing power yields while minimizing downtime due to maintenance.

The Vindicator® LWS is currently in the final stages of prototype development with a plan to begin low-rate production in early 2009. Multiple prototypes have been developed and are undergoing extensive laboratory and field tests.

With fiber optic laser technology developed by OADS at the core of Vindicator® LWS' system, a wide range of future configuration possibilities opens up as development continues. Catch the Wind will continue designing and developing additional products and configurations to meet the needs of the industry.