ADLS at Windplan Groen: safety in the air, peace of mind on the ground

ADLS stands for Aircraft Detection Lighting System. It is a detection technology that allows aviation warning lights on wind turbines to be activated only when aircraft are approaching the area. Windplan Groen selected this Enius solution to reduce the visual impact of turbine lighting while maintaining full aviation safety. Today, Enius provides this service for around ten wind farms across the Netherlands.

Technology Aircraft Detection Lighting System

Safety in the air, peace of mind on the ground

The challenge

With 86 wind turbines, Windplan Groen initially caused a considerable amount of light disturbance in the northern Flevoland region. The ADLS solution provided by Enius was a welcome innovation to help reduce this impact on the surrounding environment.

The objective was to achieve the highest possible lights-off time while providing complete peace of mind for the client. Both goals were successfully achieved.

Our approach

The system delivered by Enius and its partner Light:Guard is based on transponder technology. Aircraft transmit transponder signals, which are detected by receivers installed on the wind turbines.

What makes the Windplan Groen project unique is the additional use of multilateration (MLAT). This advanced positioning technique enables aircraft locations to be determined with even greater accuracy, resulting in exceptionally high lights-off times. Given the proximity of Lelystad Airport, this delivers significant benefits for both local communities and the surrounding environment.

Enius also provided complete project coordination and support. From liaising with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and organising the flight validation test to coordinating with the various turbine manufacturers, Enius managed the entire process.

Why these services made the difference

The wind farm consists of multiple turbine types, making system integration particularly complex.

Daniël Dubbelhuis, Project Manager at Enius: “It was a great achievement to integrate three different turbine types through our interface. The combined IT expertise of Enius and technology partner Light:Guard, together with extensive practical experience, enabled us to manage this integration successfully.”

The use of multilateration technology, combined with the variety of turbine types within the wind farm, makes this project a true technical achievement. The exceptionally high lights-off times achieved in practice are something Enius is very proud of.

In addition, the project provided an excellent opportunity to deliver on our promise of complete peace of mind for the client.