Performance analysis of legacy line communication using high current powerlines in midrange wind turbines

This paper presents an implementation of a communication network in wind turbines, which exploits the power-line communication system (PLC). We used an inductive coupling unit and a multi-interface device to connect a data-communication terminal to the power line, to ensure that stable communication was possible at various electric current and voltage values of the generator. The results of the operation tests conducted on an operational wind turbine showed that the implemented PLC demonstrated a transmission rate of at least 43 Mbps with a 100% success rate. Moreover, a real-time image was transmitted. Thus, the system could be a useful alternative for implementing a communication network in wind turbines that does not require additional channels. Since the presented system is easy to implement, and can support various interfaces for data communication, it will be quite useful when a real-time monitoring system is launched in wind turbines.