The IdentiFlight System: Revolutionizing Bird Protection in Wind Farms
As we harness the power of wind energy to combat climate change, it’s imperative that we find ways to protect our feathered friends. The IdentiFlight System, developed by the brilliant minds at Boulder Imaging, is a technological marvel that’s transforming bird conservation in wind farms.
Components of the IdentiFlight System
This state-of-the-art system comprises a network of strategically positioned cameras, a powerful computer, and a robust network, working in harmony to ensure avian safety.
Cameras
- Eight fixed-position, wide-field-of-view (FOV) industrial cameras vigilantly monitor the airspace, capturing real-time footage.
- Two movable, high-resolution stereoscopic cameras, mounted on a towering structure, provide detailed close-ups for precise species identification.
Computer
Nestled within the control cabinet at the system’s base, the computer serves as the brains of the operation. It houses the advanced AI software, developed by Boulder Imaging, which analyzes the captured footage in real-time.
Network
The IdentiFlight System seamlessly integrates with the wind farm’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) network. This robust connection allows for efficient communication between the system and the turbines, enabling swift and targeted curtailment when necessary.
Functionality
The IdentiFlight System operates like a vigilant guardian, constantly scanning the skies for avian presence and potential hazards.
Object Detection
The fixed-position cameras, with their wide-angle lenses, act as the system’s watchful eyes. They scan the designated airspace, detecting any flying objects that enter their field of view. This data is then analyzed to determine if the detected objects are indeed birds.
Species Identification
Once the system identifies potential bird sightings, the high-resolution stereoscopic cameras swing into action. These cameras capture detailed images of the birds, allowing the AI software to perform species identification. This crucial step ensures that protected species, such as eagles, receive the utmost protection.
Machine Vision and AI
The IdentiFlight System leverages advanced machine vision techniques and convolutional neural networks to analyze the captured images. This sophisticated technology enables the system to:
- Precisely identify bird species, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Accurately project the bird’s velocity and flight path, predicting potential collisions with turbine blades.
Turbine Curtailment
When the system detects a bird species designated for protection or predicts a potential collision, it swiftly sends a message to the wind farm’s SCADA network. This triggers a targeted curtailment of the affected turbine, preventing the bird from harm while minimizing energy loss.
Benefits
The IdentiFlight System is a game-changer in bird protection, offering a suite of tangible benefits that make it an indispensable tool for wind farm operators.
Reduced Bird Fatalities
By accurately detecting and identifying birds, the IdentiFlight System allows wind farm operators to implement targeted turbine curtailment. This selective approach significantly reduces bird fatalities, ensuring the well-being of our avian companions.
Lowered Energy Loss
Unlike traditional methods that require the shutdown of entire wind farms, the IdentiFlight System’s selective curtailment strategy minimizes energy loss. This approach ensures a balance between bird protection and maintaining wind energy production.