Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Anemometer • Generator • Dynamic Response

SODAR

Term from Wind Energy Production industry explained for recruiters

SODAR (SOnic Detection And Ranging) is a tool used in the wind energy industry to measure wind speeds and directions at different heights. Think of it like a special weather radar that uses sound waves instead of radio waves. Wind energy companies use SODAR to figure out the best locations for wind turbines and to monitor wind conditions. It's similar to other wind measurement tools like LIDAR or met masts, but SODAR is particularly valuable because it's portable and can be moved from site to site easily. When you see this term on a resume, it usually means the person has experience with wind resource assessment or wind farm planning.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted wind resource assessments using SODAR technology at 15 potential wind farm sites

Analyzed and interpreted SODAR data to optimize wind turbine placement

Managed remote SODAR units for wind speed measurement campaigns

Typical job title: "Wind Resource Assessment Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Wind Energy Analyst Wind Resource Engineer Renewable Energy Specialist Wind Farm Developer Wind Assessment Technician Meteorological Specialist

Where to Find Wind Resource Assessment Specialists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage a wind resource assessment campaign using multiple SODAR units?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover planning measurement locations, ensuring data quality, managing equipment maintenance, coordinating with landowners, and analyzing data from multiple sources to make recommendations for wind farm development.

Q: What factors would you consider when choosing between SODAR and other wind measurement technologies?

Expected Answer: Should discuss cost considerations, site accessibility, measurement duration, accuracy requirements, and specific project needs. Should also mention experience with comparing different measurement methods.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you validate SODAR data quality?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic data validation processes, common issues with measurements, and how to identify and handle incorrect readings. Should mention experience with data analysis software.

Q: What are the key parameters you look for when analyzing SODAR wind data?

Expected Answer: Should mention wind speed, direction, turbulence, wind shear, and how these factors affect wind turbine performance and placement decisions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is SODAR and how does it work?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that SODAR uses sound waves to measure wind conditions and describe basic operational principles in simple terms.

Q: What are the advantages of using SODAR for wind measurements?

Expected Answer: Should mention portability, ability to measure at multiple heights, no tower installation needed, and lower cost compared to permanent met masts.