Deutsche Windtechnik is installing an aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) at the 111MW Nordergrunde offshore wind farm in Germany.
Nordergrunde is the first time German offshore wind farm to be equipped with ADLS technology.
In the second half of 2021, Deutsche Windtechnik had already installed the ADLS on two Senvion wind turbines at Nordergrunde and began performing tests.
Preparations are now underway to complete the installation of the ADLS at the facility, comprising 18 Senvion 6.2MW 126 wind turbines.
Deutsche Windtechnik provided all services related to the ADLS equipment’s installation, including the upgrade of the warning lights, plus offshore logistics and support with approval procedures.
The retrofitting work will take place in spring 2022.
The transponder-based ADLS complete solution that will be installed was developed by Deutsche Windtechnik in cooperation with FUNKE Avionics.
The hardware for the offshore ADLS equipment slightly differs from the onshore version.
The transponder receiver module (TRM) installed inside the nacelle is identical, but the antenna unit of the offshore system mounted on top of the turbine is made of materials that are more resistant to corrosion.
Eckhard Stürtz, managing director of the operating company Nordergrunde OWF, said: “Even though offshore wind turbines in Germany do not need to be retrofitted with ADLS until the end of 2023, we wanted to seize the opportunity and install the ADLS now to avoid night-time light emissions coming from the nearshore site.
“Deutsche Windtechnik supports Nordergrunde OWF as part of a full-service contract, and we are glad that we can also benefit from the company’s ADLS expertise.”