Professional Weather Measurement at Oceanology China 2015

Gill Instruments will be exhibiting alongside local distributor PTC at Oceanology International China in Shanghai from 3rd-5th November 2015.

As the offshore energy and marine industries continue to develop at a rapid pace across China, the need for accurate and reliable measurement data within these sectors is becoming more essential. As the only event in Asia to focus on marine technology and ocean science, Oceanology presents the ideal opportunity to connect with international companies, associations and customers from across the industry.

Gill and PTC will exhibit on stand G27 where visitors will be able to see the latest WindObserver90 and WindObserverIS ultrasonic anemometers. These are the latest additions to the popular WindObserver range of stainless steel ultrasonic anemometers. They include wind speed measurements up to 90 metres per second (324kph) along with new features and faster processing, plus ATEX and IECEx approval for the latest intrinsically safe WindObserver ‘WOIS’.

Visitors will also be able to see MaxiMet compact weather stations. Designed and built by Gill in the UK, the full range of options include measurements for wind, temperature, humidity, pressure and precipitation combined with multiple outputs including SDI-12 and Modbus, a low power ‘Eco mode’, GPS, Bluetooth and a compass.

Gill products are chosen for high accuracy and reliability covering a wide range of marine applications including:

  • Data buoys
  • Lighthouses
  • Port Control Buildings
  • Ferries & Cruises Liners
  • Oil Rigs & Support Vessels

Visit us on stand G27 throughout Oceanology International China.

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New Products and Calibration Services from Gill Instruments at Met Tech Expo 2015

Visit us on stand 4070 at Meteorological Technology World Expo to see the NEW WindObserver90 ultrasonic anemometer, testing and calibration services and much more.

WindObserver

WindObserver 90 is the latest high speed ultrasonic anemometer in the stainless steel WindObserver range, so now the quality, reliability and intelligent processing in WindObserver will measure wind speeds up to 90 m/s, making it suitable for cyclonic regions around the world. It is now available with optional high power heating – effective against quickly accreting rime-icing or freezing rain conditions.

The new WindObserver IS (75m/s) which is certified for use in intrinsically safe zones now offers faster processing, improved performance and customisation together with two intrinsically safe power supply options. Further improvements across the range include customisable outputs and averaging options.

Next generation Software

Powerful, next generation, browser-based user software is on its way. Demo the new smart-device compatible MetSet and MetView software, which allows advanced customisation through its ergonomic and simple web interface. Users can configure and manage instruments, store data locally and view live and historic data using wired/wireless networking technology including Bluetooth.

MetSet and MetView user software features an intuitive GUI. Configure your device using clearly presented sliders and drop down options and stream data directly via the real-time display. Using MetView, live or historic data can be presented and built-in trend graphs allow configurable time periods.

Configure your instrument to log data directly to your storage device and export CSV data.

Intelligent 3 Axis Anemometer Heating

To address customer challenges with current market approaches to high power heating with 3-axis anemometers, Gill are developing new hardware and signal processing solutions to achieve intelligent and continuous measurements in cold, condensing conditions including extreme events such as freezing rain. Visit the stand for further information and to view/discuss the results from cold weather testing over the past 12 months.

Labcal – testing and calibration services

Gill has recently acquired Labcal, a UKAS calibration service company, providing professional calibration services to internationally recognised standards. A range of instrumentation can be tested and calibrated including gas, pressure, temperature, air speed, liquid flow and humidity. Labcal has over 35 years’ experience and is able to provide the best testing and calibration services for any instrumentation.

Meteorological Technology World Expo takes place from 13th-15th October 2015, in Brussels, Belgium. Visit us on stand 4070 for demonstrations and discussions on how these latest developments can benefit your applications.

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WindMaster Transducers scaled
Gill's technology is adapted for best available data in cold conditions.
labcal

WindObserver soars above the South Coast’s most historic harbour

The Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth harbour is the tallest and most iconic viewing structure on the UK’s South Coast, reaching a total height of 170m (547ft) and weighing 30,000 tonnes! Presenting spectacular views of the surrounding area, the tower also features Europe’s largest glass floor measuring 7.79m² and 6cm thick.

Hosting hundreds of spectators per day, on each of its three viewing decks, the safety of the tower and its visitors is paramount and Gill’s WindObserver ultrasonic anemometer is used to provide crucial wind measurement data.

The tower is located on the coastline and subjected to high salinity and fierce weather conditions with wind speeds of up to 30 m/s. At a height of 115 metres, in strong winds the tower flexes by up to 150mm.

The WindObserver provides information on wind conditions.

The robust stainless steel WindObserver provides operators with real-time and highly accurate information on wind conditions allowing them to make decisions about the health and safety issues affecting maintenance and whether to close the tower to customers who can visit and abseil from the 110m viewing deck! If the wind speeds are too high, operators can close the tower to visitors.

