The GSM-batcorder is based on the batcorder 3.1.. In addition it already contains the control unit of the wind turbine extension. Thus, the GSM-batcorder can not only directly send the daily status message per SMS, but can also be programmed using SMS commands. Just message and it will obey. Used first in 2017 it has established a new way of monitoring bats at wind turbines.

It also features an USB port to connect a computer. This again allows for a multitude of usage scenarios - most prominent the remote data access. Connect the GSM-batcorder to a computer and bring your data anywhere.

1. Recording bat calls

   The batcorder records bat calls in highest quality. The device is designed for echo-free, omnidirectional sensitivity thus achieving high sound quality. Defined by 500 kHz sampling rate, 16 bit amplitude resolution and an SNR of roughly 84 dB with calibrated microphone.

2. Autonomous operation

   The call recording is handled fully automatically. Whenever a bat is calling within detection range a recording is started. The GSM-batcorder then operates in battery mode and the battery can be charged either from the grid or by solar panel. With a larger capacity battery runtimes of up to 7 months can be achieved without recharging.

Bat recording in lofty heights

In the mix of renewable energy production wind power plays a crucial role. When planning and operating wind turbines the problem of deadly bat collisions needs to be solved. In many countries bats are protected by national laws. Thus solutions have to be established that reduce bat mortality at wind turbines while also allowing production of energy. One solution that we still see as the best for both sides is curtailment. For evaluating curtailment algorithms, batcorders can be used to monitor bat activity at nacelle height and the data allows development of curtailment schemes. In Germany batcorders are the leading hardware for this task and are used since 2009 in nacelle monitoring.

Monitor at lower blade tip

The GSM-batcorder can be equipped in such a way that it allows monitoring at height of lower blade tip from within the turbine mast. This is especially useful when working at modern turbines with large rotor diameters thus allowing inly partial acoustic detection from the nacelle. With our mast microphone, the first of its kind, you can easily monitor from within the mast. Of course, a small whole needs to be drilled.

The mast microphone has just as the disc microphone a small speaker builtin for conducting a daily microphone test. This guarantees that you always have knowledge on the sensitivity of your microphone and thus you are able to quickly react to failure of the microphone. Our mast microphone was invented in 2017 and is already happily copied by competitors due to its perfect design.

Remote data access

Utilizing an USB connector the GSM-batcorder can be connected to any computer. Using the well established solution of Laborelec ( contact via renewables.laborelec@engie.com ) remote access is super simple. It just uploads and stores your data in a secure cloud. Furthermore various services like installation and maintenance is available - saves your time and money.

Nevertheless we know there are always those who want to built their own system - often because such challenges have to be taken. For those we have an example script system based on a Raspberry Pi. The sources are hosted on Github. The script does a daily backup using rsync on a connected storage medium. If networking is available it also sends an email about success or failures.

Please note, that we do not offer support or active development of this system. It is considered to be a starting point for those who want to go this way. It should be used on this basis.

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