Turbulence estimation by eddy dissipation rate at low-altitudes using UAV in-situ data

Abstract

Deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into routine operation requires accurate hyperlocal data. The requirements are set with a significant difference compared to the meteorological information and forecasts that have been sufficient until now. Several challenges need to be solved for the safe operation of UAVs. One of the most significant weaknesses of current meteorological information is turbulence and its detection. This article is focused on the low-altitudes turbulence detection using multicopters and their estimate processed by eddy dissipation rate. A low-cost low-weight method has been identified and will be tested on the field. Eventually, a first attempt to define a minimum safety distance from buildings for the UAVs, depending on building size and wind speed, is investigated via numerical simulations.Deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into routine operation requires accurate hyperlocal data. The requirements are set with a significant difference compared to the meteorological information and forecasts that have been sufficient until now. Several challenges need to be solved for the safe operation of UAVs. One of the most significant weaknesses of current meteorological information is turbulence and its detection. This article is focused on the low-altitudes turbulence detection using multicopters and their estimate processed by eddy dissipation rate. A low-cost low-weight method has been identified and will be tested on the field. Eventually, a first attempt to define a minimum safety distance from buildings for the UAVs, depending on building size and wind speed, is investigated via numerical simulations.