Method and system for warning birds of hazards

Abstract

Abstract A hazard warning system radiates pulses of microwave energy in the frequency range of 1 GHz to about 40 GHz to alert and warn target flying birds of the presence of wind turbine electrical generators, power distribution systems, aircraft, and other protected areas from hazardous intrusion. The warning system includes a control unit governing pulse control circuitry that outputs pulses ranging from about 5 μs to about 25 μs in duration. These pulses trigger a pulsed source of microwave energy that is coupled to a microwave antenna that emanates the warning radiation. The radiation is sensed by the birds auditory system, attaining their attention to the presence of the protected area. The sensed radiation itself may cause the birds to veer from a collision course, or supplemental hazard-warning radiation including ultraviolet light and infrasound may also be employed. A proximity detector can enhance operating efficiency by steering the antenna toward a detected target. Further, the warning system can remain in a standby mode until alerted by the proximity detector to the presence of target birds, whereupon the warning system begins to output pulsed microwave energy. The pulse control circuitry may be caused to generate complex pulse trains that can preferably evoke a biologically significant response within recipient birds. The warning system operates at the speed of light, and can transmit a benign warning, transparently to humans. Not only is an area protected by the system, but the birds themselves can be protected from the area.

Inventors

• 👤 Melvin L. Kreithen

Bibliographic Details