Radar-based detection of birds near wind energy plants: First experiences from a field study

Bats and birds are at risk when they are flying near wind energy plants (WEP). Hence, a protection of bats and birds is postulated to reduce their mortality e.g. due to collisions with the rotor-blades. This paper reports on the first experiences from an experimental field study at a 2-MW WEP that combines a continuous wave 24 GHz Doppler radar, a smart-camera, an ultrasound microphone and an accelerometer. Doppler measurements for the identification of birds in their natural habitat will be presented and validated with the camera-based approach.