The project entitled: "A Biomimetic Ultrasonic Whistle for Use as a Bat Deterrent on Wind Turbines " will focus on design and manufacturing of a biomimetic ultrasonic pulse generator for use as a bat deterrent on wind turbines. During the design a whistle-like device emulated based on a bat larynx, mechanically powered via air flow over the wind turbine blade. We will carry out an iterative process of whistle design alternating with laboratory testing on bats to create a series of devices which effectively induce a flight avoidance response for at-risk bat species. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a reliable, cost-effective means of alerting bats to the presence of moving turbine blades, reducing bat mortality at wind facilities, and reducing regulatory uncertainty for wind facility developers.
Initially, we will directly model the larynx of the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in order to reproduce key aspects of its acoustic behavior. Specifically, we intend to create a biomimetic device that (i) produces...
