Triton FAQ

Why do you call it a “sonic wind profiler” and not a sodar?
Triton is an advanced sodar that offers both acoustic and performance advantages over the previous generations of sodar.

How is Triton better than a tower?
Ultimately, we believe sodars like Triton will replace met towers.  Besides the important factor of being able to measure at the heights where the wind is generated, Triton sets up easily with one person, is safe and has minimal impact on the landscape, is virtually lightning proof, has no tower shadow issues, and provides the same data as a tower bristling with sensors.  Add its built-in synchronized time and location stamping, and suddenly wind resource data will be more meaningful.

Does Triton really only consume 7 Watts?
Yes. Our Triton Power Consumption FAQ (PDF) provides a more detailed discussion.

How many days should I expect Triton to operate on batteries?
At least 10 days from full charge on Triton’s standard two batteries. Triton will internally accommodate two more batteries, for a total of at least 20 days. Click on Triton Power Consumption FAQ (PDF) for a more detailed discussion.

How much field experience does Second Wind have with Triton? The first Tritons were deployed in October 2007, and those units are still in the field. Over 65 Tritons are deployed in the USA and Europe as of July 2009. Triton's performance has been validated by many studies correlating with measurements from anemometers at a number of sites.

Can I get high speed/raw data? All sodar really depends on longer-term (1-10 minute) averages for accurate and reliable results. We are not, at present, marketing the unit for purposes other than taking 10-minute averages for resource assessment, forecasting, and windplant performance monitoring purposes. This covers the majority of the real demand for wind measurement in the industry today. If there’s a need for other data which meets the Triton’s capabilities, we'll be happy to consider that in the future.

Will Triton bother birds/bats/etc.?
We don't know of any reports of sodars in general disturbing wildlife. With Triton's improved beam accuracy, we think it even less likely that Triton will create such problems. In our field experience, we have seen that birds and animals are aware of Triton, but not disturbed.

Will birds/bats/etc. bother Triton?
No. Triton uses a different sound frequency than insects, frogs, and bats. Bird sounds are closer in frequency to Triton’s chirp, but do not affect Triton’s performance.

Can I get Triton without Globalstar/Service Plan/Solar Package?
We believe that with our self-contained power supply and with Second Wind to monitor and service it, you’ll receive the highest data recovery from your Triton. In the future we will be making other communications and power options available.

Can I use Triton for forecasting?
Triton will be ideal for forecasting because SkyServe can ftp the data to your forecaster in near real time. Add that to its completely autonomous operation, and we believe Triton has an important role to play.

Can I use Triton as part of my SCADA network?
Triton will integrate well with SCADA systems because SkyServe can ftp the data to your system wirelessly – so no infrastructure build-out is required to add it.

How close to trees/buildings can it get?
We are continuing to study this, but right now we are recommending at least 200 meters of cleared ground in all directions around the Triton.

Does Triton work offshore?
We are looking forward to testing Triton in maritime applications in 2009. Contact us if you would like to participate in the Triton Offshore Working Group that will be forming in early 2009.

For more information or to discuss your site assessment project, please:

• Click to fill out a contact form
• Email sales@secondwind.com
• Or call us anytime between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST at (617) 776-8520 and dial extension 5 to speak to a sales representative.