Vaisala WindCube vertical profiler

LIDAR stands for “Light Detection and Ranging.” It’s a remote-sensing technique that uses laser pulses sent into the atmosphere. By measuring the time and Doppler shift of the light scattered back by aerosols or particles in the air, a LIDAR device can determine wind speed, wind direction and other wind characteristics — without needing a tall mast.

The WindCube is a vertical-profiling wind LIDAR system manufactured by Vaisala (originally from the LIDAR-specialist brand acquired by Vaisala). It is designed to measure wind data (speed, direction, turbulence, vertical wind component) at multiple heights simultaneously — up to several hundred metres above ground. Vaisala website

The WindCube provides a flexible and less intrusive alternative to a traditional meteorological mast. Because it is ground-based and uses a laser, it avoids many of the planning, permitting, and construction challenges associated with tall masts. It’s easier to deploy, can be rapidly relocated, and reduces ground-based infrastructure needs.

The WindCube can measure wind speed, direction, vertical wind speed, and turbulence intensity at up to 20 discrete heights simultaneously. Depending on model and deployment, it can reach heights of up to 300 m (and in some documentation over 400 m) above ground.

Yes. Through the distribution by Dulas, the WindCube has been deployed in complex terrain across the UK. The system uses an embedded correction algorithm (Flow Complexity Recognition — FCR) to account for terrain-induced wind flow distortions, enabling accurate, “bankable” wind data even in hilly or complex areas.

Yes. Data from the WindCube is accepted under all relevant international standards and guidelines. This makes WindCube-derived data suitable for wind-farm energy yield assessments, power performance verification, financing, and other contractual or regulatory purposes. Find out more

Dulas offers full, turnkey deployment of WindCube — including system installation, remote power systems, data logging and communications (e.g., for remote or offshore sites), maintenance, and optionally onsite maintenance. They also provide cloud-based data management via WindCube Insights, and can handle redeployment, long-term monitoring, or custom arrangements.

Yes. The WindCube is versatile: it works for onshore and offshore projects. Its flexible, ground-based LIDAR (or suitably configured for marine deployment) can support wind resource assessment, turbine performance verification, and monitoring across different environments. Find out more

The WindCube has been around for over 20 years, with thousands of units deployed globally. Its data has been validated in hundreds of independent studies, and its reliability and accuracy have made it a global benchmark for wind lidar measurement.

Working with Dulas gives you access to a UK-based, experienced service provider that offers installation, operations, maintenance, and data management for the WindCube. Because they understand UK terrain, regulatory context, and power-project financing requirements, they can deliver “bankable” data and support throughout all project stages — from resource assessment to long-term monitoring. Find out more