SCADA and communication networks for large scale offshore wind power systems

The United Kingdom is currently leading the way in the construction of offshore wind farms. To that end, the construction of the current crop of offshore wind farms are being built to a generation capacity exceeding 500MW which in itself poses many engineering challenges relating to the connectivity of both electrical and data networks. Whilst the practical implications of electrical connectivity is widely known and discussed within the industry, there is little distributed knowledge of the challenges faced with the connectivity of ´mission critical´ SCADA System(s) and the underlying Communication Systems Infrastructure. Moreover, OFGEM´s regulatory introduction of the Offshore Transmission Owners (OFTO) has introduced its own unique set of design criteria into the delivery of offshore wind farm systems. This paper will discuss the role of the so-called Balance of Plant SCADA System, the technologies involved, implications of the OFTO and the inherent design challenges that arise from having to attain demanding targets regarding availability performance. In a similar manner, the paper will also discuss the wider role of the Communication Systems Infrastructure including the technologies used for satisfying its availability, fault tolerance and performance targets.