| BIRD & BAT RADAR SYSTEMS |
The MERLIN™ Avian Radar System is the most capable, proven and widely used bird radar system available for conducting bird and bat surveys, mortality risk analysis, and migratory studies, and for long-term and operational monitoring and mitigation of risks. MERLIN technology capabilities include:
Applications include a wide range of projects with avian mortality risk, control and management issues (click underlined text below for specific application details):
Download a copy of DeTect’s Avian Radar Overview & MERLIN Avian Radar System Product Catalog (1 MB, requires Adobe Reader). To see a video of how the MERLIN software works, Click Here (requires Adobe ShockWave/Flash Player).
DeTect is developing the VESPER Fixed-Beam Vertical Profile Radar based on relatively low cost and highly reliable components with an operational system projected for commercial availability in late 2009. The VESPER technology is designed to provide species differentiation and identification based on measurement of wingbeat frequency of bird, bat and insect targets as they pass through the beam. The beam width will be sufficiently wide to allow even large, slow flapping targets to reside in the beam for several seconds allowing for measurement. This new sensor will be capable of being operated independently or in concert with a MERLIn bird radar system to provide specific data on the type of target that has been detected, (i.e. bird, bat or insect) and will allow inclusion and measurement of insect data for improved bird and bat mortality risks models and mitigation strategies for wind farms. To download the complete paper on the VESPER Fixed-beam Profile Radar, CLICK HERE (652 MB PDF format, requires Adobe Reader)
With MERLIN, users are getting more than an avian radar system - DeTect provides comprehensive application support with each system that includes avian survey/ application design, system set-up, data collection support and project-specific user training. Each system is also supported by DeTect's team of avian biologists who have extensive backgrounds and experience in radar ornithology, avian biology, study design, bird control and risk mitigation on projects worldwide. For bird and bat survey applications, DeTect provides full data analysis support that includes custom algorithm development, data processing, reporting and risk analysis supporting client biologists and/or clients consultants. MERLIN bird and bat radar systems are offered for sale, long-term lease or short-term rental, with or without DeTect operators and are backed by a three year full parts and labor warranty. |
MERLIN Bird & Bat Survey Technology 
The MERLIN Environmental Surveyor radar system provides the most cost-effective, scientifically sound, and conclusive method for collection of high-quality, statistically superior data on bird and bat movements at project sites, including wind farms, airports, landfills and mines. The MERLIN system uses technology originally developed by DeTect for the US Air Force and NASA for military aviation and space shuttle flight safety applications. MERLIN is the most advanced and proven avian radar technology available with over 40 systems currently operating worldwide. MERLIN technology is supported by DeTect's professional staff of experienced avian biologists and radar ornithologists that provides clients with the most experienced team of experts in remote sensing of birds and bats in the world - with specific expertise in design, construction and operation of bird/wildlife detection systems for aviation safety and environmental management. 
MERLIN uses state-of-the-art radar and computer techniques developed specifically for detecting and tracking the unique behavioral characteristics of birds and bats to collect data continuously and automatically under a variety of conditions generating highly accurate, detailed datasets for analysis and for use in project decision-making, planning, permitting and risk management. MERLIN is highly automated with a proven record of high operability and low maintenance in adverse environments. The system can operate 24-7 unattended and is fully remote accessible and controllable through local networks and the Internet with a range of connectivity options that include WLAN, WWAN and satellite. MERLIN systems are delivered with a full range of standard data analysis routines as well as an optional SQL server datasystem. All data are also archived to disk providing a permanent record for each project and for further post-processing and modeling with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other programs. 
Systems are fully self-contained with on-board control cabins, remote auto-start primary or back-up power systems, and include all hardware and software for bird and bat tracking, clutter suppression, interference rejection and data recording. Custom configurations, including fixed and offshore installations, can also be provided that integrate additional sensors such as thermal cameras, bat detectors, insect detectors, vertical profilers and acoustic monitors. DeTect provides complete system installation and user training support. Each system includes a full 3 year parts and labor warranty and 3 years of MERLIN software upgrades. Systems are available for short-term rental, long-term lease or for sale, both with and without DeTect operators.
Radar surveys for wind energy projects offer significant benefits over conventional visual avian survey techniques. The MERLIN system is the most powerful and proven tool available for assessment, monitoring and real-time risk mitigation at wind energy projects - in both terrestrial and offshore environments throughout the U.S. and Europe. MERLIN's dual vertical and horizontal scanning radars provide exceptionally accurate data on bird & bat passage rates and altitudes across proposed or existing wind farm sites and provides detailed bird and bat target databases for the rotor swept altitudes that can be used to provide quantitative determination of mortality risk to birds and bats at the wind farm. The system also develops detailed data on bird and bat movements for the area surrounding the wind farm out to 3-4 nm and up to 10,000 feet in altitude. MERLIN ’s Data Analyzer program includes standard and custom database queries providing both tabular and graphical outputs quantifying the numbers of birds and bats passing through the rotor swept area allowing precise calculation and determination of bird and bat mortality risk. 
