Wind energy: turbine technology with smart blades promises to save the lives of millions of birds annually around the world

Wind turbines have played a fundamental role in generating clean energy around the world. But as not everything is rosy, the biggest and most persistent problem involving this energy source is the impact on bird populations due to collisions with rotating blades of wind turbines.

In search of innovative solutions to mitigate this problem, Norwegian researchers, led by SINTEF and the Norwegian Center for Energy Research, found the answer to this challenge and developed a revolutionary technology: the smart wind turbine.

Watch the video below and discover this incredible wind turbine with smart blades

Wind farms kill millions of birds annually around the world

The use of wind turbines as a source of renewable energy brought numerous benefits to the environment, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind turbines have also been linked to a worrying problem: birds colliding with the rotating blades.

It is currently difficult to accurately determine the number of birds that die due to these collisions, but estimates suggest that millions of birds lose their lives annually around the world. This is a problem that needs to be resolved so that wind energy remains an environmentally responsible option.

SKARV system, software-controlled wind turbines that promise to revolutionize renewable energy in the world

A team of Norwegian researchers has developed a promising solution to drastically reduce the number of fatal collisions between birds and wind turbines. This solution involves the integration ofadvanced technology on each turbine, making them “smart” and capable of detecting approaching birds.

The heart of this technology is the SKARV software, which acts as the brains behind smart wind turbines. Each turbine is equipped with cameras capable of identifying birds flying directly towards the rotors. SKARV then springs into action, automatically calculating the birds' predicted trajectory and sending control signals to slow the blades, thus reducing the risk of collision.

In simulations, SKARV has demonstrated a remarkable ability to avoid most collisions with birds moving in predictable trajectories. This includes situations where birds fly towards the turbine head-on and are seen at least five seconds before impact.

Additionally, the system can be configured to completely shut down the turbines if too many birds approach at the same time. However, the team notes that it can take up to 20 seconds for a large turbine to come to a complete stop from a normal rotational speed.

Project could reduce the number of fatal collisions by up to 80%.

While this promising technology represents a significant advancement in reducing bird strikes with wind turbines, it is important to recognize that it does not solve every situation. For example, it does not prevent collisions if birds come flying past the sides of the turbines or are circling around them.

Paula B. Garcia Rosa, one of the experts behind this new system, notes: “It is difficult to predict a bird's flight path, and the new system will not completely solve this problem. If a young, inexperienced bird approaches a turbine with erratic flight behavior, it is not possible to predict exactly where it will be a few seconds later. Forecasting is also more difficult if several birds approach at the same time.” Paula B. Garcia Rosa, at New Atlas.

Successful implementation of this technology could have a significant impact on reducing bird deaths caused by wind turbines around the world. Based on simulations, researchers believe the SKARV project could reduce the number of fatal collisions by up to 80%.

According to the American Bird Conservancy, compared to other risks birds face, such as accidental collisions with power lines, wind turbines pose less of a challenge. In the United States alone, an estimated 5,5 million birds die annually after colliding with power lines.

Wind turbines with smart blades could be available for commercial use within five years

The next step in the development of this technology is the integration of methods to identify more bird flight trajectories before a practical demonstration. Researchers are committed to further improving the effectiveness of this innovative system.

This technology is expected to be available for commercial use within five years. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the wind energy industry is working hard to mitigate its impact on wildlife while continuing to provide a vital source of renewable energy.

I'd love to know what you think of this turbine. Have you already implemented some type of renewable energy in your home or do you want to? Tell us in the comments section about your experience. Don't forget to leave 5 stars and turn on CPG notifications to keep up with all the news about clean energy. To the next!