NRG Systems acquires SpiDAR wind sensors from Pentalum

NRG Systems, a subsidiary of manufacturing and development firm ESCO Technologies, has purchased a portfolio of remote wind measurement sensors developed by Israeli company Pentalum. Founded in 2009, Pentalum pioneered low-cost lidar sensors for use in wind resource assessment, wind farm operations, forecasting, and research markets globally. Pentalum’s principal innovation was its patented direct detect lidar technology that is able to deliver the high precision and reliability of lidar at a lower cost compared to conventional Doppler lidar technologies. Pentalum deployed the technology in its SpiDAR Vertical Wind Profiler beginning in 2012, and it is now in use on five continents. Justin Wheating, president of NRG Systems, said, “NRG has played an active role in the global wind energy market for more than three decades and we recognize the growing importance of lidar in resource measurement and wind farm operations. “Pentalum’s technology, when paired with NRG’s global sales and service capabilities, is a significant advantage for our customers, and a great new opportunity for customers who could not previously justify the high cost of Doppler lidar solutions.” The company plans to begin shipping new SpiDAR units in early 2019 and has already begun offering complete service to existing SpiDAR customers. NRG Systems will continue to work in close partnership with Leosphere to sell and support Leosphere’s Windcube Lidar in North America. “Our customers have been asking us for a full service, integrated wind measurement solution that includes the latest tower-based and remote sensing capabilities and we now have that for them,” concluded Wheating.