On the other hand, the technical advances in blades and masts allow the construction of higher and bigger structures, which offer a greater potential for power generation. But this larger size of wind turbines makes them enter into the airspace increasing the danger for aircrafts flights. That’s why is required higher intensity signaling which produces nocturnal discomfort and complaints from populations near wind fields which demands “dark skies” preservation.
Aware of this situation, several types of solution have been tested trying to minimize the impact of the wind turbine’s nighttime light signals. One of the most promising solution is the implementation of a aircraft radar detection, known by the acronym in English ADLS (Aircraft Detection Lighting System).
Currently, to maintain safe aircraft operation in the vicinity of a wind farm at night and in conditions of reduced visibility, CASA may recommend or require the provision of obstacle lighting on wind turbines with a height of 110 m or more. At night the lighting of wind turbines may reduce the risk of aircrew flying into a wind turbine but also provide a source of light pollution to the surrounding community. To balance safety outcomes associated with obstacle lighting with community concern regarding light pollution, an aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) could be considered in addition to the traditional obstacle lighting solutions.
ADLS is a radar surveillance system which monitors the airspace over and around the wind farm and only activates the obstruction lights when aircraft are in the vicinity of the wind farm. As a result, pilots are made aware of the wind farm location and the public are not disturbed by light emissions during night hours except when necessary.
There are ADLS systems that are already certified by the United States FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), DFS (Deutsche Flug Sicherung) de Alemania or TBST (Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority)
Other countries are in the process of approval, such as Sweden and Finland, but there is still no common regulation in Europe issued by the highest European air safety agency (EASA).
**Note
"ADLSs continuously monitor the airspace around an obstruction or group of obstructions for aircraft; and when the detection system detects an aircraft in its airspace, the system sends an electronic signal to the lighting control unit, which turns on the lights. Once the aircraft clears the obstruction area and there is no longer a risk of collision, the detection system turns off the lights, and the system returns to standby mode" (FAA).
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