Electrical and data communications networks are increasingly interdependent in our modern digital society. With the growing popularity of network automation, reliable mobile services are crucial to the proper functioning of power networks. The research project analysed the effects of wind power on digital radio communications. It was carried out by VTT and commissioned by the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority throughout the winter months of 2014 – 2015. The research forms part of a more extensive study of electrical and data communications networks, the objective of which is to secure the operability of critical infrastructure in all circumstances.
The VTT Technical Research Centre have developed methods and tools that can help to identify an optimal location for wind farms where interference on television broadcasting and mobile connections is minimised. This is important because of the effect that wind turbine blades can have on communications infrastructure. The rotation of the blades generates a dynamic force which is different to that of a large building and which can have a major impact on the quality of digital connections across a wide area, according to Seppo Horsmanheimo, Principal Scientist at VTT. The opinions of the importance of such impacts differ greatly, hence the need to deploy reliable measuring techniques.
Until recently, few tools have been available to assess this impact. The solutions developed by VTT can also be used by companies developing mobile communications or television networks in the vicinity of existing wind turbines, allowing prior assessment of the need to adjust base station antennas or install additional base stations and television gapfiller transmitters.
“With our methods, it is possible to verify the impacts and investigate their actual causes, and thereby identify the source of problems and mitigate the impacts” said Markku Sipilä, another VTT Principal Scientist.
The new solutions will provide efficient tools for the prevention of digital interference at the wind turbine and communications network planning stage, generating significant savings given that it is usually more expensive to make changes afterwards than to factor in different variables at the planning stage. A reduction in interference will also reduce the costs of customer services. The research findings will help Finland to achieve its national objective of increasing the use of wind power and other renewable energy. Tools that help to minimise the potential negative impacts of wind power at the planning stage will mean less resistance to new wind power plant projects which are likely to progress more smoothly.
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