Wind turbines may interfere with the signals of radar systems and omnidirectional rotating radio beacons (CVOR, DVOR) that are critical for air traffic. Yet, so far, there is no reliable scientific data on what these interactions are precisely.

This is exactly what the WERAN collaborative project on “interactions between wind turbines and radar/navigations systems” is seeking to change. The aim of the project, jointly carried out by the Technisch-Physikalische Bundesanstalt and its partners, is to develop the world’s first measuring system for determining these interferences as well as an efficient numerical simulation method.

To this end, the signals of radar and DVOR systems are measured in close proximity to various wind turbines while they are in operation, shutting down, standing still or restarting. The scientists are also taking into account the directional setting of the nacelle and the rotor blade angle. And they have been successful: their measurements enabled them, the first team in the world, to determine the angle of error of a DVOR in relation to a wind turbine.

The measurements were carried out with the help of a drone that could be steered from the ground using a tablet. The high-frequency measuring equipment used had to be substantially reduced in size for this purpose. However, unlike an aircraft, an octocopter can collect data from low altitudes and within the area between wind turbines.

Before the projected completion of the project – funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) – this summer, more measurements are to be carried out at additional locations. The data collected will form the basis for developing simulation models, which can be used to plan wind turbines in future.