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WERAN - Interaction of Wind Turbines with Terrestrial Navigation and Radar

27.11.2015

The measurement of field strength distributions in free space or measurements of the directivity pattern of large-scale antenna installations in-situ has been nearly impossible or at least cumbersome so far. PTB is currently developing technical solutions for these measurement tasks based on unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Employing an octocopter (s. Fig.), PTB is greatly improving its capabilities in this area. Due to the automatic flight pattern along predefined GPS waypoints and its small size the UAS will open new areas of scientific measurements which have not been accessible in the past. Within the framework of arcass (advanced remote-controlled airborne sensor systems) the department High Frequency and Fields develops a precision localization and positioning system based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and numerous RF sensor heads for different frequency ranges.

The application of such UAS includes the study of possible interactions between WT and terrestrial navigation aids such as Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio ranges (VOR) and radar systems. The project WERAN1 is delivered jointly with partners FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH, steep GmbH, and the Leibniz University of Hanover.

A survey conducted by the Bundesverband WindEnergie e.V. among its members in 2013 revealed that installations of WT amounting to more than 3 GW of electrical power and investments of more than five billion Euro are hampered by the fact that approvals are not issued by the involved authorities. This is mainly due to the suspected interaction between the WT and the safety-critical installations of navigation and radar systems. Together with its partners, PTB is currently developing the scientific foundations enabling a better and technically sound approval process by the responsible authorities.  Hence, PTB is facilitating the development and installation of sustainable and renewable sources of energy on the one hand, while safe-guarding the operation of terrestrial navigation aids and radar systems of civil aviation, military surveillance and weather observation on the other hand. Only the undisturbed co-existence of both areas will be accepted in the long run.

 

 

 

1Support granted by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy according to a resolution by the German Federal Parliament, FKZ: 0325644A-D