Bird Control Radar System Wind Farm

introduction

Next-generation environmental impact assessments.

Our bird radars are used at wind farms during both pre-construction and operational stages.

Wind farms can impact birds in the following three main ways:

Direct habitat loss through wind farm construction;
Displacement through indirect loss of habitat should birds avoid the new wind farm area;
Death by collision with the turbine blades.

During pre-construction, our radars are used as a reliable and long-term measurement tool, gathering scientific data on bird movements in the area, as well as migration activity. They automatically detect and log hundreds of birds simultaneously, including their size, speed, direction and flight path.

Historically, this type of information would be gathered by human observers over one or more limited observation periods. But the long-term radar data generated by having avian radar present on-site, 24/7, is far more accurate and useful when it comes to your Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

The information on bird activity, based on radar data, is compared both pre- and –post construction to measure the true impact on the local and migratory bird population.

And of course, unlike human observers, our radars don’t need to rest, and they can see in all weather, day or night.

2D Lite

Pulse

S-Band 3050MHz

Real-time position and track in 2D

30kW peak power output

1.3s track update rate

8km instrumented range

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3D Fixed

Pulse

S-Band 3050MHz plus X-Band 9410MHz

Real-time position and track in (semi) 3D – in a fixed direction

60kW peak power output (S-Band) 25kW peak power output (X-Band)

1.3s track update rate

10km instrumented range (Horizontal) 6km instrumented range (Vertical)

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3D Flex

Pulse + FMCW

S-Band 3050MHz plus X-Band 9650MHz

Real-time position and track in (semi) 3D – in a configurable direction

60kW peak power output (S-Band) 400mW average power output (X-Band)

1.3s track update rate (Horizontal) - 3.0s track update rate (Vertical)

10km instrumented range (Horizontal) - 4.5km instrumented rage (Vertical)

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Max®

FMCW

X-Band 9650MHz

Real-time position and track in full 3D – in all directions all of the time

20W average power output

1.0s track update rate

15km instrumented range

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Automatic Shutdown

Did we mention we can help you reduce bird mortality with automatic turbine shutdown?

For operational wind farms, our radars can automatically switch turbines off and on again. And depending on the situation, we can do this for both single turbines and groups.

We fully understand the need to balance economy with ecology. And we can help you make sure that the one limits the impact on the other.

Our bird radars continuously measure the number of birds that enter a pre-set range from the wind turbines. When this number crosses a specific threshold - and depending on other factors such as wind direction and strength, bird behaviour, time of the day and even the season - our system generates a shutdown command to either a group of turbines or individual turbines, depending on the local situation and user requirements.

Our bird radars are capable of detecting the start of overnight migration, also during adverse weather conditions. Based on the measured radar data, we generate a density grid and distinguish between single birds, local bird movements, and overnight mass migration.

After detecting an overnight mass migration event, our radar system can even shut the whole wind farm down automatically (in a controlled manner), if required.

And don’t worry. All commands can, of course, be overridden by an operator.

Cope With All Challenges

Offshore wind farm? You’ll be needing our offshore bird radar then.

For offshore wind farms, we’ve developed a specific configuration that can cope with the additional challenges that arise from being offshore.

First of all, our offshore bird radars have been designed with the harsh offshore situation in mind. So you can rest assured that they can cope with the salty wind farm environment. They can be deployed on the coast, on the distribution platform, and sometimes even on the turbines themselves.

Now sea clutter is, of course, a well-known concern when it comes to radar. Which is why we’ve made advanced modifications in both hardware and software to help overcome that specific challenge. Our aim is to give you the same outstanding bird monitoring offshore that you’d expect at your on-shore wind farms.

“As front-runner in radar ornithology, we want to work with state-of-the-art technology. We think Max is the most advanced avian radar of its time.”

EELCO WAARDENBURG, DIRECTOR AT BUREAU WAARDENBURG

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”

Richard Dolbeer, Wildlife consultant

“ESA uses a win–win approach that promotes the added value of space in a fair and unbiased way, and supports the development of sustainable space-based services for the benefit of society. The successful operational outcome has proven that this can play a fascinating role in bringing together user interests and communities.”

Bird Monitoring at Wind Farms

introduction

Next-generation environmental impact assessments.

2D Lite

3D Fixed

3D Flex

Max®

Automatic Shutdown

Did we mention we can help you reduce bird mortality with automatic turbine shutdown?

Cope With All Challenges

Offshore wind farm? You’ll be needing our offshore bird radar then.

See how our bird radars reduce the environmental impact at wind farms

EELCO WAARDENBURG, DIRECTOR AT BUREAU WAARDENBURG

Richard Dolbeer, Wildlife consultant

Amnon Ginati, head of department at ESA about the ROBIN success story

Interested in our radars for bird monitoring at wind farms?

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