ERSG

Environmental Remote Sensing (ERS) Group is a multi-disciplinary research program dedicated to understanding fluid motions in the environment using remote sensing instruments.  The ERS group has more than 10 years of experience in remote sensing applications.

The main goal of our research is to improve our understanding of environmental flows, with emphasis on the atmospheric boundary layer and wind energy systems.  Improved descriptions of those processes are developed and used in engineering, environmental and wind energy applications (e.g., weather, air quality and wind resource assessment models).  Our research involves a synergistic combination of experimental (lidar, sodar, tower deployment) work, numerical modelling (COAMPS or WRF) and theoretical development.

Currently ERSG is working with NWRA/NASA on “Aircraft Vortex recognition system using Coherent Doppler Lidar”.  Currently the 2.0 micron ASU lidar is deployed in Memphis airport, along with a Galion Doppler lidar, temperature profilers, and a 99 ft tower with sonics and other instruments.  FedEX arrival and departure aircraft vortices are being captured to optimize landing times.

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NASA/NWRA Aircraft wake vortex study.

Previously ERSG was working on Off-shore wind energy assessment project with Dr. Rebecca Barthelmie from Indiana University.  This project is a collaborative effort between the academia and the industry to address the needs of off-shore wind resource assessment.  This project involves extensive measurement campaign using a variety of instrument platforms such as lidar, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), tethered ballons, met towers etc in the coastal and off-shore areas of Lake Erie.  Please visit the project websitefor more details.

DOE Integrated Study Project (Picture above).

Offshore wind energy:  Did you know there are already over 2 GW of installed capacity in offshore wind farms?

Our other areas of research include:

 

Remote Sensing for Wind Energy