Abstract: A method of deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation system may be provided. A method may include estimating an amount of traffic for one or more routes based on a demand of the one or more routes. The method may also include determining a required number of docking stations for each route of the one or more routes based on the estimated amount of traffic for the route, a distance of the route, and a maximum travel distance for a UAV. Further, the method may include installing the required number of docking stations for each route of the one or more routes, wherein each docking station of the required number of docking stations including at least one of a power supply, a wireless charger, a communication module, a control module, and a camera.

Abstract: A fully functional spectrum analyzer is integrated into an outdoor communications unit of a point-to-point communication system. The spectrum analyzer of the outdoor unit provides for remote spectral diagnostics for network planning and wideband operation and is operable to capture signals outside of the signal bandwidth. With the spectrum analyzer integrated into the outdoor unit, accessing spectral diagnostic information is conducted without having to disrupt the normal operation of the communications network.

Abstract: A housing 6 is provided for a wind sensor 2. A sensing element 4 is mounted in the housing 6 to measure the speed of the passing fluid flow, and the housing 6 comprises at least one surface 40, 42 having shaped surface elements 38, such as protrusions from and/or indentations in the surface 40, 42, for inducing turbulence in fluid flowing across the surface 40, 42. The turbulence caused by the shaped surface elements 38 results in the speed measured by the wind sensor 2 being less affected by uncontrolled transitions between laminar and turbulent airflow, and thus enables more accurate calibration of the wind sensor 2.

Abstract: A flow sensor arrangement (S35, S36. S37, S39, . . . ) is located on an elongated body (C1, C2, C3, . . . ) for measuring the flow of a fluid, with one or more flow sensors (S1, S2, S3, . . . ) being arranged on the elongated body (C1, C2, C3, . . . ) to measure the flow along different spatial directions.

Abstract: An acoustic airspeed sensor system can include at least one acoustic transmitter configured to provide an acoustic pulse, a plurality of acoustic receivers including at least a first acoustic receiver positioned at a first radial distance from the at least one acoustic transmitter and a second acoustic receiver positioned at a second radial distance from the at least one acoustic transmitter. The first acoustic receiver is configured to receive the acoustic pulse at a first time and output a first receiver signal. The second acoustic receiver is configured to receive the acoustic pulse at a second time and output a second receiver signal. The sensor system can include an air data module operatively connected to the first acoustic receiver and the second acoustic receiver. The air data module is configured to determine true air speed (TAS) based upon a first signal delay, a second signal delay, and a wind angle.

Abstract: A floating buoy includes a buoy hull having a tower that extends outwardly from the hull. A plurality of sensors are mounted either on the buoy hull, within the buoy hull, and/or on the tower. The plurality of sensors includes at least one met-ocean sensor, at least one ecological sensor, and at least one wind speed measurement sensor. The floating buoy further includes an autonomous power system that is configured to provide electrical power to each of the plurality of sensors. The wind speed measurement sensor may be a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) wind speed measurement sensor, a surface level wind speed sensor, an ultrasonic wind speed sensor, or SODAR.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) acoustic sensors are implemented with dedicated preamplifiers. Provided implementations can comprise an array of MEMS acoustic sensor elements each having a dedicated preamplifier. A summation node can add outputs of each preamplifier and an analog to digital converter (ADC) can receive the summed outputs. Other implementations can comprise an array of MEMS acoustic sensors each having dedicated preamplifiers. Some of the preamplifiers receive an invert signal and an ADC can subtract inverted signals from non-inverted signals.

