Ocean radar for the planning and operational phase of off-shore renewable energy systems

The WERA system (WavE RAdar) is a shore based remote sensing system to monitor ocean surface currents, waves and wind direction. This long range, high resolution monitoring system is based on short radio wave radar technology. The vertically polarized electromagnetic wave is coupled to the conductive ocean surface and follows the curvature of the earth. This over the horizon oceanographic radar can pick up back-scattered signals from the rough ocean surface (Bragg effect) from ranges of up to 200 km. Results for various installations from all over the world demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the system. The value of the provided data for off-shore applications is described, in particular for renewable energy systems.