Wind Energy

QinetiQ played a vital role in the outcome of proposals for a wind farm near Aberdeen in Scotland. As a result of QinetiQ’s impact assessment, the objection to the development was withdrawn and the wind farm was allowed to go ahead.Read More

Hugh Gordon, a local farming group, was seeking permission for four wind turbines at a farm at Clochnahill, near Aberdeen. The British Airport Authority had objected to the plans, stating that the turbines would create false returns on the air traffic controllers’ screens at Aberdeen Airport. Hugh Gordon approached QinetiQ to verify the situation.

QinetiQ used its advanced modelling tools to carry out an impartial assessment of the effects that the proposed wind farm would have on the radar. The study showed that, despite the turbines being predominantly out of radar line of sight, they were still likely to be detected by the radar and therefore would be visible on the radar display.

An aviation assessment of the operational significance of the modelling results concluded that the overall effect was likely to be minimal to Aberdeen Airport air traffic control and the objection was withdrawn.

Current figures suggest that 60% of wind farm applications are locked in the UK planning system, amounting to hundreds of megawatts of power. VERIFEYE™ provides the data for the area above proposed wind farms, thus speeding up the process of considering planning applications.Read More

VERIFEYE is a vertically scanning patch-in radar. It provides a simple, low-cost solution to the problem of unknown airspace data above and around proposed wind farms. By surveying small regions of airspace, VERIFEYE can provide data collated and patch it in to any type of affected radars in the area.

We can provide monitoring and advice that will extend the life of your wind turbines.

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Fluid monitoring is an effective approach to preventive maintenance for wind turbines and is a low-risk means of extending service life.

Our engineers conduct regular sampling and analysis of the lubricants and hydraulic fluids of wind turbines. This enables them to discover any deterioration or contamination and to take corrective action before costly failures occur.

QinetiQ has designed, built and demonstrated the world’s first ‘stealthy’ turbine.

The Department of Trade and Industry awarded QinetiQ the contract to minimise the interference that wind turbines cause to air traffic control and air defence radars. This should enable planning applications for new wind farms to be approved more easily.Read More

QinetiQ’s solution uses non-conventional radar-absorbing material that can be incorporated into the turbine blade structure.

One of the composite's glass cloth layers is replaced with a specially modified alternative. The result is a thin composite that can absorb more than 99% of incidental radar.

The project was carried out in partnership with Vestas, the market-leading wind turbine manufacturer.

We offer wind farm developers support and advice at every stage of the process. We can assist in site selection, development, construction and operation, onshore and offshore.Read More

Planning
Our site assessment tool SureSite™ can speed up decision-making by analysing all the critical elements influencing site choice. It also provides an auditable trail of decisions.

Development
We can provide advice from radar and aviation experts. We offer consultancy advice for the Environmental Statement, and provide solutions to any problems encountered.

Construction
We can help implement integrated logistics support, programme assurance and risk management.

Operations
Our condition monitoring experts can increase the lifetime and efficiency of turbines.