WORLD-CLASS RADAR SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BIRD COLLISIONS

14/02/2020

Australian threat detection and security solutions provider Western Advance will commission a world-class radar system to Woolnorth Wind Farm’s Musselroe site in an effort to reduce the incidence and risk of bird collisions.

The Max® by Netherlands-based Robin Radar Systems will be installed this year as part of Woolnorth Wind Farms' ongoing efforts to mitigate collisions and mortalities, particularly those involving wedge-tailed eagles.

Western Advance Manager, Jarrad Warwick said the Max® is Robin Radar Systems' most up-to-date model, with a number of integrations that make it highly effective for wind farm and airport use, including capacity for direct inputs into control systems, real-time 3D tablet viewing software and 360degree detection of small to large birds.

“This technology is an avian-specific radar, which allows remote monitoring of birds throughout the landscape and custom algorithms provide the capability to shut-down a turbine, or cluster of turbines, when utilised at wind farms,” Mr Warwick said.

“It provides full 3D coverage from the horizon, up to at least one kilometre in height, and can automatically detect and log hundreds of birds simultaneously, including their size, speed, direction and flight path.

“The data collated by the Max® radar system provides vital trend analysis which can assist both wind farms and the aviation industry in determining and mitigating risks.”

Woolnorth General Manager Stephen Ross said the company had trialled a number of risk-reduction strategies, however research showed each collision is likely to be caused by a unique set of circumstances.

“We have determined that a wind turbine curtailment system is the best option to address the issue,” Mr Ross said.

“Once operational, the radar, together with camera-based technology at Cattle Hill Wind Farm in central Tasmania, will provide a significant opportunity to conduct an evaluation of both technologies and should be of enormous value to decision makers, regulatory agencies and wind farm owners and operators.

“With many wind farms in the development cycle, the results of these trials could allow for wind farms to be approved, developed and operated with a higher degree of certainty in relation to collision risk to eagles and the most effective way to manage it," he said.

Western Advance is regional support partner to Robin Radar Systems and has employed avian detection and deterrent systems to a range of situations, including offshore oil and gas helicopter landing pads.

Ends.

Contact: Jarrad Warwick, Manager – APAC, Western Advance | 0417 170 043

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