Abstract: An anchoring device is disclosed providing an easily deployable and removable anchoring point. The anchoring device includes a lower portion configured to be buried into a bottom of a body of water comprising a weighted anchor and at least one spray outlet location upon a bottom surface of the weighted anchor, the spray outlet hole being configured to aid installation and removal of the anchoring device by selectively projecting a spray of water to displace soft debris on the bottom away from the weighted anchor. The anchoring device further includes an upper portion comprising a vertical pole extending upward from the bottom, the pole comprising an anchoring point.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter may utilize a ring-shaped bluff body as the vortex generator or shedder. The ring shape and size of the vortex ring generator may be optimized to produce linear and stable toroidal vortex outputs that may outperform the conventional shedder bar. In comparison to the conventional vortex shedder bar, the ring may have a slimmer configuration and a higher K-factor, and hence, a higher resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus collects data along water columns. A telescoping shell has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. An expansible chamber is defined within the outer cylinder. A fluid flow path is formed between the expansible chamber and the outer cylinder's open end. A gas source is vented to the expansible chamber. Sensors, including a pressure sensor, are coupled to the shell such that they are exposed to an ambient water environment when the apparatus is deployed therein. A vent mounted in the outer cylinder vents the expansible chamber to the ambient water environment. A controller controls the gas source and vent based on sensed pressure of the ambient water environment such that water from the ambient water environment is admitted to or expelled from the expansible chamber via the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An electromagnetic speedometer for a boat having hull containing an opening includes an electromagnetic coil supported by the hull for establishing an electromagnetic field in the water adjacent the hull opening. A plurality of electrodes are supported by an arrangement that both closes the hull opening and supports the electrodes in engagement with the water adjacent the hull opening. The electrodes are connected by conductors with a velocity measuring circuit arranged above the hull interior surface. Preferably, the electrode support arrangement includes guide tubes supporting the electrodes for removal relative to the boat hull, thereby to permit cleaning of the electrodes. The guide tubes are closed by valves when the electrodes are removed from the assembly. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is of the end-fired type, and in another embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is annular and is arranged above and below the hull.

Abstract: Wind parameter indication device and method for providing an indication of wind speed and wind direction. The device is deployed along an aerial trajectory toward a ground surface, such as after being ejected from an aircraft in flight. The device includes an anemometer, an altimeter, a compass, a processor and a transmitter. The anemometer obtains local wind speed and local wind direction measurements along the trajectory. The altimeter obtains altitude measurements along the trajectory. The compass obtains direction measurements along the trajectory. The device may further include an accelerometer, for obtaining acceleration measurements along the trajectory. The processor determines a wind speed value and a wind direction value associated with a predetermined altitude of the device. The transmitter transmits the determined wind speed value and wind direction value to a remotely located receiver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to using remote sensing equipment such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device to detect wind characteristics for use by wind turbines of a wind park. A wind park controller may received raw wind data from the remote sensing device and determine one or more turbines that can use the raw wind data. The raw wind data may be converted to customized data for each of the one or more wind turbines. Upon being provided the customized wind data, the one or more wind turbines may adjust one or more operational characteristics to improve power production or avoid damage to turbine components.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wind turbine having an optical wind sensor 10. The optical wind sensor generates one or more multiple beams of light 42, each of which forms a sensor beam pointing along a sensor axis. Where more than one sensor beam is used the beams are arranged so that the different sensor axes lie at least partly orthogonal to each other, allowing the wind direction 40 to be detected for any direction of wind. Each multiple sensor beam comprises at least two individual sensor beams having different respective wavelengths of light. The different color of the individual light beams allows the sensor system to detect which of the light beams is triggered first when matter in the wind passes through the beam and reflects light back to light collecting device.

Abstract: An air dam deployment and retraction system includes an air dam, a compressor, an air reservoir, a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The air dam is configured for moving between a deployed position and a retracted position. The compressor is configured to compress fluid. The air reservoir defines a chamber that is configured to receive a volume of the compressed fluid. The first switch is configured to selectively move between a first inactive position and a first active position. The first inactive position is configured to provide the compressed fluid to the atmosphere. The first active position is configured to provide the compressed fluid from the compressor to one of the chamber of the air reservoir and the air dam. The air dam is configured to move from the retracted position to the deployed position upon receiving the compressed fluid.

Abstract: A high response air angle probe to measure a flow direction in an air flow near or above Mach one. The probe is rotatably secured within an assembly with marking to indicate when a desired position of the probe within the air flow has been found. The probe includes a row of three high response pressure transducers on a leading edge region to detect when the probe is at a certain position within the air flow.

