Aeronautics Application of Direct-Detection Doppler Wind Lidar: An Adapted Design Based on a Fringe-Imaging Michelson Interferometer as Spectral Analyzer

Abstract

We report on the development of a novel direct-detection Doppler wind lidar (DD-DWL) within the strong requirements of an aeronautic feed-forward control application for gust load alleviation (GLA). This DD-DWL is based on fringe imaging of the Doppler-shifted backscatter of ultraviolet laser pulses in a field-widened Michelson interferometer (FW-FIMI) using a fast linear photodetector. The double approach of detailed simulation and demonstrator development is validated by field measurements with reference wind sensing instrumentation. These experiments allow us to establish wind determination precision at a high repeat rate, short range resolution and close distance of approximately 0.5 m/s, which is in accordance with the dedicated simulations. These findings lead us to the conclusion that this FW-FIMI-based Doppler wind lidar is a pertinent development meeting the special requirements of this aeronautics application. Second, the developed simulators are well suited (given their validation) to be used in the overall and full analysis as well as the optimization of the lidar-based GLA control scheme.

LiDAR technology and experimental research for comprehensive measurement of atmospheric transmittance, turbulence, and wind

“…10,24,25 LiDAR wind measurement can be divided into coherent Doppler LiDAR and direct LiDAR based on different detection principles. 24,26 The direct wind LiDAR system can detect convective and stratospheric wind fields, but its volume is relatively large and its subsequent optical path is complex, making it difficult for system integration and mobile observation. 26 The coherent Doppler LiDAR system benefits from the upgrade of all optical fiber communication and related products, which can achieve compact and stable products and obtain the information of atmospheric wind field in the boundary layer.…”

“…24,26 The direct wind LiDAR system can detect convective and stratospheric wind fields, but its volume is relatively large and its subsequent optical path is complex, making it difficult for system integration and mobile observation. 26 The coherent Doppler LiDAR system benefits from the upgrade of all optical fiber communication and related products, which can achieve compact and stable products and obtain the information of atmospheric wind field in the boundary layer. 11,24 LiDAR detection belongs to remote sensing detection and has the advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution, real-time detection, etc., and is widely used.…”

“…For remote sensing measurement means (such as wind profile radar, acoustic radar, and microwave radar), the measurement accuracy is often insufficient due to the influence of surface clutter, resulting in insufficient measurement accuracy, or large size and not conducive to mobile observation 10 , 24 , 25 . LiDAR wind measurement can be divided into coherent Doppler LiDAR and direct LiDAR based on different detection principles 24 , 26 . The direct wind LiDAR system can detect convective and stratospheric wind fields, but its volume is relatively large and its subsequent optical path is complex, making it difficult for system integration and mobile observation 26 .…”