It is no secret that wind turbine energy is one of the most promising alternative energy sources. With the capacity to provide enough energy to power large factories and industrial plants, it is common to see large wind farms located in coastal areas. After years of development, and with advances in technology, new turbines have been developed and installed in offshore environments, but now the future seems to be focused on developing structures for urban environments. Despite this, a recent discovery has had a strange effect on birds flying over an area near the wind farm.
The birds’ behavior has surprised even experts.
When we talk about wind energy, the first thing that comes to mind is the large structures that make up the sites. Giant turbines with large propellers fill the landscape, usually located in coastal areas, assembling a structure capable of transforming wind power into electrical energy.
Recently, advances in technology have enabled significant changes in wind power plants and the way turbines are installed. However, a recent modification has caused an unusual change in the behavior of birds flying near a wind power plant. According to reports, ornithologists suggested that the turbines, traditionally white, be painted with black stripes in an attempt to reduce the number of seagull deaths caused by collisions with the large structures. Normally seen in coastal areas, these birds have some difficulty avoiding the turbines, causing some accidents that could lead to death.
A simple solution capable of preventing bird deaths
According to experts, the way birds perceive their surroundings, especially during flight, can cause accidental collisions with wind turbines, even resulting in the death of the animals. This occurs because birds’ spatial perception is lateral, rather than frontal, like that of humans. As a result, the animals’ vision is better on the sides of their bodies, which increases the risk of frontal collision with structures.
Large birds, like seagulls and eagles, have even more difficulty, which makes them the most affected since they cannot escape obstacles with the same dexterity as others. In these cases, the presence of turbines at wind farms poses a great risk to animals. After a series of studies conducted by scientists, it has been proven that simply painting black stripes on the turbine structures can help reduce incidents involving birds.
Understand how painting turbines can be effective for bird safety
When the turbines are painted, the speed of the blades as they rotate produces an image that is perceived by the animals’ peripheral vision, causing a change in the color of the sky and helping birds to avoid the structures. This is only possible because birds have keen eyesight and can quickly perceive any changes in their environment, putting them on alert for potential problems. Once it is done in time, it can avoid an accident and preserve the bird’s life.
Although it does not change the basic structure of the wind turbine, the change could cause problems for the marine and aviation industries. However, after a series of studies, it was revealed that navigation and aviation are not affected by the paint applied to the structures.
The change is also beneficial for wind power plants
Although it is primarily intended for animal safety, painting the turbine structures also benefits the companies that maintain wind power sites. Since it is a low-cost solution, it can be carried out without causing environmental damage and without compromising the operation of the plant, helping to preserve animal life and preventing environmental and material damage. Changes such as these need to be taken into account, as wind structures are increasingly resembling structures normally found in nature.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive. Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.