A bird detection system (BDS) is a set of technologies and devices designed to detect the presence of birds around wind farms. The main aim of this system is to minimise the risk of collision with wind turbines.
A BDS can include a number of components, such as cameras and acoustic deterrents.
The cameras collect data on the presence, speed and direction of the birds. This information is then processed by sophisticated algorithms to detect potential collision risks By detecting the presence of birds in the area, it is possible to put in place protective measures, such as temporarily stopping the wind turbines when the birds are passing by.
Once the BDS has been taken into account in the initial design of the wind farm, it is easy to integrate it into the network architecture of the wind farm. It is also important to plan its location in the wind turbines and to anticipate Internet connectivity requirements. This was the case for one of VALEMO’s customers, who was forced to install this system following the publication of the RIET plan (Réduction de l’Impact de l’Éolien Terrestre) in Occitanie in 2021, on a wind farm that had already been in operation for twelve years.
In this situation, VALEMO played a crucial role in coordinating the installation between the various parties involved, such as the turbine manufacturer, the BDS supplier and the internet service providers. This coordination required a considerable investment of time, both remotely and on site, to configure and interface the equipment supplied by the BDS provider and the turbine manufacturer.
To ensure that the BDS was working properly, tests were carried out using drones simulating the morphology and trajectories of large birds of prey. These tests verified that the BDS was operational and fulfilled its function of protecting avian fauna.
The next stage will involve bio-monitoring at the end of summer 2023. For a period of twenty days, an ecologist will be present throughout the day to confirm definitively that the bird detection system is working properly.