Posted on May 10, 2016

BrightWind incorporates MERRA-2 into BrightData

BrightWind have now incorporated the MERRA-2 dataset into our BrightData tool making it one of the first tools offering it to wind analysts. We have also improved BrightData’s speed so you can now have ten 15 year datasets ready to use in less than 1 minute. Launch BrightData and begin downloading MERRA-2 data immediately for the UK and Ireland.

launch brightdata

What is MERRA-2 ?

MERRA version 2 (MERRA-2) was released by NASA to supersede the MERRA dataset which has now ended. NASA says that MERRA-2 “was introduced to replace the original MERRA dataset because of the advances made in the assimilation system that enable assimilation of modern hyperspectral radiance and microwave observations, along with GPS-Radio Occultation datasets. MERRA-2 is the first long-term global reanalysis to assimilate space-based observations of aerosols and represent their interactions with other physical processes in the climate system.”

What does all this mean for wind analysts and wind resource assessments?

BrightWind have carried out a preliminary study across the UK and Ireland to see how MERRA-2 correlates with several meteorological datasets. Across the board, MERRA-2 shows an improved correlation quality coefficient (R²) with site measurements over MERRA. This means MERRA-2 data will improve estimates of long term wind resource and help reduce wind uncertainty at potential wind farm sites.

Equally a review of the frequency distribution shape of MERRA-2 and MERRA data shows that the MERRA-2 presents a more realistic distribution shape. The improved distribution shape paves the way for more accurate preliminary estimates of wind resource.

What is BrightData?

We developed BrightData out of our own need for quick access to reanalysis datasets. “We were also frustrated with how unfriendly, time consuming and complicated existing methods for retrieving reanalysis data was and so a big focus was making it as easy to use as possible” says BrightWind director Stephen Holleran. “Both in selecting the datasets but also in actually using the data once retrieved. We wanted to use it straight away without any deleting of headers or reformatting time stamps before it could be used in our analysis software.” BrightData is for wind analysts who require long term reference datasets, without the hassle.

You can sign up for a free trial of BrightData here and begin downloading MERRA and MERRA-2 data immediately.