Abstract: A vane anemometer includes an anemometer body forming a receiving chamber that has a side wall forming retention slots for receiving and retaining therein an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an upper cage forming retention tabs and coupling slots, a lower case forming coupling tabs and notches, and an impeller set rotatably supported between the upper cage and the lower case. Each coupling tab of the lower case forms a coupling pawl engageable with each coupling slot of the upper cage to couple the upper cage and the lower case together. The retention tabs of the upper cage are received in the notches of the lower case and each includes a retention nub, whereby the retention tabs form engagement with the retention slots of the receiving chamber of the anemometer body to easily mount the impeller assembly to the anemometer body in a secure manner.

Abstract: A method and a device for estimating on an aircraft at least one wind characteristic. The device (1) comprises means (7) for determining a corrective term being representative of an apparent wind created upon a rotation of the aircraft and means (4) for determining the wind characteristic taking into account such a corrective term.

Abstract: A vane anemometer includes an anemometer body forming a receiving chamber that has a side wall forming retention slots for receiving and retaining therein an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an upper cage forming retention tabs and coupling slots, a lower case forming coupling tabs and notches, and an impeller set rotatably supported between the upper cage and the lower case. Each coupling tab of the lower case forms a coupling pawl engageable with each coupling slot of the upper cage to couple the upper cage and the lower case together. The retention tabs of the upper cage are received in the notches of the lower case and each includes a retention nub, whereby the retention tabs form engagement with the retention slots of the receiving chamber of the anemometer body to easily mount the impeller assembly to the anemometer body in a secure manner.

Abstract: A method of determining an estimate of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in a proposed site for a wind farm including the steps of measuring the wind speed at a predetermined sampling frequency fs during a number of time periods pz; calculating in each time interval pz wind speed statistical parameters Vmean, ?v and a wind speed trend parameter k in real time for each new wind speed measure xj as a function of the values of said parameters Vmean, ?v, k for the prior wind speed measure xj-1 and the new wind speed measure xj; storing the parameters Vmean, ?v, k obtained at the end of each time interval pz; determining the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in said proposed site using said stored parameters Vmean, ?v, k. The invention also refers to an apparatus for acquiring the data needed for the calculation of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI.

Abstract: A fluid measuring instrument carrier structure includes a carrier main body assembled from three axially connected steel pipes. The carrier main body is provided from front to back at predetermined positions with a current meter, a front current-guiding holding-down plate, and a rear current-guiding holding-down plate. The front current-guiding holding-down plate has a gravity-center adjuster connected thereto. By employing the principles of fluid mechanics, the carrier main body with the front and rear current-guiding holding-down plates and the gravity-center adjuster is able to submerge in water and slightly horizontally sway leftward and rightward in water currents to maintain at a stable and balanced state, allowing a user to easily and quickly measure river water depth and current velocity.

Abstract: An air monitoring device (100) includes an outer casing (101) configured to receive an airflow (102) comprising particulate; a bore (103) located inside the outer casing (101); and a collection probe (104) located inside the outer casing (101), the collection probe (104) being configured such that there is a gap (105) between an exit of the bore (103) and an entrance of the collection probe (104), such that particulate in the airflow (102) having a diameter larger than a threshold flows through an interior of the collection probe (104).

Abstract: A method for determining wind conditions within a geographic area based on a plurality of input wind resource grids. The input wind resource grids include input points associated with a geographic position and a wind condition. An output wind resource grid having a plurality of output points is defined. Each output point is associated with a geographic position within the geographic area. For each output point in the output wind resource grid, a wind condition is calculated based at least in part on wind conditions associated with at least some of the input points. A wind condition associated with an input point may be weighted based on the proximity of the output point to a meteorological instrument associated with the input point.

Abstract: An arrangement with a nacelle and with at least one instrument of a wind turbine is disclosed. The instrument is connected with a rod. A channel penetrates the wall of the nacelle. The channel interacts with the rod in a way that the rod and its assigned instrument are moved through the channel between a first and a second position. The instrument is positioned inside the nacelle at the first position for installation and/or service purposes, while the instrument is positioned outside the nacelle at the second position for operation purposes of the instrument.

