Risk Assessment of Bird Collisions with a Wind Turbine Based on Flight Parameters

Abstract

The study addresses the challenge of bird collisions with wind turbines by developing an autonomous risk assessment method. The research uses data from the stereoscopic Bird Protection System (BPS) to anticipate potential collision threats by analysing flight parameters and distance from turbines. The danger factor depends on the flight characteristics of the identified bird species and the parameters of the wind turbine control system. The paper proposes an online quantitative risk assessment model that operates in real time, with the aim of minimising unnecessary turbine shutdowns while improving bird conservation. The model is validated through field data from bird flights. The findings suggest that adaptive management of turbine operations based on real-time bird flight data can significantly reduce collision risks without compromising energy production efficiency. The research underscores the balance between ecological considerations and the economic viability of wind energy, proposing an adaptive strategy that reduces unnecessary turbine stoppages while ensuring the safety of avian species.