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How to Monitor Bird Collision at Wind Energy Facilities

Wind farms have become increasingly popular due to their ability to produce clean, low-cost energy. The lack of emissions make wind farms an attractive alternative to coal-powered plants. However, they do have one environmental drawback, namely the risks to local wildlife. While part of this risk comes from habitat loss due to displacement or disturbance, the greater risk to the avian population comes in the form of collisions with wind turbines. The American Bird Conservancy has identified several at risk species including Golden Eagles, Whooping Cranes, sage-grouse, prairie-chickens, migratory songbirds, Brown Pelicans, Northern Gannets, sea ducks, loons, and terns.

Things You'll Need

Wind turbine collision sensor
Computer
Power source at wind turbine
Wireless computer network

Instructions

- 1
  Select a collision sensor that is compatible with the wind turbine and that meets your budget. The three main types of sensors that exist are fiber-optic sensors, accelerometers and acoustic emission sensors, which are a type of microphone. All sensors are designed for monitoring bird collisions. A 2007 California Energy Commission study identified the acoustic emission sensor as the least expensive type of sensor and the one that would be easiest to install. A more sophisticated system may combine two types of sensors to increase the accuracy of monitoring and assist in the identification of bird species.
- 2
  Install the selected sensors on the wind turbine following the specifications of the manufacturer. Acoustic emission sensors are installed on the wind turbine tower. Both fiber-optic sensors and accelerometers are installed on the turbines blades. You may need to test the sensor to determine the optimal location to place it on the turbine blade.
- 3
  Install the computer at the base of the turbine and plug it into a power source. The data obtained by the sensors will be recorded by the computer. This computer in turn should be connected to a main research computer via a wireless network. All the data recorded by each monitored wind turbine is transferred to this main computer.
- 4
  Test the system using bird dummies. Tennis balls are simple, inexpensive bird dummies. The impact of the ball against a blade should be recorded and transmitted to the main computer. If accelerometers or fiber-optic sensors are used, a video image will be transmitted. This may help identify the bird species if the strike occurred during clear, daylight hours.

Nature