NRG Spidar User manual

November 4, 2020

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
Rev. 3 4 November 2020
Spidar User Manual
nrgsystems.com | Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 5
A. NRG Spidar Vertical Profiler .......................................................................................... 5
B. Direct Detect Lidar and the Cross Correlation Method .................................................. 5
II. SAFETY AND WARNINGS................................................................................................... 7
A. Laser Safety................................................................................................................... 7
B. Laser Safety Warnings................................................................................................... 7
C. Laser Safety Requirements............................................................................................ 7
D. Electrical Safety............................................................................................................. 7
E. Ergonomic Safety .......................................................................................................... 8
III. SYSTEM OVERVIEW....................................................................................................... 9
A. Optimal Installation Dimensions ................................................................................... 9
B. Minimum Installation Dimensions .............................................................................. 10
C. Maximum Installation Dimensions.............................................................................. 11
IV. SPIDAR SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................. 12
A. System Verification..................................................................................................... 12
B. Verified Wind Measurement Performance.................................................................. 12
C. System Geometry........................................................................................................ 12
D. Hardware Specifications.............................................................................................. 12
E. Electrical Specifications............................................................................................... 12
F. Data Specifications...................................................................................................... 12
G. Environmental Specifications...................................................................................... 13
H. System Options........................................................................................................... 13
I. Service Options........................................................................................................... 13
V. UNPACKING.................................................................................................................... 14
A. Spidar Installation Flow Chart ..................................................................................... 14
B. Package Integrity + Visual Inspection .......................................................................... 14
C. Opening the Crate....................................................................................................... 15
1. Removing the Upper Cover ...................................................................................... 15
2. Removing the Protective Beam................................................................................ 16
3. Removing the Front Panel........................................................................................ 16

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
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Spidar User Manual
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D. Unpacking the Crate.................................................................................................... 17
1. Removing the Spidar Main Body.............................................................................. 17
2. Removing the Internal Boxes ................................................................................... 19
E. Spidar Tripod Assembly............................................................................................... 21
1. Leg Assembly........................................................................................................... 21
2. Tripod Mounting...................................................................................................... 22
VI. INSTALLATION + COMMISSIONING ............................................................................. 26
A. Siting........................................................................................................................... 26
B. Elevation + Leveling .................................................................................................... 27
1. Remove Surface Obstructions .................................................................................. 27
2. Set Tripod Leg Length .............................................................................................. 28
C. Anchoring ................................................................................................................... 31
D. Orientation ................................................................................................................. 32
1. Determining Azimuth Angle..................................................................................... 32
E. Meteorological Sensor ................................................................................................ 33
F. Spidar Power Controller.............................................................................................. 34
1. AC Power Connections ............................................................................................. 34
2. DC Power Connections ............................................................................................. 35
3. Power Controller to Spidar Connections................................................................... 37
4. Installing SIM Card in Spidar Power Controller PC.................................................... 38
5. Connect and Confirm Spidar Power Controller Operation ........................................ 41
6. Setting SIM Card APN .............................................................................................. 42
7. Confirm Power Controller PC Configuration ............................................................. 43
G. Spidar Setup and Operation........................................................................................ 44
H. Powering on the Spidar............................................................................................... 44
I. LED Status Indicator.................................................................................................... 44
J. Filling Wiper Fluid Reservoirs...................................................................................... 45
1. Reservoirs Filling Process ......................................................................................... 45
K. Configuring the Spidar................................................................................................. 48
L. Finalizing Spidar Installation ....................................................................................... 50
VII. SYSTEM MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................. 53

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
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A. Maintenance Schedule................................................................................................ 53
B. Wiper Replacement Instructions................................................................................. 54
C. Wiper Fluid Nozzle Service .......................................................................................... 55
D. Power off Spidar ......................................................................................................... 56
VIII. DATA ANALYSIS........................................................................................................... 57
A. Introduction................................................................................................................ 57
B. Spidar File Structure.................................................................................................... 57
1. File Name ................................................................................................................ 57
2. File Format .............................................................................................................. 58
3. Data File Contents ................................................................................................... 58
4. Time Stamp ............................................................................................................. 59
5. Met Measurements ................................................................................................. 59
6. Wind Measurements ............................................................................................... 60
C. Spidar Data Filtering.................................................................................................... 60
1. Data Quality Indicator Inputs .................................................................................. 61
2. Setting a Data Quality Threshold............................................................................. 61
3. TI Filtering .......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
IX. SPIDAR TO METEOROLOGICAL TOWER CORRELATION GUIDELINES............................. 63
A. Introduction................................................................................................................ 63
B. Positioning the Spidar near the Meteorological Tower................................................ 63
C. Data Filtering Procedure ............................................................................................. 63
1. Spidar Data Filtering................................................................................................ 63
2. Met Mast Data Filtering .......................................................................................... 63
3. Time Stamp Alignment ............................................................................................ 64
D. Data Correlation Methods........................................................................................... 64
1. System Availability .................................................................................................. 65
2. Post-Processed Data Availability ............................................................................. 65
3. Wind Speed Correlation Methods ............................................................................ 65
4. Average Wind Speed Comparison............................................................................ 65
5. Average Wind Direction Comparison ....................................................................... 66
6. Wind Rose Comparison............................................................................................ 66