The WindObserver is one of the most popular ultrasonic anemometers in the world and has been installed on hundreds of iconic building control applications due its range of options, solid-state construction with no moving parts, easy installation and excellent reliability in demanding weather conditions. WindObserver is ideally suited to low maintenance and restricted access applications and with a wind speed measurement range of up to 90m/s it can record the highest wind speeds from cyclonic regions around the world.

For more information on the WindObserver and how it can be used in a variety of industries please contact us.

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The Emirates Spinnaker Tower is the tallest viewing structure in the UK outside of London.
2 WOIIs on Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth scaled
The WindObserver provides information on wind conditions.

Using MaxiMet for Solar Park applications

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Solar Parks are growing rapidly and generating hundreds of thousands of megawatts of PV power each year. Solar measurement instruments are critical to site profiling and monitoring the performance of solar parks, they are also extremely important in measuring return on investment.

Gill Instruments, leaders in meteorological instrumentation will exhibit at Solar Power International in September, alongside local distributor Dynamax, where Gill will display MaxiMet – their latest range of compact weather stations. MaxiMet is an all-in-one weather station, with 9 models in the range, each measuring different meteorological parameters including solar radiation, precipitation, wind speed and direction, temperature and more.

MaxiMet provides solar park operators with the essential meteorological parameters to help monitor efficiency and optimise maintenance routines. Selecting a MaxiMet with either 1st Class, 2nd Class or Secondary Standard pyrometers provides users with reference standard measurements of the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels, enabling users to monitor the efficiency of installed systems and predict the output under various sky conditions.

The flexibility of MaxiMet’s measurement options means operators can also monitor other weather parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, wind and rain from an integrated station. MaxiMet is available with an optional remote fast response temperature sensor, which is mounted directly on the rear of the PV panel and assists in determining the efficiency of the panel. The data captured from the station will help indicate possible causes to changes in the power output of the solar park, advising operators of potential maintenance actions to be made to increase output efficiency and return on investment.

In addition to its configuration versatility, MaxiMet features MODBUS which can be directly interfaced with SCADA systems, offering the ability to deliver data to any networked location within the plant. Combined with the easy networking ability from MODBUS, the station also includes in-field calibration adjustment and zero maintenance which helps minimise running costs.

Visit Gill and Dynamax on stand 247 for a demonstration on how MaxiMet and Gill’s other meteorological instruments can benefit the efficiency of solar farm installations.

About Solar Power International

Solar Power International, which takes place in California from September 14-17, is the largest event dedicated to furthering the solar energy development within the US – the third largest country for solar power generation. The event is created to serve and advance the solar energy industry by bringing together the people, products and professional development opportunities that drive the solar industry.

Monitoring solar efficiency with compact weather stations

Meteorological instruments including Gill’s MaxiMet and MetPak compact weather stations can be used to provide crucial management information on the efficiency of solar parks. Meteorological instruments help identify what may affect solar park performance and inform operators about what measures could be taken to increase efficiency.

Tracking the weather

Weather stations in solar parks provide data on solar radiation, temperature, humidity, wind and rain. This data indicates a possible increase or reduction in the efficiency of the park. The following lists some of the measurement parameters and the benefits which can be realised through installing MaxiMet or MetPak weather stations.

  • ISO 9060 second class, first class and secondary standard solar radiation pyranometers to monitor the actual solar radiation which can be compared with the designed energy output from PV panels. From this, the performance of individual panels can be assessed and compared with other panels, which makes it easier to identify any panels which are not as efficient.
  • Wind speed and direction measurements can be used to calculate the wind loading on large photovoltaic panels and for solar parks which have horizontal PV trackers installed. Wind speed and direction measurements can trigger changes in the angle of incidence, as high winds can damage PV panels or their mechanisms. The use of ultrasonic wind measurements guarantees accurate performance and zero maintenance for many years unlike mechanical wind sensors.
  • During periods of rain solar production is reduced, however monitoring the rainfall can indicate how often panels may need to be cleaned. Maintenance factors including cleanliness can affect the panel’s efficiency, reducing it to less than 20%.
  • MaxiMet and MetPak feature MODBUS outputs, which can be easily connected with SCADA systems. This offers the ability to collect data from any networked location within the plant whilst also providing the facility for instruments to be easily exchanged or relocated.
  • MaxiMet and MetPak are both low maintenance which along with in-field calibration and adjustment, helps to reduce integration and long-term running costs.

Using MaxiMet or MetPak weather stations operators can access all of the meteorological measurement parameters essential to solar park efficiency.

MaxiMet offers users a single, compact “plug and play” weather station suited to most applications, whereas MetPak is a professional weather station with increased flexibility. It offers users higher accuracy industry standard sensors along with the ability to expand the weather station by adding additional sensors using the standard analogue inputs.

For more information on the benefits of weather stations in solar power applications please visit gillinstruments.com/weatherstations

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