Vaisala and Puhuri Oy Partner for Better Wind Measurement
Vaisala is providing measurement systems and services to Finnish wind power company, Puhuri Oy, which operates three wind projects and is developing several more in Finland. The agreement includes two Vaisala Triton Sonic Wind Profilers, which will be installed in northern Finland, as well as an annual SkyServe maintenance and data management contract. Furthermore, Vaisala will deliver the planning and wind resource evaluation services as part of the measurement campaign to help Puhuri better assess the performance potential of its proposed wind farms.
Puhuri selects a maintenance-free solution, well-suited for cold climate conditions.
Toni Krankkala, Project Director with Puhuri explains that on-site measurements are necessary to truly understand localized wind conditions, "It is important to get a reliable picture of wind characteristics in a region as quickly as possible. In a measurement campaign it is easiest to start with a lightweight and mobile measuring device. If the results turn out to be promising, we can confidently make additional investment in the site with longer-term measurements and the installation of a meteorological mast."
Puhuri selected Vaisala as their supplier following careful evaluation. Krankkala says, "The Vaisala Triton has a proven track record as being a reliable, easy to use, and maintenance-free solution with extensive cold climate experience. In addition, its low power consumption, and the option of using a fuel cell or a solar panel to recharge the battery, means fewer visits are needed to the measuring site. This is important, as the locations we are studying are remote and difficult to access, particularly in the winter. Finally, the SkyServe service is very user friendly, and it provides near real-time information on the measurements."
Vaisala wind energy solutions, working together with our customers. In 2013, Vaisala acquired Second Wind, a wind measurement systems manufacturer and 3TIER, a renewable energy assessment and forecasting company, both from the United States. For Vaisala, this is the first commercial agreement that combines the company's extensive wind energy expertise to benefit a single customer.
The Vaisala Triton Sonic Wind Profiler is a SoDAR system that provides accurate wind measurement data for wind resource assessment and wind farm operations. The Triton accurately measures wind speed and direction across the full rotor sweep of a wind turbine. The technology behind the Triton was specifically designed for the commercial wind energy industry. Triton provides hub height wind data, which allows wind developers to optimize project financing packages and operators to gain valuable information about conditions that may impact current performance at existing wind farms.
"This is an important agreement for Vaisala. As the number of wind energy projects increase in Finland over the coming years, we want to a part of these developments," says Kai Konola, Director of Vaisala's Weather business area. "Vaisala has world-class capabilities in developing and providing wind energy services to our customers around the world and across a variety of climates."
For further information please contact:
Marko Makinen, Regional Sales Manager
Phone: +358 40 5481 047
Email: marko.makinen@vaisala.com
Francesca Davidson, Energy Communications Expert, Vaisala
Phone: +1 206 708 8544
Email: francesca.davidson@vaisala.com
About Puhuri Oy
Puhuri Oy is a Finnish company developing and building wind farms and producing electricity by wind power. Puhuri is a subsidiary of Kanteleen Voima with offices in Haapavesi and Oulu. Currently the company has three wind farms in operation and one under construction. After the latest farm is completed Puhuri will manage 81 MW wind power capacity. The company is developing new projects in Raahe, Pyhäjoki, Pyhäjärvi, Sievi and Haapavesi. In addition, several preliminary studies are being conducted all over Finland.
More information on Puhuri's projects and wind farms can be found at www.puhuri.fi
About Vaisala
Vaisala is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement. Building on 78 years of experience, Vaisala contributes to a better quality of life by providing a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services for chosen weather-related and industrial markets. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs approximately 1500 professionals worldwide and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki stock exchange.
www.vaisala.com
www.twitter.com/VaisalaGroup
