Weather radar signal processing techniques

Effects of Wind Turbine Clutter on Weather Radars

Example of wind turbine clutter contamination on weather radar reflectivity fields. Where are the storms? (Image courtesy of the ROC's Applications Branch)

One of the fastest-growing technologies for alternative energy generation is based on wind power. Unfortunately, a commonly overlooked factor in tubine placement is their negative effects on nearby weather radars. Users of weather data from radars that are succeptible to contamination from wind turbine "clutter" (WTC) have already reported the serious impact that wind turbines can have on their normal operations.

Conventional ground clutter filters are based on the assumption that the clutter is physically stationary, which is typically the case for most undesired ground targets. Wind turbines, in contrast, have extremely large and highly reflective blades moving with speeds of up to 80 m/s near the tip. Since the spectral characteristics of WTC are similar to those of the desired weather signal, filters based on spectral characteristics are mostly ineffective.

In summary, WTC mitigation is a challenging problem due to the non-stationarity and wide spectral distribution of the signals produced by the turbine's rotating blades. Signals produced by WTC depend on the wind speed, direction, blade pitch, etc.

I am currently involved in two projects dealing with automatic detection and mitigation of WTC:

For more information about the interaction between wind turbines and weather radars in the US click here and/or watch this short interview to Tim Crum (ROC) by the KOKH Fox 25 news team.

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