Wind Turbine Bird Detection Using Tilted Marine Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bird detection systems near industrial wind turbines are inadequate for precise three-dimensional detection and cannot effectively prevent collisions, especially with heritage species, due to limitations in radar technology and environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
A standardized and automated detection system using 'marine' type radars, tilted to encompass the volume swept by wind turbine blades, transforming two-dimensional images into digital formats, and creating internal and external guard zones to detect birds and trigger blade control, ensuring accurate positioning and action within a few meters of the blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar detection systems are used to monitor birds near wind turbines, then collision prevention capability is improved, but detection precision in three-dimensional space deteriorates due to environmental interference and radar limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms two-dimensional radar images into three-dimensional spatial information by tilting multiple radars and combining their detection data. The system creates a three-dimensional guard volume by intersecting guard zones from multiple radars positioned at different locations and angles, enabling precise spatial localization of birds in the volume swept by turbine blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection space is divided into multiple guard zones, each created by individual radars positioned at specific locations. The overall guard volume is formed by the intersection of these segmented zones, allowing the system to cover the entire three-dimensional space around the turbine while maintaining detection precision through distributed sensing.
2Area of stationary object
If marine type radars are tilted to encompass the blade sweep volume, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple radars and image transformation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard marine-type radars, which are off-the-shelf devices designed for maritime navigation. By tilting these existing radars and combining their outputs, the system achieves three-dimensional bird detection without requiring custom-built specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple two-dimensional images from different radars are merged and transformed into a unified three-dimensional detection volume. The guard zones from individual radars are combined to create a comprehensive guard volume that encompasses the entire blade sweep area, achieving complete coverage through systematic integration of multiple sensing elements.
3Measurement precision
If guard zones are created to detect birds at precise positions, then collision risk detection is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to varying bird movement patterns and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The guard zones are dynamically adjusted based on the position of the turbine blades and the detection data from multiple radars. The system continuously updates the three-dimensional guard volume to track the moving blade sweep area, ensuring that the detection zones remain aligned with the collision risk area regardless of blade position or wind conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides precise detection and control of birds near wind turbines, reducing collision risks with heritage species, offering a cost-effective and bearable solution for onshore industrial wind turbines, operational under various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
means for detecting at least one bird or other flying object by radio waves, in the form of at least one radar
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a bird or an object flying level with a single wind turbine (1), using a means for the radio wave detection of at least one bird or another flying object, in the form of at least one radar (5), transforming the analog image from each radar (5) into a digital image and applying an outer safety area (7) and an inner safety area (8) to said image, creating a safety space for each radar (5); and then performing an action in the event of a detection within said safety areas (7,8).