The Electromagnetic Impact of Wind Turbines

The objective of this project was to investigate the impact that a wind turbine can have on the electromagnetic environment that affects communication systems. The power generation process in a wind turbine has the potential of creating Radio Frequency (RF) emissions and the tower/blades can reflect...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sasarita, Gregory, Wright, Charles R
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENVIRONMENTS
EMISSION
Fluid Mechanics
GENERATORS
INTERFERENCE
THESES
TURBINES
WIND
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Summary:The objective of this project was to investigate the impact that a wind turbine can have on the electromagnetic environment that affects communication systems. The power generation process in a wind turbine has the potential of creating Radio Frequency (RF) emissions and the tower/blades can reflect RF signals that can have a negative impact upon RF communication systems. This project involved measuring the RF environment before and after the wind turbine was constructed. RF signals between 2 MHz and 18 GHz were transmitted towards the location of the wind turbine using directional antennas and taking Receive Signal Level (RSL) measurements at different distances from the turbine. This was done after the wind turbine was fully operational. The effects of the wind turbine on the RF environment were based upon measurements taken before and after the turbine was constructed. Methods to mitigate effects encountered were explored. The effects that wind turbines have on the electromagnetic environment and referenced communication systems were documented in detail, along with suggestions on how to mitigate the effects. Revision of thesis dated Mar 2013.