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Windmill
Providing specialist knowledge, consultancy and technology to deliver solutions to windfarm interference problems
With many countries now seeking to harness wind power to address future energy requirements, the location of wind farms and their potential impact on existing radar systems, such as air traffic control and national security systems, has become increasingly important. BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) has developed a number of solutions to address location issues for existing and planned windfarms enabling the continued development and deployment of wind energy operations.
Phase 1: Identify potential interference issues
Using our extensive knowledge base of radar operations and tailored modelling solutions we are able to assess potential interference issues prior to installation.
- Preparatory study to assess if the proposed windfarm, given its location and topography will be ‘seen’ by radar systems within the vicinity.
- Assessment of the performance characteristics of local radar installations, including military and ATC radar.
- Use of tailored modelling software to determine the potential levels of interaction between radar systems and wind turbines.
- Deliver a comprehensive plan for the proposed site which highlights potential areas of interference.
Phase 2: Detailed assessment of interference issues
Once potential areas of conflict are identified, we are then able to provide detailed characterisation of the issues to support planning and installation activities.
- Determine the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the individual contributing components of the wind turbine.
- Model the affected radar systems to characterise the interaction between windfarm and radar.
- Examine the potential impact to the radar systems.
- Deliver to our clients an objective report to support the application for planning permission for windfarms.
Phase 3: Deliver mitigation solutions based on leading edge Stealth technology
Drawing on our skills and experience of delivering stealth solutions to the defence industry, we apply the same capabilities to create solutions to mitigate the interference issues between windfarm and radar.
- Provide consultancy and design services on the shaping of nacelles, blades and tower.
- Application of composite Radar Absorbing Material (RAM) to turbine components to minimise RCS.
- Use of spray coatings and elastomers to reduce turbines radar signature.
Our reputation and credibility in providing key domain knowledge on the interference problem has been developed over many decades of research development and delivery of RCS reduction solutions into the defence industry
Radar Modelling
We are proud to have been at the forefront of the design and development of some of the worlds most advanced radar systems for both military and commercial applications.
Our suite of bespoke and off-the-shelf modelling software enables us to simulate and analyse radar systems behaviour, including signal processing, plot extraction and tracking algorithms as well as the radar-environment.
This unique experience provides the ability to help our clients identify, understand and assess the key interference issues.
Stealth Materials
With over 60 years experience in the design, development and volume manufacture of Radar Absorbent Materials (RAM), our stealth solutions see service across military platforms in air, land and sea in addition to numerous commercial applications.
BAE Systems continues to be at the forefront of applying military technology to address the radar interference issue and we continue to work with the UK MoD, UK DTI, windfarm developers and turbine manufacturers to deliver the next generation of stealthy wind turbine.
