The ongoing growth of wind energy is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Clean, green energy derived from wind farms not only helps meet the growing demand for electricity but also plays a significant role in addressing environmental issues such as climate change and global warming.
Despite the undeniable environmental benefits, wind turbines have a negative impact on airborne animals. According to analyses by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, hundreds of thousands of birds die annually on wind farms. Additionally, wind turbines are a significant cause of mass bat fatalities.
In response to this problem, the Polish company Bioseco has developed the Bird Protection System (BPS), which protects birds from collisions with turbines. The system detects and monitors the presence of birds around turbines. These devices are strategically placed to protect birds throughout the entire wind farm. BPS is capable of detecting birds within a distance of up to 500 meters from the turbine, analyzing their size, flight trajectory, and likelihood of collision. If birds are detected within the predetermined distance from the turbine, bright strobe lights are immediately emitted to warn them of the danger. Additionally, if birds continue to fly towards the turbine, the system activates auditory signals, such as sirens or other warning sounds. If the flight trajectory of the birds indicates a potential collision with the turbine blades, BPS can automatically shut down or slow down the turbine, allowing birds to safely bypass the obstacle. It is also important to note that bird monitoring continues even after the danger zone has been cleared. The turbine is restarted only when the animals are at a safe distance from the turbines. Thanks to this innovative system, birds have the opportunity to safely navigate around wind farms, minimizing the risk of potential harm to the population.
The Bird Protection System paves the way for the development of wind energy that respects and protects the natural environment and biodiversity. Furthermore, it addresses the needs of ecosystem protection and endangered species conservation, as well as the implementation of measures to reduce the degradation of natural habitats.
Text sources:
- https://bioseco.com/products/farms/presentation
- https://ecoekonomia.pl/2021/06/29/turbiny-ostrzega-ptaki-i-nietoperze-przed-zderzeniem/
Photo credit: Wind Denmark