Wind Radar siting webinar 09

Wind Radar Issues: 

September 2009 Gary Seifert PE EE Wind Radar Issues

Wind Radar Concerns: 

Wind Radar Concerns Ongoing activities >4000 MW under risk All windy states impacted Significance Impacts All Start Early Mitigation under development

X12 Growth In Future – See Any Overlap? : 

Situation Today! 2030 Potential Impact? X12 Growth In Future – See Any Overlap?

Radar Application Pipeline: 

Radar Application Pipeline AWEA Survey of members shows: 2,100+ megawatts held up 5,100+ megawatts deferred 2,100+ megawatt abandoned Source: AWEA preliminary member survey, Feb. 2009. President’s 2012 renewables goal will require > 20,000 megawatts of newly installed capacity annually.

Interference: 

Interference If there is visibility, there is interference Sparkle on the screen Reduced sensitivity in those resolution cells Turbines are big reflectors Interference is a relative term Does interference impact the mission Experience shows a small percentage of wind farms do impact the ability to perform the mission Case by case assessment often needed FAA and Air Force supporting assessments Always negotiate, use tools only as screen to identify risk

Types of Radar: 

Types of Radar There are two main categories of radar Air Traffic Control Radar Primary Surveillance Radar Direct Surveillance Many 2 D Older systems analog, new systems digital Secondary Surveillance Radar Uses transponders Defense and Homeland Security Radar Includes defensive and offensive radar Includes long range radar systems Weather Doppler Radar (Nexrad)

Interference cont.: 

Interference cont. Two main types of interference Direct Interference High reflectivity Reducing sensitivity False images Shadow areas Doppler Interference False targets False MTI/MTD’s Impacts both airborne and fixed radar Doppler

Interference: 

Interference

Ghosting : 

Ghosting

Dead Zone Above: 

Dead Zone Above Impacts dependent on specific radar/software

Slide13: 

Challenge: FAA and DOD have different operational assessment criteria DOD has several internal agencies, all who have different criteria for operations and allowable impacts Software under control of radar manufacturers and wind issues are lower priority than FAA and DOD needs No single solution or mitigation technology Impacts expected to increase as more turbines are installed Performance parameters and field data is limited, and privately held

Slide14: 

How problems are being addressed: Multi-pronged approach; multi-stakeholder involvement Collaborative research, case studies, radar evaluations, and metrics refinement Tools, mitigation development Start early and identify concerns up front Commission independent wind radar baseline tests Make results public and shared Raised awareness Siting criteria Mitigation R&D

Slide15: 

Key issues currently being addressed Develop Wind-Radar Checklist Expand Mitigation Toolbox Provide Outreach Integrate screening tools Educate developers on processes and risks Plan FY-08 Case Studies and R&D Elements Coordinate with Manufacturers of Stealth Turbines Support Field Tests (Mitigation and Stealth Technologies)

Mitigation before after: 

Mitigation before after Mitigation Technology Operations Optimization Siting & Shield walls Advanced software tools ASR-11 software changes SLEP upgrade on LRR Gap filling radars and multiple radar fusion New technologies under development Other Stealth Turbines

Process: 

Process There is no single process – Yet! Developers are reluctant to offer advanced notice That is often too late FAA OEAAA acts as a focal point for US agencies https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/portal.jsp DOD Single Point Interface is Needed Some proactive processes exist JPO for LRR Range Management Southwest region Weather Radar Interference (NOAA) Interagency Cooperation needed

FAA LRR Tool (DOD and NOAA): 

FAA LRR Tool (DOD and NOAA) http://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa https://www.oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/gisTools/gisAction.jsp?action=showLongRangeRadarToolForm

Summary: 

Summary Raised awareness for action All parties concerned More turbines on the way There is interference from wind turbines Case by Case assessment needed Approach all issues openly and fairly A transparent process is needed No and Yes are both acceptable answers Communicate well and often Strive for Win-Win Solutions Mitigation is needed Research needed

Slide20: 

Gary Seifert EE PE Idaho National Laboratory gary.seifert@inl.gov 208-521-8385 We can co-exist Questions?