Abstract: A method of determining an estimate of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in a proposed site for a wind farm including the steps of measuring the wind speed at a predetermined sampling frequency fs during a number of time periods pz; calculating in each time interval pz wind speed statistical parameters Vmean, ?v and a wind speed trend parameter k in real time for each new wind speed measure xj as a function of the values of said parameters Vmean, ?v, k for the prior wind speed measure xj-1 and the new wind speed measure xj; storing the parameters Vmean, ?v, k obtained at the end of each time interval pz; determining the de-trended turbulence intensity TI in said proposed site using said stored parameters Vmean, ?v, k. The invention also refers to an apparatus for acquiring the data needed for the calculation of the de-trended turbulence intensity TI.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting wind speed and direction data collected by a sodar or lidar apparatus for the orientation and/or position of the apparatus. There are sensors mounted to the sodar or lidar apparatus that detect the orientation and position of the apparatus. Software is used to adjust in situ the calculations of wind speeds and directions in three dimensions for deviations from some nominal orientation. Software and data structures can be used to cause the inclusion of the orientation and position of the system with the collected data.

Abstract: A method for testing the brakes of a wind energy system is provided, wherein the method comprising determining the brake torque by an indirect measurement. The method contains a comparison to defined threshold values for time and generator torque as well as time and actual power. Further, a computer-readable medium is provided that provides instructions which when executed by a computing platform cause the computing platform to perform operations wherein the operations include the method according to embodiments described herein. Further, a wind energy system is provided that has a rotor with a rotor brake and a calculation unit adapted for comparing two threshold values for time and torque to the actual values of time and torque, alternatively for comparing two threshold values for time and actual power to the actual values of time and actual power.

Abstract: A device for an aircraft moving in an air mass relative to a terrestrial frame of reference. The device can estimate at least one characteristic of a displacement of the air mass relative to the frame of reference. The device receives an element of information about the speed of the aircraft in the frame of reference, receives at least one element of information about the speed of the aircraft in the air, and obtains the characteristic from the speed information elements. The device is capable of receiving an element of information about the angle of attack (?) of the aircraft in the air, and is capable of determining the characteristic on the basis in particular of the angle of attack information element (?).

Abstract: A wind anemometer comprises a light source for transmitting pulsed light signals, a receiver for receiving backscattered signals from airborne particles for each pulse of the transmitted pulsed light signals, a detector for detecting the received backscattered signals, and a processor to determine location of the airborne particles with respect to the anemometer based on the detected backscattered signals. The processor estimates wind velocity using changes in location of the airborne particles over at least one time interval.

Abstract: An anemometer assembly for sensing and transmitting wind speed and wind direction data. The wind sensor measures relative wind direction and wind speed without the use of moving parts and consumes very little power making it suitable for unattended operation. The main wind sensing member is an elongated vertical member that can be used as radio antenna. The data can be transmitted from a remote location and thus relay data to a central collection repository or network location.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting, quantifying or characterizing emitting sources. According to an embodiment, an emission source is located by monitoring an area with one or more sensors, determining a plume, generating one or more candidates for the emission source, and using the plume to derive one or more characteristics associated with the emission source, and then locating the emission source based on agreement or convergence of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A method for measuring ocean surface currents using a long-range single station high frequency ground wave radar system includes the steps of forming a rectilinear grid based region, dividing the rectilinear grid into a plurality of sub-regions each having a uniform surface current flow therewithin, spanning each sub-region with a predetermined plurality of radial beam lines from the single radar station, dividing each radial beam line into a pre-selected plurality of radial sub-nodes, measuring radial surface current vector projection at each radial sub-node, inputting each radial surface current vector projection into a multiple regression model having two regressors, determining, with the multiple regression model, surface vector components along each of x and y axis, storing the surface vector components determined in step (g) to a database, and editing, with equation of continuity based algorithm, plurality of surface vector components stored in the database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for measurement of flow velocity using the transmission of a sequence of coherent pulsed ultrasonic signals into the flow, and sampling the received response signal at a predetermined delay time relative to the pulse transmission that does not correspond to the signal transmission time. The sampling may be coherent with a frequency offset from the coherency frequency of the pulses. The received signal samples are then spectrally processed, typically by a Fourier process, to generate a frequency domain data set. A threshold technique is used on the frequency domain data set to determine a peak Doppler shift. Average velocity is then obtained by multiplying the peak Doppler shift by a factor, for example, 0.90. In one embodiment, the transmit pulse and receive samples are interleaved by alternating between transmitting a pulse and, after a delay, sampling the received signal.

