As the power grid becomes more complex, as more transmission lines are needed to tie in power from new energy generation sites, and as the distribution lines that connect us continue to develop, the need for effective avian power line collision prevention has grown exponentially.
Why should we mark power line lines?
Marking power lines with "line markers" provides more contrast on otherwise hard-to-see power lines. It is done so that birds in flight have a greater probability of visually noticing the wire and diverting away (aka flying away from) from the power line. The greater the "field of view" of the object used to mark the power line, the sooner the bird can identify the power line and the greater the chance of successfully preventing an avian power line collision.
Power Line Sentry Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters and Guy Wire Line Markers have been credited as the most visible line markers in the industry. As the most visible, they provide the most contrast, and are the most effective way to prevent birds from power line collisions. As always, all of our products are built for longevity and reliability.
avain power line collsion prevention
It is estimated that 175 million birds are killed by power line collisions each year in America alone. It is generally agreed that this estimation is likely grossly underestimated due to many external factors regarding data collection through carcass collection (to read the full report visit the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Report here.) As land is continued to be developed and wildlife habitat continues to support our developing electrical infrastructure, all birds and especially endangered and threatened species are at risk.
The Avian Power Line Interaction Committee, known as APLIC, in conjunction with electrical utilities and national and international organizations have led much research around this topic and the importance of using high contrast designed line markers to prevent avian collisions with power lines. To learn more about APLIC, visit their website at APLIC.org.
Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters
Power Line Sentry offers the highest quality line markers on the market, with superior visibility from all angles, the largest surface area of reflective material, the largest surface of glow-in-the-dark material, and overall most contrasting design. In fact, the Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverter was indeed designed to support APLIC’s research showcasing that contrast in low light is the most important aspect in alerting birds of hard to see objects like power lines.
Rated for systems up to 345 kV, these bird flight diverters are often used on both distribution and transmission power lines.
Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters are quick and easy to install manually or by hot stick, and they can also be installed by the LineFly™ Robot.
Why Contrast Matters So Much
Enhancing contrast through all potential means, including through surface area, texture, reflection, and brightness, is especially important in low light and poor weather conditions.
As depicted in this video of distribution power lines in western Washington during a heavy fog, the more surface area of reflective and textured material, the greater the contrast a line marker provides.
This drone footage portrays how the Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverter provides significant contrast compared to virtually no contrast provided by the spiral-style line marker.
Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverter Testimonial
"Power Line Sentry's Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters have a unique design that provides visibility in low light and from all angles, which is the most important aspect for reducing avian power line collisions."
- Nikki Copeland, M.E.DES, P.BIOL., Environmental Advisor, Berkshire Hathaway
Hawk Eye™ bird flight diverter features
V-0 flame retardant polycarbonate
Rated for systems up to 345 kV
Florescent prismatic yellow bands, mirrored to effectively reflect light
24-hour glow in the dark band
winged a-frame shape provides 360-degree visibility
Durable rubber hose cradles conductor, does not damage OPGW
No mechanical components to potentially fail
Designed to be installable on energized systems
easy hot stick install
Quick, safe, efficient robot/drone installation option
Installing Line Markers with a Robot
Fulcrum Air's LineFlyTM Robots are the quickest, safest, and most accurate way to install Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters. The LineFlyTM Robots install full spans of power line markers in sequence and can be placed onto the conductor via bucket truck or by drone.
The LineFly™ is compatible with both the Power Line Sentry BFD-050 and BFD-075; it is used on conductors up to 1.1 in (2.79 cm).
LineFly™ is loaded with the Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters on the ground and then is flown by drone, or positioned by bucket truck, onto the conductor. Once in place the robot automatically installs the Hawk Eye Bird Flight Diverters to whatever spacing the customer specifies - it has 2 cm (or 0.7 in) accuracy!
How Does a Robot and Drone Line Marker Installation Work?
Fulcrum AIr provides the installation as a service
their crew loads the linefly with the hawk eyetm bird flight diverters, which is tethered to a drone
The drone flies to the power line and the robot is lowered onto the conductor
The robot is propelled along the line, installing full spans of Hawk Eye™ Bird Flight Diverters in sequence
Once the LineFly stay installed its full capacity, the drone lifts the linefly off the conductor and flies it back to the crew to be reloaded
We Are Here to Help
Our products are known as best-in-class for many reasons, from our thorough design process to our high quality materials to our continuous research, and our team of experts loves nothing more than making electrical systems as reliable as possible - so please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help.
