Meridian Energy Ltd., a wind energy company based in New Zealand, has ordered a MERLIN XS2530e Avian Radar System from Panama City, Fla.-based DeTect Inc. to conduct pre-construction avian survey and post construction monitoring of wind farm projects throughout New Zealand.
Meridian selected the MERLIN technology based on its record of performance, advanced technologies and capabilities for pre- and post-construction survey and operational monitoring of wind farm and migratory research projects.
MERLIN is a mobile, automated ornithological radar system that includes specialized bird and bat radar detection and tracking software, an on-board operator/equipment cabin, the MERLIN GPS/Compass geo-referencing system, on-board power, and a data/communications uplink for unattended operation.
The Meridian unit will be remotely controlled and monitored for this project via the Internet with recorded bird activity and weather data downloaded daily by Meridian and DeTect for processing and analysis over the study period. MERLIN represents the state-of-the-art in avian radars for aviation safety, environmental management and migratory research.
SOURCE: Meridian Energy Ltd.
