Bi-static Radar Cross Section Simulation for a Wind Farm at Short-Wave Frequencies

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the bi-static RCS (radar cross section) of wind farms by means of simulations. The study addresses short-wave frequencies which are used for global broadcasting and global communication, as well as for over the horizon radar. Wind farms are of concern because they grow rapidly in number and size. Depending on scenario and application, effects on wave propagation, like signal blocking and strong multi path, due to nearby wind farms may cause service impairments. In literature, we find studies for bi-static RCS mostly at higher frequencies or only mono-static RCS observations of both wind farms and wind turbines. The respective findings may lead to wrong assumptions at lower frequencies when discussing possible impacts of such a wind farm. We show that bi-static scenarios lead to much higher RCS values than the mono-static observation and RCS values increase further with the number of wind turbines of a wind farm.