Abstract: An anemometer assembly for sensing and transmitting wind speed and wind direction data. The wind sensor measures relative wind direction and wind speed without the use of moving parts and consumes very little power making it suitable for unattended operation. The main wind sensing member is an elongated vertical member that can be used as radio antenna. The data can be transmitted from a remote location and thus relay data to a central collection repository or network location.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of protecting aircraft in flight against clear air turbulence (CAT). Consider an aircraft occupying a position P and moving horizontally at a speed V, a plane PH0 being the horizontal plane passing through P. According to the invention, the method includes performing at least one pair of evaluations of air temperature TB, TC at two points B, C which have positions that are symmetrical relative to the plane PH0. At least one pair of horizontal air speed evaluations are performed VHB, VHC at the two points B, C; An air temperature gradient is determined; A horizontal air speed gradient is determined; An index signifying a presence of CAT is determined; The preceding steps are repeated; A trend is analyzed over time of the index.

Abstract: A system for estimating a freestream wind characteristic for a wind turbine having a rotor includes estimating a nacelle wind speed for the turbine; determining, from the estimated nacelle wind speed, at least one angular position of the rotor for measuring a nacelle wind characteristic for the turbine; and measuring the nacelle wind characteristic at the determined angular position of the rotor.

Abstract: A measurement system for an aircraft having the three-axis components of the airspeed of the aircraft, the three-axis components of the wind speed currently encountered by the aircraft, and the wind speed distribution ahead of the aircraft simultaneously in real time. It comprises a Doppler anemometer measuring the airflow speeds at a plurality of points separated by a prescribed distance in the beam irradiation direction that changes in a time series, and an inertial data measurement device measuring the movement information and positional information of the aircraft. Moreover, the display system of the aircraft includes the horizontal two-axis airspeed of the aircraft, the three-axis components of the wind speed currently encountered by the aircraft, and information on the wind speed distribution ahead of the aircraft are displayed simultaneously in real time.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring system and methods of a site are disclosed. The system includes one or more environmental measurement instruments, of which at least one instrument is capable to measure a concentration of particles in a certain size range. The system may also include an instrument that is capable of measuring a first concentration of particles in a first size range and a second concentration of particles in a second size range. The system may also include an instrument that is capable to measure a wind speed and a wind direction. The system may also include one device capable of recording an image of a location related to the site. The system includes a controller in communication with the one or more environmental measurement instruments, and a display device capable of displaying data generated by the one or more environmental measurement instruments. The system contains a network. Alerts can be provided based on conditions of the environment.

Abstract: A method for measuring ocean surface currents using a long-range single station high frequency ground wave radar system includes the steps of forming a rectilinear grid based region, dividing the rectilinear grid into a plurality of sub-regions each having a uniform surface current flow therewithin, spanning each sub-region with a predetermined plurality of radial beam lines from the single radar station, dividing each radial beam line into a pre-selected plurality of radial sub-nodes, measuring radial surface current vector projection at each radial sub-node, inputting each radial surface current vector projection into a multiple regression model having two regressors, determining, with the multiple regression model, surface vector components along each of x and y axis, storing the surface vector components determined in step (g) to a database, and editing, with equation of continuity based algorithm, plurality of surface vector components stored in the database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of protecting aircraft in flight against clear air turbulence (CAT). Consider an aircraft occupying a position P and moving horizontally at a speed V, a plane PH0 being the horizontal plane passing through P. According to the invention, the method includes performing at least one pair of evaluations of air temperature TB, TC at two points B, C which have positions that are symmetrical relative to the plane PH0. At least one pair of horizontal air speed evaluations are performed VHB, VHC at the two points B, C; An air temperature gradient is determined; A horizontal air speed gradient is determined; An index signifying a presence of CAT is determined; The preceding steps are repeated; A trend is analyzed over time of the index.

Abstract: A method for crosswind velocity measurement including using a correlation between the atmosphere turbulence strength and the spatial scale spectrum of turbulence eddies in the atmosphere to calculate wind velocity.

