Visit us & see a 2008 model
MERLIN Avian Radar
System
on display at WINDPOWER 2008
in
Houston, Texas, USA
June 1-4, Booth 117
| AVIAN RADAR SYSTEMS |
Applications include a wide range of projects with avian risk, control and management issues such as (click underlined text below for specific application details):
Download a copy of DeTect’s Avian Radar Overview & MERLIN Avian Radar System 2007 Product Catalog (1 MB, requires Adobe Reader). To see a video of how the MERLIN software works, CLICK HERE (requires Adobe ShockWave/Flash Player).
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 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 in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Africa. For bird and bat survey applications, DeTect provides full data analysis support that includes custom algorithm development, data processing, reporting and risk analysis. 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 demanding military aviation and space shuttle safety applications and is the most advanced and proven technology available. 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 and permitting. 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 controllable 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 available Microsoft Access DeTect and client developed database queries. 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 start power systems, and include all hardware and software for bird and bat tracking, clutter suppression, 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 Environmental Surveyor avian radar system is the most powerful and proven tool available for assessment and monitoring of proposed 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 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 definitive 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 6 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 monitoring and risk mitigation system providing advance warning to the windfarm operators of approaching birds. MERLIN SCADA can also be set to automatically active mitigation measures that can include idling of turbines until risk conditions abate. The MERLIN operating software is fully compatible with most wind farm SCADA control systems.
MERLIN develops comprehensive datasets on bird activity for siting of new airports, for airport expansion projects, and for landfills located proximate to airports. Under the FAA Part 139 permitting process, airport and landfill projects must demonstrate that avian wildlife hazards are at or below background levels. The MERLIN avian radar system provides the most cost-effective method to gather extensive data 24-7 on bird and bat movements at and around proposed sites and over extended survey periods (usually 1 year). Resultant data can be analyzed to assess avian activity levels and to determine seasonal activity and trends for BASH planning.  design for mine tailing ponds.jpg)
MERLIN systems are also ideal for bird detection and control at mine and power plant tailing ponds and impoundments. The system can be set to detect birds approaching control areas generating automatic notification to operators via audible or visual signals, or by email or text messaging to bird control units for response. MERLIN additionally provides a detect and deter™ capability wherein the MERLIN system is automated to activate deterrent devices such as scare cannons and acoustics when birds enter specified control zones. The detect and deter™ feature is unique to MERLIN and provides a wide range of features and functionality including custom control zones, phased deterrent firing and remote system control. For more information on the MERLIN detect & deter system, contact us or Download the MERLIN detect & deter system Technical Data Sheet by 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 (2) MERLIN Avian Radar Systems owned and operated by the Texas A&M University Cesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute in Kingsville, Texas, USA 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. The Institute was established at the University in 1981 by a grant from the Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation.
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 ordered a MERLIN XS2530e Avian Radar System for use in government environmental studies. In the Fall of 2006, 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 ...
MERLIN X10 Detect & Deter™ Bird Detection and Deterrent System - for a midwest U.S. power plant, the MERLIN avian radar system automatically detects bird approaching the scrubber settling pond and activates acoustic deterrents to prevent birds from landing on the water. MERLIN Detect & Deter functionality can also be implemented at other types of installations, such as windfarms, where the MERLIN system can automatically monitor the surrounding airspace and automatically idle select turbines through the systems SCADA control system. MORE ...
Neda Mine Bat Survey, Wisconsin, USA - DeTect provided a MERLIN system and thermal cameras to conduct a detailed bat survey of the proposed Butler Windfarm to assess potential impacts on bat populations from the nearby Neda mine hibernacula, which 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
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