BBR 2.0

The aim of the project is to develop and test a new, modular bird and bat recorder (BBR 2.0), an anti-collision system for the bird and bat-friendly operation of wind turbines, adaptable to any wind farm layout for open land and forest locations. The development of the BBR 2.0 system is based on the prototype development of the camera-based BirdRecorder system, which was developed as part of a project funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. Using a novel combination of scanning lidar sensors and laser range-finding technology with permanently installed and tracked cameras in the visible and near-infrared spectral range, it is possible to detect and track the flight paths of diurnal and nocturnal birds and bats in the vicinity of wind turbines.

Artificial intelligence methods are used to recognise the species of birds and bats in order to largely avoid collisions with wind turbines. By modularising the BBR 2.0 system, a modular system of sensors, components and modules is being developed that can be assembled, configured and operated for bird- and bat-friendly operation of individual wind turbines up to large wind farms, depending on the required observation situation at the site. This means that the previous, usually blanket shutdown times for wind turbines can be minimised as required in order to increase the yield of existing and new wind farms. The BBR 2.0 system developed is being trialled together with partners in several wind farms in different natural areas. The project will be supported and advised by a project-accompanying working group, in which representatives of all relevant stakeholders from the wind energy sector, nature conservation and industry associations will be represented.