Abstract: A wind velocity measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal sensor and a processor operatively coupled to the thermal sensor. The processor is configured to receive a first temperature reading from the thermal sensor of a beginning temperature sensed by the thermal sensor and to receive a second temperature reading from the thermal sensor of an ending temperature sensed by the thermal sensor after a quantifiable amount of heat is applied to the thermal sensor for a quantifiable amount of time. The processor is further configured to determine a theoretical temperature based on the quantifiable amount of heat, the quantifiable amount of time, and the beginning temperature and to determine a wind velocity based on the difference between the theoretical temperature and the ending temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for measuring air turbulence in the an aircraft. The device (1) comprises a measuring system (2) including lidars (L1, L2, L3, L4) which are mounted on the aircraft and which are designed to produce during the flight of the aircraft twelve air speed measurements in the surroundings outside the aircraft, said measuring system (2) producing said twelve measurements in four different measuring points, each time along three predetermined axes, and a central unit (3), which, by means of the measurements produced by said measuring system (2) and a predetermined mathematical model of the first order describing a field of air speeds based on twelve variables, determines a field of air speeds which exist in said aircraft surroundings, and which represents said air turbulence.

Abstract: A device is suitable as equipment in an aircraft moving in an air mass relative to a terrestrial frame of reference, in order to estimate at least one characteristic of a displacement of this air mass relative to this frame of reference. This device comprises first means for receiving an element of information about the speed of the aircraft in the frame of reference, second means for receiving at least one element of information (TAS) about the speed of the aircraft in the air, and third means for obtaining the said characteristic from the said speed information elements. The second means are capable of receiving an element of information about the angle of attack (?) of the aircraft in the air, and the third means are capable of determining the said characteristic on the basis in particular of the angle of attack information element (?).

Abstract: A wind warning system. The system includes: an alarm module configured to provide a audio signal; a power module configured to provide power to the alarm module; and a trigger module configured to trigger actuation of the alarm module. There is also a wind-speed sensor module configured to provide a signal to the trigger module when wind is detected having a speed higher than a predetermined threshold. The trigger module includes an electrically conductive protruding member. The wind-speed sensor module includes: a shaft member; a fan rotatably and slidably coupled to the shaft member; and a bias member coupled to the shaft member and in mechanical communication with the fan. Additionally, there is: a vertical shaft coupled to the shaft member; a tower rotatably coupled to the vertical shaft member. Moreover, there is an adjustment device that selectably adjusts a tension of the bias member, thereby altering a threshold.

Abstract: A system for determining angle of attack and angle of sideslip of an air vehicle is described. The system includes a plurality of mass flow sensors, at least a portion of which are mounted to result in a differential in air flow across the respective mass air flow sensors. The system also includes a controller configured to receive signals from the flow sensors and determine at least one of the angle of attack and the angle of sideslip for the air vehicle.

Abstract: A system is described that is configured to determine a plurality of air data parameters for an air vehicle. The system includes a mass air flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The mass air flow sensor is mounted to sense an air flow caused by movement of the air vehicle. The pressure sensor is mounted to sense a static pressure at the air vehicle. The controller is configured to receive signals from the mass air flow sensor and the pressure sensor and determine an air velocity and a static pressure using the received signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling a fluid flow control device positioned on a surface of a vehicle. The system includes a fluid flow control device, a ground clearance sensor and a controller. The fluid flow control device has a body with at least one surface and an actuation means in operative communication with the at least one surface. The actuation means is operative to alter at least one attribute of the fluid flow control device in response to a control signal. The ground clearance sensor detects a clearance between the surface of the vehicle and a road. The controller has control logic for generating the control signal in response to the ground clearance sensor. The clearance may be a current clearance between the surface of the vehicle and the road and/or a predicted imminent clearance between the surface of the vehicle and the road.

Abstract: A buoyant platform apparatus, such as a buoy, is described that comprises a laser radar (lidar) wind speed measurement device. The lidar is arranged to make wind velocity measurements at one or more remote probe volumes of known position relative to said platform. The wind speed measurement apparatus may further comprise motion sensing means that, in use, monitor motion of the platform allowing wind speed at an absolute position in space to be measured. Wind velocity data may also be compensated for platform movement.