Schiffberg: anemometer mast is up

Working on the mast requires a great deal of effort on the part of the fitters from "Windhunters". At a height of 120 metres, they fitted the lattice mast with sensitive measuring devices over a construction period of 10 days.

Measuring masts of this size are already standard. The individual 1.5 metre grid elements are bolted together and then braced in three directions at the respective heights, depending on the static calculation. The cable stays reach down deep. The mast foundation has a diameter of 2.2 metres and is set approx. 1 metre deep into the ground. The stability of the system is checked by the authorities before it is allowed to commence operation. To protect air traffic at night, the mast is equipped with a night signalling system known as an "obstruction light".

Favourable mast location

The mast is ideally positioned to assess the entire region. "What we already know is that there is a distinctive westerly airflow around the Schiffberg," says project manager Philipp Stöger.  The results of the "LiDAR" laser measurement module have already been analysed and show this to be a very suitable location. The advantage of the mast is that reliable readings can be collected even in hilly locations and at higher altitudes. The mast will remain in operation for at least a year in order to analyse the wind conditions in the different seasons. The data serve as an important basis both for the turbine manufacturer and for the environmental impact assessment.

In the case of the mast on the Schiffberg, the wind speed is measured at 7 different heights. In addition, the wind direction is measured at four different heights, as are meteorological parameters such as air pressure, humidity and temperature.

To investigate bat activity, a device called a "batcorder" will be installed at a height of approx. 114 metres, which can be read out using a lift system. This allows the system to simultaneously collect data that are important for the ecological assessment of the mast sites.

Implementation by Energiewerkstatt

Energiewerkstatt, which is based in the neighbouring province of Salzburg and has been providing regional expertise for wind measurements for many years, was in charge of the implementation.