For operating windfarms, the MERLIN SCADA functionality allows the system to operate as a real-time "early warning", monitoring and risk mitigation system providing advance warning to the windfarm operators of approaching birds. MERLIN SCADA can also be configured to automatically activate mitigation responses at operating windfarms that can include idling of select or all turbines until risk conditions abate. The MERLIN operating software is fully compatible with most wind farm SCADA control systems and DeTect provides full implementation support. For more details on the MERLIN Avian Radar System for windpower projects, 
Current radar survey techniques eliminate insect targets in radar data to prevent overstating bird counts, however, by rejecting insect data rather than classifying it, important data are lost. As an example, for a wind turbine site if insects occur at the highest densities below the rotor-swept height, it is likely that foraging bats would adopt a strategy that would place them below the rotor-swept area. A radar that can effectively and automatically discriminate birds, bats and insects will provide important information on bat migration relative to insect rich layers in the atmosphere. It is possible that bat mortality with respect to wind turbines is highest where these insect layers intersect with the rotor swept zone of the turbine and this technology could be definitive in defining this relationship. In addition to providing improved risk assessment data, the VESPER technology can also have operational application. For example, it is known that the majority of bat kills occur in a narrow time period in the fall (approximately two weeks). It is also known that a wind turbine with feathered blades kills few, if any, bats. If the technology can establish a correlation between bat distribution and insect activity, then the turbines may need only to be feathered during periods when insects are in the rotor swept height and not for the entire risk period. In this case the VESPER could be used as a monitoring and mitigation tool for operating the wind farm. REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS...
Smola Windpark, Norway – Mobile MERLIN XS2530e Avian Radar System being used as part of multi-year post-construction study of conflicts between birds and wind turbines in coastal Norway with specific emphasis on Sea eagles at the Smola Windpark. The project includes continuous radar monitoring, weekly carcass searches, assessment of auditory and visual mitigation measures, and study of behavioural responses of Sea eagles. The project is being led by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) with support from the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (SINTEF), the Norwegian National Environmental Research Institute, and various environmental organizations and universities. After extensive evaluation of available avian radar technologies by the radar division of SINTEF, the MERLIN Avian Radar System technology was select for the project. The MERLIN XS2530e was purchased in the fall of 2007 and delivered and operational in the first quarter of 2008.
Texas A&M University – Two MERLIN Avian Radar Systems owned and operated by the Texas A&M University Cesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) in Kingsville, Texas, USA are being used to conduct multi-year studies of migratory bird movements along the southern Texas gulf coast. The CKWRI is the leading wildlife research organization in Texas and one of the finest in the United States. Its mission is to provide science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of wildlife in coastal South Texas.
Gulf Wind I, Texas USA – Mobile MERLIN XS2530e Avian Radar System purchased by the Australian based developer, Babcock & Brown, and installed in 2006 for pre-construction of the coastal wind farm in south Texas. To date the system has collected over 2 years of 24 hour data - the largest avian radar dataset on any windfarm site in North America. During the pre-construction phase, the system operated on generator power and was remotely administered by DeTect. In late 2008, the system was upgraded to the MERLIN SCADA system and installed at the operating wind farm as a risk mitigation system - the first implementation of radar technology for real-time bird mortality risk mitigation in the world. In this configuration, the MERLIN system acts as an "early warning radar" detecting approaching bird activity, assessing mortality risk conditions, and, if warranted, automatically idling selected or all turbines to reduce bird mortality risk.
MERLIN Aircraft Birdstrike Radar System, Durban, South Africa - DeTect provided a MERLIN system for study and assessment of bird-aircraft strike risk issues associated with a roost of over 3 million Barn Swallows near the new Durban International Airport being constructed for the 2010 World Cup. The initial work included 24-7 radar survey of the bird activity to develop a risk assessment and operational plan for the airport. A permanent system will be installed to support airport operations in late 2008. Click Here to view a news video on the Barn Swallow issue at the airport and the radar project.
Beatrice Windfarm, Scotland - MERLIN XS2530e system installed on offshore platform off of the Scottish coast for the Talisman Beatrice Offshore Wind Demonstrator Project. The system is operated by the University of Aberdeen with support from DeTect and is collecting data 24-7 for development of avian risk assessment for siting of wind turbines. More at www.beatricewind.co.uk
USGS Avian Radar System, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA - The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) ordered a MERLIN XS2530e Avian Radar System for use in government environmental studies.The MERLIN system was used to conduct a survey of conservation resource plots to assess usage of the restored areas (formerly farmland) as stopover habitat for birds and bats. Radar surveys were conducted each morning and evening with the MERLIN radar data analyzed to quantify bird and bat tracks originating or terminating within the habitat zones. DeTect supported the USGS in operation of the system and analysis of the data. More info.
Neda Mine Bat Survey, Wisconsin, USA - DeTect provided a MERLIN system and thermal cameras to support a detailed bat survey by US Fish & Wildlife and state biologists of the proposed Butler Windfarm to assess potential impacts on bat populations from the nearby Neda mine hibernacula, that houses the largest bat population in the midwestern US. Work included correlation of radar data with acoustic bat detector data system deployed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources biologists and development of custom bat tracking algorithms for the MERLIN system.
Plum Island Wind Park - MERLIN XS2530e Avian Radar System installed at the Winergy Plum Island Wind Park wind energy demonstration project. The Plum Island Wind Park is a privately funded research, development and demonstration wind energy project that will be the first in the U.S. to provide offshore wind power. The project is the proving ground for new technology for locating offshore wind energy farms in deeper water, considerably farther from land than is currently possible. The wind energy project is located in waters over two miles east of Orient Point off the northeastern tip of Long Island, New York. The MERLIN system will collect on year of data from a shore location on bird activity near three turbines located near shore. The system will be installed on to an offshore met tower for collection of data the second year of the project with full remote system control and data collection. For more information on the wind farm project see www.winergyllc.com/projects_plum_island.htm FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DeTect supports:
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