Bird Collision Avoidance

Challenge

When planning and establishing onshore and offshore wind parks, attention must be directed to birds and their migration patterns to reduce the risk of birds colliding with wind turbines. In the case of some projects, local authorities require that it be possible to stop wind turbines when large numbers of migratory birds are present in the area. This means that wind power developers and turbine vendors are asked to install and implement bird repellent technologies and mitigations. This leads to both financial and practical complications: bird repellent technologies are expensive to acquire, install, and operate, and mitigation tactics like stopping wind turbines or limiting rotor speeds result in production losses.

Solution idea

This project involves generating a concept whereby data from a variety of sources is collected in an AI model for a particular geographical region where the installation of a wind park is desired. The solution will optimise the selection of the best sites and improve the operation of individual parks by minimising the need to implement mitigating measures, thereby minimising interruptions to operation.

Overall, the project will optimise the placement of future wind parks and reduce the need for bird repellent technologies. The result will improve biodiversity and optimise the total production of green energy from wind turbines.

Project deliverables

A proof of concept for an AI model of bird occurrences in a particular geographical area.

Problem owners

•    Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Problem solvers

•    Wind Power Lab
•    Alpha Echo
•    FURUNO Danmark A/S
•    Aarhus Universitet