In a groundbreaking demonstration, engineers from renewable energy giant Vattenfall, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, and UK air intelligence technology specialist LiveLink Aerospace have showcased innovative air defence radar technology at the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, also known as the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating advanced surveillance capabilities with renewable energy infrastructure.
The LiveLink Air Intelligence System, designed to enhance radar surveillance without emitting signals, was tested across multiple turbines on Vattenfall’s commercially operating wind farm. By placing the technology on the nacelles of wind turbines, the system aims to mitigate the radar clutter caused by turbine blades, which can hinder the effectiveness of current radar systems. The system integrates data from various sensor types, including electro-optical sensors, cameras, thermal imaging, and RF and acoustic detection technologies.
This integration not only enhances air defence capabilities but also offers operational benefits to wind farm operators. For instance, thermal imaging can be used to monitor the health of turbine blades, while acoustic sensors can detect early signs of blade delamination. This dual functionality underscores the system’s versatility and potential to revolutionise both defence and renewable energy sectors.
LiveLink’s technologies are already in operational use with the UK Royal Navy and other partners across the defence and energy sectors, highlighting the company’s expertise in delivering high-performance solutions for complex environments. The project is funded via the UK’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio and is part of a broader initiative supported by the UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of wind farms on primary surveillance radar and air traffic control systems.
Ben Keene, Director of Operations at LiveLink Aerospace, emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “Working with Vattenfall and ORE Catapult at Aberdeen has allowed us to demonstrate how LiveLink’s Air Intelligence System can unlock the full potential of offshore wind while enhancing the UK’s air defence capability.”
This demonstration underscores the potential for innovative technology to address the dual challenges of enhancing national security and advancing renewable energy infrastructure. As the UK continues to invest in cutting-edge solutions, projects like this pave the way for a more secure and sustainable future.