JUN 29

Wind turbines have a lot of opponents, and lots of regulatory hurdles that they must go through between initial proposal and final approval. One particular difficulty has been from aviation authorities (both civilian and military) whose radar can pick up interference from wind turbines. These objections have led to many wind projects being delayed or shelved indefinitely. But solutions are being developed that may allow wind turbines to coexist with radar.

The moving blades from wind turbines can cause intereference to show up on radar displays.

"At one stage trade association Renewable UK estimated that around 40 large wind farm projects were being delayed because of objections from the aviation sector." Given the wide expanses of open land in the US, the problem has been less of an issue, but as more wind facilities are developed for locations close to population areas, the problem is likely to become more of a concern. In the UK, a software solution is being explored that will enable air traffic controllers to differentiate between aircraft and wind turbines.

Another possible solution is to build turbine blades with material that is not radar reflective. Using composites that either absorb or scatter radar beams would make the turbine blades invisible to radar.

image: CC-BY 2.0 by Ken Hodge

via: EWEA Wind Directions

Comments (3)

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LIDAR
written by Felix Hoenikker, June 29, 2011

Like using this technology on wind turbines
http://www.michiganaero.com/

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written by MD, July 01, 2011

Will probably hear similar arguments against in my area from crop dusters... They want nothing in their way when they buzz around all over.

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The grossly evident and the requirements of the invisible
written by Cures Riches, July 02, 2011

ecogeeks that can tackle this sort of issue might be able to get the issue of the grossly evident avarice of Silvio Berlusconi and the requirements of the brain activated WiFi spirit internet. There is undeniable evidence that the brain activated version of WiFi is criminally pathetic compared to the mechanical reliability. How can anyone deny the brain WiFi reality that has seen Kreskins' performances? It's because spirit channel CANNIBALS are eating our ability.

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