Designed by the researchers at the CORUS Centre and built by the Gaspe Peninsula firm, AAT Solutions, the 15-metre multi-measurement tower is equipped with six main support arms, each of which can hold two additional instruments' supports. Its unique design feature arms, positioned at the same height to ensure that the data gathered is accurate and true, regardless of the wind direction.

"The installation our researchers have set up is unique in its kind, able to hold some twenty weather characterisation instruments," indicated Redouane Megateli, CORUS Centre's Scientific Director. "These instruments from all around the world are used not only to identify ice formation conditions, but also to assess the performance and reliability of measurement instruments in a Nordic context of operation. The multi-measurement tower is an expandable test platform open to all manufacturers confident in the performance of their instruments, like NRG Systems and Vaisala."

In all, 16 wind measurement instruments such as anemometers, wind vanes, precipitation and barometric pressure sensors will be tested as early as this winter, among which two anemometers from NRG Systems and a complete weather station from Vaisala .

"NRG Systems is pleased to partner in this project to gain independent validation of our IceFree Hybrid Turbine Control sensor's performance in cold climates," said Larry Jacobs, NRG Systems' Senior Marketing Engineer. "Not only does this study provide essential data to the industry, it also helps NRG Systems better understand and continually improve our products. The importance of having a third party, like the CORUS Centre, undertake this effort cannot be understated, it brings transparency and confidence to the marketplace."

"Vaisala develops, manufactures and markets products and services for environmental and industrial measurement", said Kevin Belisle, Commercial Representative for Vaisala. "The mission is to provide basis for better quality of life, environmental protection, safety, and productivity."

In early 2007 Vaisala Research & Development (Helsinki, Finland) began a three year collaboration project for field testing the Ice Free Ultrasonic wind sensor, Optical Visibility sensor, and the compact weather station. The Centre Corus is an offical test site for extreme harsh climate conditions."

The CORUS Centre is a research, development and technology transfer centre that studies the impact of Nordic conditions on the operation and maintenance of wind turbines. Its research infrastructure is located in Murdochville, Quebec, in a unique natural laboratory at an altitude of 660 metres where wind speeds average 9 m/s. The CORUS Centre is the scientific wing of the Wind Energy TechnoCentre, recognized in June 2007 as a collegial technology transfer centre (CTTC).

This initiative was made possible through a financial contribution from Canada Economic Development.