Interaction between radar systems and wind farms

Abstract

At typical radar frequencies a wind turbine has a large radar-cross-section (RCS) and due to the movement of the blades, the wind turbine generates a Doppler spectrum. This scattering behaviour has caused concern with radar operators, particularly those working with safety critical radar and national defence. This paper presents results from a modelling tool developed by BAE systems, advanced technology centre, which models the effect of a wind farm on a radar system. This paper discusses the development of the model and provides an example analysis using a case study, which highlights the problems associated with placing a wind farm near a radar system.