Implementing a Smart Curtailment System to Reduce Bat Fatalities and Energy Loss at Wind Energy Facilities

Curtailment of wind turbines during low wind speeds is a leading solution in reducing bat fatalities caused by collision with turbines. This method, often referred to as blanket curtailment, has been shown to significantly reduce fatalities at projects throughout North America. A threshold wind speed is established below which bat activity is likely to be highest and turbines are not allowed to operate. However, this can translate to a considerable loss of energy production and associated revenue. An alternative approach, often referred to as smart or informed curtailment, is to use additional data to curtail only when bats occur or are likely to be present within the rotor swept area and at risk of collision. Natural Power developed the EchoSense smart curtailment system, which combines wind speed and temperature data with bat acoustic data measured in real-time to determine when bats are present during the active season and to curtail appropriately under set conditions.