Small wind turbines on pylon powering base transceiver stations: A study of radio interactions

In radio cellular networks, base transceiver station (BTS) powered by hybrid energy (solar / wind / fuel) has become an efficient and attractive solution to help to reduce the use of fossil fuel based energy. Such hybrid energy BTSs have been deployed in remote areas with small wind turbines (SWT) located on top of BTS pylon or on a separate mast. Because megawatt WTs or wind farm disturb various radio systems (radars, TVs), the proximity between SWT and BTS raises questions about electromagnetic compatibility. In the context of the OPERA-Net2 European project, these questions are being studied through this original work. Based on the conclusions, for the first time ever installation recommendations could be proposed to reduce the radio impact of SWTs. Compared to megawatt WTs, SWTs with nominal power range of 1.5-7.5 kW are much more diverse (shapes, materials). Thus, a representative model (RSWT) has been designed. Its size was optimized to improve the match with realistic models, notably the Nheowind 3D100 wind turbine (NHEOLIS - IDSUD ENERGIES). A prototype of the RSWT with dimensions scaled down by 10 was manufactured. Based on the RCS of this prototype measured in an anechoic chamber at 9 GHz and 17 GHz, the scattering (or RCS) of the designed RSWT at radio cellular frequencies could be determined. Comparisons between simulation and measurement at these frequencies show good agreement thus validate the RSWT modelling.