No abstract

This paper presents initial results on the characterization of radar signatures of wind turbines, in particular larger wind turbines (capacity over 7 MW) used for offshore wind farms. Experimental results from simultaneous data collected using a passive DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial) radar sensor and an active radar working at S-band are presented, as well as some comments on the parallel work on the modelling of the turbine and on the development of detection algorithms specific for this type of clutter. The initial results show significant variability of the signatures for different radar sensors used, but also for different parameters (e.g. polarization) for the same radar sensor and operational conditions of the turbine (rotation speed, yaw angle).

Offshore oil and gas (O&G) platforms and subsea assets are often protected by radar early warning systems (REWS). Offshore wind farms can be located within few nautical miles from offshore O&G assets. Wind farms can interfere with the REWS due to their large and varying returns. The REWS's performance can also be affected by the radar shadows from turbines. This study aims to introduce REWS and its basic operation. It will then highlight some of the key parameters which must be considered when modelling the potential interference of wind farms on REWS. This study will also present some modelling result for a generic wind turbine's nearfield scattering, simplified shadowing effects and the impact of turbines return on the detection threshold. Finally, a realistic scenario is considered and modelled to show the potential adverse effects of the wind farm on the detection of vessels travelling within the wind farm region.