Prof. Siegfried Rieger and Prof. Jan-Peter Mund welcomed Stefan Zierke, member of the Bundestag and representative for the constituency Uckermark at the Forest Campus. Zierke wanted to learn about the research project “Performance verification of detection systems for the reduction of bird collisions at wind turbines in Brandenburg”. 

The researchers shared insights into their project and show first promising results with Stefan Zierke. According to Zierke, the topic of “bird shredding” by wind turbines is one of the most debatable issues in the field of wind power. He stated that it is all the more gratifying that new possibilities for reducing the danger to birds are being researched at the HNEE. Prof. Siegfried Rieger and Prof. Jan-Peter Mund further elaborated that a lot of other valuable is being collected, which will help to better understand nature and the detailed interconnection of the ecosystem.

The project has established a test site in Zierke’s constituency Uckermark. The test is conducted on an open field, without wind turbines, but with cameras attached to poles. Once a bird approaches the site, the moving stereo camera head tracks its flight path. When an endangered bird comes closer than 800 meters the system sends a signal to the wind turbine that can switch to a so-called tumble mode to reduce the risk for the bird.  

The researchers shared insights into their project and show first promising results with Stefan Zierke. According to Zierke, the topic of “bird shredding” by wind turbines is one of the most debatable issues in the field of wind power. He stated that it is all the more gratifying that new possibilities for reducing the danger to birds are being researched at the HNEE. Prof. Siegfried Rieger and Prof. Jan-Peter Mund further elaborated that a lot of other valuable is being collected, which will help to better understand nature and the detailed interconnection of the ecosystem.

The proejct is funded by the Brandeburg Ministery of Energy.