Wind Turbine Avoidance

provided by: OCAS, Inc

INTELLIGENT ON-DEMAND LIGHTING SYSTEMS FOR WIND FARMS

The Wind Turbine Obstacle Collision Avoidance System (OCAS):
The OCAS solution is an Audio Visual Warning System (AVWS) aircraft detection and warning system for wind turbines based on low-power radar technology. The OCAS solution permits wind farm lights to remain OFF at all times - unless the system detects an aircraft with a dangerous heading toward the wind turbines. If an aircraft is detected, all lights are turned on as per FAA guidelines. When the lights are no longer necessary, the lights turn off. 

The OCAS solution is FAA-approved, tested, and satisfies all guidelines as per FAA AC 70/7460-1K. Radar units are mounted on select turbine towers within a wind farm. When an aircraft is detected the OCAS system turns on wind farm safety lighting for primary visual warning. A secondary audio alarm is also broadcast via VHF radio to all pilots in the immediate area. It is a a fully redundant system for absolute safety and has 24/7 real-time monitoring by the OCAS Control Center (OCC).  

BENEFITS FOR THE WIND INDUSTRY AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES:
With all wind farm lighting turned off, "light pollution" created by the wind farm is greatly reduced, therefore significantly lowering the adverse visual impact to nearby communities - especially at night. This will help increase public acceptance of wind farms in such communities and help promote the growth of wind power with responsible and considerate siting practices.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS FOR WIND DEVELOPERS:
By improving the environmental and visual impact of a proposed wind farm, long delays in the permitting process can be greatly shortened due to increased public acceptance. Therefore, the ROI on a wind project can be improved by reducing the cost associated with long permitting delays in large projects due to siting issues.

Additional wind farm development opportunities can be realized by permitting at sites previously not possible due to local regulations. Furthermore, the potential for taller, higher power-yielding turbine hub heights (due to better wind resource) can increase power output at locations where local regulations may restrict heights due to nearby flight safety risks or light intensity requirements.

The OCAS Wind Farm: Enabling our nation's wind farms and communities by making our skies clear and safe. 

THE OCAS SOLUTION WILL PROTECT YOUR NIGHT SKIES FROM LOOKING LIKE THIS

Link to the International Dark Sky Association Approved Fixture List.