Minimization of Motion Smear [electronic resource] : Reducing Avian Collision with Wind Turbines; Period of Performance July 12, 1999 -- August 31, 2002
- Published:
- Washington, D.C. : United States. Dept. of Energy, 2003.
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy. - Physical Description:
- 43 pages : digital, PDF file
- Additional Creators:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.), United States. Department of Energy, and United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information
Access Online
- Restrictions on Access:
- Free-to-read Unrestricted online access
- Summary:
- Collisions with wind turbines can be a problem for many species of birds. Of particular concern are collisions by eagles and other protected species. This research study used the laboratory methods of physiological optics, animal psychophysics, and retinal electrophysiology to analyze the causes of collisions and to evaluate visual deterrents based on the results of this analysis. Bird collisions with the seemingly slow-moving turbines seem paradoxical given the superb vision that most birds, especially raptors, possess. However, our optical analysis indicated that as the eye approaches the rotating blades, the retinal image of the blade (which is the information that is transmitted to the animal's brain) increases in velocity until it is moving so fast that the retina cannot keep up with it. At this point, the retinal image becomes a transparent blur that the bird probably interprets as a safe area to fly through, with disastrous consequences. This phenomenon is called"motion smear" or"motion blur."
- Report Numbers:
- E 1.99:nrel/sr-500-33249
nrel/sr-500-33249 - Subject(s):
- Other Subject(s):
- Note:
- Published through SciTech Connect.
08/01/2003.
"nrel/sr-500-33249"
"XAM 9-29211-01"
Hodos, W. - Funding Information:
- AC36-99-GO10337
View MARC record | catkey: 14989601