Stealth wind turbines have appeared in Norfolk.
QinetiQ has collaborated with wind turbine company Vestas Wind
Systems to demonstrate a radar mitigation technology for wind
turbines.
The stealth turbine is designed using radar absorbing materials in
the blades, nacelle and tower. These include modified composites
for nacelle and blades, and sprayable RAM coatings that can be
applied directly onto the tower and other static surfaces.
The recent trial in Norfolk involved the fitting of the prototype
stealth blade onto a Vestas V90 turbine and radar cross section
measurements showed significant reductions.
“We believe that Stealth Turbine technology could be a genuine
game-changer for the renewable energy industry by removing a major
barrier to its development,” said Mark Roberts, Strategic Business
Director for Energy and Environment at QinetiQ.
The five year project has developed ‘Stealth Turbine’ technology
that can significantly reduce the size of the radar signature made
by individual turbines to the point where they can be effectively
‘factored out’ of air traffic control and air defence
systems.
With 9GW of potential sites currently blocked by objections from
radar operators, this technology could have a revolutionary impact
on wind farm planning in both the UK and the rest of the
world.
“Our long-standing involvement in the development of stealth
techniques for ships and aircraft has enabled us to quickly,
seamlessly and cost-effectively transfer this expertise to the
renewable energy market," said Roberts.