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
Rev. 3 4 November 2020
Spidar User Manual
nrgsystems.com | Page 5
I. INTRODUCTION
A. NRG Spidar Vertical Profiler
NRG Spidar is a vertical profiling pulsed direct detect Lidar specifically designed for wind measurement
within the wind energy industry. Spidar remains the only direct detect Lidar in use by wind energy
professionals globally for early stage prospecting, wind shear validation, horizontal uncertainty
reduction, and as a permanent met mast replacement on operating wind farms.
B. Direct Detect Lidar and the Cross Correlation Method
Laser pulses from one Spidar beam sample the atmosphere. The reflected intensity of these pulses are
received, analyzed and sampled in time. The sampled time-series represents the aerosol density in the
line of sight of the transmitted pulse.
Figure 1: Spidar Pulsed Sampling
Aerosol density structures persist over time and travel with the wind.
Figure 2: An Identifiable Aerosol Density Structure Moving with the Wind

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Spidar User Manual
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Laser pulses from the downwind Spidar beam sample the atmosphere. The same aerosol density
signature is identified. This establishes the time of flight between the two beam locations. Combined
with the known distance between the two locations, Spidar is able to determine both wind speed and
direction.
Figure 3: Spidar Pulsed Sampling at a Second Beam Location

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Spidar User Manual
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Spidar User Manual
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II. SAFETY AND WARNINGS
This section details the standards and classifications to which the Spidar system is manufactured and
also highlights potential hazards and handling requirements. These are for guidance purposes only. The
customer should take all necessary care to ensure safe use of the equipment.
A. Laser Safety
The Spidar utilizes a 1550nm fiber-laser source.
The Spidar contains a Class 4 laser source, but the product is equipped with all the laser safety means
needed for the assignment as a Class 1M laser product to comply with the IEC/CE 60825-1 standard, as
well as the CDRH (FDA) Title 21 CFR 1040.10 standard.
Class 1M is eye-safe for naked eye, but may be hazardous if using optical viewing instruments, such an
eye loupes or binocular. Therefore, the product carry a Class 1 M label mentioned, "Do not Stare directly
with Optical Instruments".
B. Laser Safety Warnings
C. Laser Safety Requirements
The Spidar laser source classified as class 4, is assembled inside a metal protective housing and an
additional external envelope that is enclosing the Laser beam inside the protective housing. The only
laser beam is the Class 1M Laser beam that is projected by the housing on the top of the product.
D. Electrical Safety
The Spidar input voltage is 24VDC (low voltage with low risk).
The Spidar is designed in full compliance with the European Safety Directive for electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use EN601010-1:2001.
Never look directly into the Spidar window.
Never look directly into the Spidar window.
Never cover the Spidar window.
Never cover the Spidar window.
Only certified NRG technicians are authorized to open a Spidar
system. The Spidar internal laser is class 4, and therefore is
hazardous to direct eye exposure. Diffused reflections such as
those from paper or other matte surfaces are not harmful.

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
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E. Ergonomic Safety
Please review the following ergonomic safety instructions and warnings.
Input voltage for the Spidar is 24V DC. Use only the Spidar
supplied power cable.
DC input voltage for the Spidar is 24V DC. Use only the
supplied power cable.
Spidar AC/DC power supply installation ONLY to electrician or
certified NRG technician.
Input voltage rating is 110V to 220V AC (50/60 Hz).
Before servicing the Spidar, ensure turning off the power to the
system by switching the ON/OFF key to the OFF position.
Each Spidar has a case to enable safe transportation of the
system. It is recommended that at least two people are used to
lift and carry them due to their size and weight: 75kg (165lb).
Each Spidar has a case to enable safe transportation of the
system. It is recommended that at least two people are used to
lift and carry them due to their size and weight: 75kg (165lb).
Use the red handles when lifting and moving the Spidar.
Safety shoes must be worn when installing the Spidar.

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
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Spidar User Manual
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III. SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Figure 4: NRG Spidar System Overview
A. Optimal Installation Dimensions
Figure 5: Optimal Installation Height

NRG Systems
Spidar User Manual
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Figure 6: Optimal Installation Footprint
B. Minimum Installation Dimensions
Figure 7: Minimum Installation Height
Figure 8: Minimum Installation Footprint