How it works
Bird Protect™ is an advanced bird detection and deterrence system designed specifically to protect these impressive creatures from collisions with wind turbines. Using high-definition cameras mounted at a height of about 10 meters, this system scans the skies around the wind farm to identify birds. The captured images are processed using machine-learning algorithms that specialize in differentiating birds from other moving objects, such as airplanes and clouds.
Each wind turbine is equipped with four innovative stainless steel (316) enclosures, fixed to the tower with high quality neodymium magnets, with a protective layer of santoprene. These boxes contain 8 megapixel Super Starlight cameras capable of effectively monitoring air traffic. When a bird is detected, the system analyzes its trajectory to assess the risk the wind turbine poses to bird safety.
When the bird enters the deterrence zone - a specific region around the turbine where the risk of collision with the blades is increased - the system emits an unpleasant sound to cause the bird to change its direction of flight. If the bird persists in approaching the wind turbine, the system will interrupt the turbine until the bird leaves the danger zone. This preventative measure is essential to protect both the birds and the turbines, avoiding collisions that could be fatal to the birds and cause damage to the equipment.
Once the bird leaves the danger zone, the turbine can be restarted and monitoring continues. Bird Protect™ thus presents itself as an innovative solution, harmonizing modern technology with environmental protection, helping to reduce the risk of collisions and promoting safe coexistence between birds and wind turbines.
Detection Phase
The detection phase of the system involves the use of high-resolution cameras that continuously scan the area covered to identify birds or bats. The cameras used in the Bird Protect™ System are equipped with advanced daytime and thermal imaging technology. Daytime cameras capture high-resolution color images of the covered area, while thermal cameras record heat signatures emitted by birds and other flying objects. These cameras work with artificial intelligence algorithms to identify birds in real time. The artificial intelligence algorithms used in the Bird Protect™ System are trained to distinguish between birds and other flying or moving objects, such as airplanes, pallets, insects or debris. The system uses machine learning-based video content analysis algorithms to continuously improve its detection capabilities. These algorithms utilize classifiers and extensive bird image databases to achieve high levels of accuracy in identifying bird species. Bird Protect™ also has the ability to record images and video footage of bird activity in the area covered. These recordings can be used for further analysis and to provide evidence of bird activity to competent authorities such as environmental regulators.
Deterrence Phase
The deterrent phase of Bird Protect™ involves the use of acoustic warnings to prevent birds from flying into collision-prone areas. When a bird is detected by the system and enters the deterrent zone, it immediately receives an acoustic warning via directional reflective chevrons. The horns are designed to amplify and focus sound waves in a specific direction towards the detected bird. The sound emitted by the horns is a harmless and non-invasive warning to alert the bird to the presence of a collision risk area.
Bird Protect™ monitors the behavior of threatened birds before and after the warning. If the bird's flight path has not been sufficiently diverted, the sound is reactivated until the bird leaves the collision-prone area. The system is designed to avoid causing damage or distress to birds, while effectively discouraging them from flying into collision risk areas. The acoustic warning is calibrated to a specific frequency range that is effective in deterring birds without causing physical damage or distress.
In conclusion, the deterrent phase of Bird Protect™ is an important component of the whole system that helps reduce the risk of bird collisions with man-made structures. The acoustic warnings provided by the system are an effective method of deterring birds without causing injury, and continuous monitoring of bird behavior ensures that the system is operating at optimum efficiency.
WTG Slow Down and/or Stop Phase
During the slow down and/or shutdown phase of the Bird Protect™ wind turbine, additional action is taken if a bird does not react to the acoustic warnings and continues to fly towards the turbine. In this situation, the system automatically stops blade rotation to prevent a collision. This pause in blade rotation is a temporary measure that allows the bird to safely exit the collision risk area. The advanced sensing technology used by the system minimizes incidents of wind turbine generator shutdowns, thus reducing turbine downtime and the negative impact on energy production.
The algorithm used in the bird protection system can be easily adjusted via the WEB-Cloud Platform, depending on the size of the birds and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. This ensures the system is optimized for the specific wind turbine installation and bird species in the area. Blade Rotation Pause is a critical component of the Bird Protection System, providing additional protection for the birds while minimizing the impact on energy production.
The automatic nature of the pause function ensures that it is activated quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of bird collisions with wind turbines. Overall, the wind turbine pause phase of the Bird Protection System is an essential aspect of the whole system, providing an effective solution for protecting birds and minimizing the impact on energy production. The advanced sensing technology, automatic pause feature and easy customization make this system a valuable tool for wind turbine operators and the environment.
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