OPTIMIZED SYSTEMS

3D Radar Tech to Improve Wind Farms Worldwide

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 11-02-11 | Comments

One major impediment to wind power is turbine interference with aviation radar. A new radar system could unlock nearly 70 percent of wind applications in the United Kingdom that are currently on hold because of this problem.

Although we�re big fans of wind power here at "Smarter Technology," wind turbines have their setbacks, such as low efficiency and weird effects on weather patterns. Wind power also poses a potential risk for aviation, as the spinning turbines can show up as planes on radar systems. Aveillant, a new U.K.-based start-up, recently released a high-tech solution to this problem: 3D holographic radar.

According to Aveillant and its parent company Cambridge Consultants, some 66 percent of wind-farm applications�that�s equivalent to 6.5 gigawatts�are currently halted because of possible aviation interference.

Radar systems often mistake the rotating wind turbines for aircrafts, causing problems with both civil aviation and national air defense.

Aveillant�s proprietary 3D holographic radar recognizes the presence and location of nearby aircrafts to safely prevent collisions and other problems, including hindrance of air-defense effectiveness. The technology is a result of collaboration between various industry experts, including wind-farm developers and airport operators.

�The unique radar offering is a result of our extensive work with aviation and wind energy stakeholders to create a technical solution which fully meets their requirements,� Ray Edgson, ventures director at Cambridge Consultants, said in a statement.

While current solutions to prevent radar interference with aviation systems sacrifice sensitivity and accuracy, the 3D holographic radar meets requirements set by the U.K.�s Ministry of Defense, and is cost-effective enough for even small wind farms to use. In 2010, the U.K. Government�s Aviation Management Board selected Aveillant�s technology as a leading radar solution.

�The demand for renewable energy is a global one, with governments around the world setting ambitious renewable-energy targets,� Simon Christian, chairman of the AIFCL, one of Aveillant�s venture backers, said in a statement. �Aveillant provides us with an opportunity to invest in an industry-leading 3D radar and a services business capable of unlocking the global potential of thousands of wind turbines, and the millions of units of renewable energy they will produce.�

The opening of more wind farms in England and elsewhere should also create thousands of new jobs in the renewable-energy industry.