Abstract
In current practice, collision risk models like the Band model are often used in impact assessments of offshore wind farms. The results of Band model calculations are generally strongly dependent on estimates for a limited number of parameters, and the outcome may vary widely with minor changes in just a few of the input estimates. Therefore, it is important to validate the assumptions used in the collision modelling, in order to improve the confidence around mortality estimates. To achieve this goal, Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) has installed a 3D Fixed Robin Radar in the offshore wind farm Luchterduinen (LUD). This radar is the first radar system in an expected series of six radars that will be placed in offshore wind farms in the near future.
RWS has commissioned Bureau Waardenburg to continuously monitor the performance of the radars at LUD and the quality of the collected data, in order to prevent (as far as possible) data loss and to facilitate efficient troubleshooting and radar optimization. This report serves as a guidance document in which we describe and standardize our methods and experiences for the daily monitoring of radar performance, data collection and data quality. Based on this document, monitoring of bird radars at other offshore wind farms in the future can be carried out in a standardized way.
The following persons contributed to the realisation of this report:
Jacco Leemans monitoring, reporting;
Elisa Bravo Rebolledo monitoring;
Daniel Beuker monitoring;
Abel Gyimesi monitoring, project managing;
Ruben Fijn quality control.
We thank everyone who has contributed to this report, especially Albert Plesman, Suzanne Lubbe and Martine Graafland (Rijkswaterstaat) who coordinate the project.