Anti-collision systems in practice

Anti-collision systems are mentioned in the new Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) as one of the possible protective measures with which collision risks of birds at wind turbines can be avoided or reduced. The research and development project, which is being carried out by the Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition (KNE), aimed to expand existing knowledge on anti-collision systems and to adapt existing recommendations to the rapidly growing experience with the technology.

Methods

Building on the researcher’s previous work on standardising the requirements for the validation of anti-collision systems (ACS) through testing, this R&D project focused on reviewing and updating the existing requirements for performance verification as the basis for the approval of the systems and their applicability as a safety measure.To this end, existing requirements were evaluated and compared with the proposals set out in the convention for standardised testing and statistical data analysis in the state of Schleswig-Holstein^[1]. In this context, individual parameters, such as the calculation of reaction distances, were refined in line with new findings.

The regulations introduced in 2022 under Section 45b of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) made it necessary to examine the criteria for selecting measures in greater detail. The limitation on the economic feasibility of protective measures means that the likelihood of ACS being implemented is rather low, particularly on less productive sites, even though yield losses can be effectively limited. By having a single system monitor multiple wind turbines, the cost per turbine can be reduced. Whether this solution provides sufficiently effective protection must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The authors suggested that formulating constellation-specific criteria (e.g. increased flight activity due to distance or frequency) could serve as a starting point for promoting the use of ACS. The minimum operational period for an ACS should cover the sensitive breeding and reproductive phases.

Where a tried-and-tested, recognised system is used, its effectiveness in preventing incidents must be demonstrated on a site-by-site basis for each individual case. To this end, a shutdown plan may be drawn up. This should demonstrate that the overall or protection rate determined as proof of performance is applicable to the site in question. It is also important to note the guidelines on the ongoing documentation of ACS operations. An ACS operating manual must be maintained for this purpose. A mandatory commissioning report serves as a reference for all subsequent changes and adjustments. Finally, the project also addressed the automated detection of agricultural management events and the potential applications for shutdown control in this area.

^[1] Funded by the Ministry for Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature (MEKUN), duration: September 2022 to December 2023, extended until August 2024.

• Competence Centre for Nature Conservation and Energy Transition
• Project website
• Publications on anti-collision systems