Preliminary Results of Research on Wind Operational Impact Minimization Technologies: DOE-Funded Technology Development and Innovation Projects

In this webinar, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers will present preliminary results of two projects examining early-stage technologies aimed at minimizing the potential impacts of wind turbines on wildlife. The presenters will discuss findings from field research conducted at the Flatirons Campus under NREL’s Technology Development and Innovation (TD&I) program, funded by DOE and supported on-site by NREL staff. Topics and presenters include:

• Refining a Selectively Perceptible Wind Turbine System for Preventing Bat Fatalities, Paul Cryan, U.S. Geological Survey

• Managing Bird and Bat Turbine Strikes Using Weather Radar, Robb Diehl, U.S. Geological Survey

The first project, led by USGS researcher scientist Paul Cryan, explores whether illuminating a turbine with dim ultraviolet (UV) light will prevent bats from approaching and being struck by moving blades. USGS researcher Robb Diehl leads the second project, which considers leveraging the existing U.S. weather radar network, known as Next-Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD), to provide wind power plant operators with additional information that could be used to manage wind turbines in ways that reduce impacts to wildlife.