Interactions of Wind Turbines with Aviation Radio and Radar Systems

Wind farms and wind turbines are strong reflectors of radio waves, which can affect radar and radio systems used by civil and military aviation. The speeds of turbine blades and aircraft are comparable, and it can be difficult to discriminate between them using existing radar systems. Wind turbines may also affect communications, navigation and instrument landing systems. This situation is a brake to wind farm development slowing or stopping exploitation of many giga watts of wind capacity in many countries. Therefore, developing approaches and technologies for the mitigation of the impacts of wind farms on aviation systems is of great importance. These technologies have the potential to increase renewable energy generation and promote energy independence but, and this is critically important, they must do so without compromising safety or national defense.