In recent years, there has been a mass adoption in IoT across a range of different industries. Among these, wind turbine technology stands out as a notable example. Through the incorporation of connectivity, and data analytics, IoT has ushered in an era of smarter, more efficient wind turbines.

In the past, wind turbines functioned within fixed parameters, with little room to adjust to fluctuating weather conditions or unpredictable wind patterns. However, the advent of IoT has revolutionised this sphere. In this blog we will discuss how a combination of technology and connectivity is creating a new way of operating wind turbines.

Connectivity in Rural Areas

The production of renewable energy, especially via wind turbines, is on the rise. Many such facilities are situated in remote locations to optimise electricity generation. The sector of wind power production is expanding rapidly, not only in the UK but also worldwide. These renewable energy facilities need secure remote connectivity to efficiently manage their operations and maintenance.

Wind farms are typically located in rural areas where there’s often lack internet connectivity via traditional fixed line connections. Laying new cables from the nearest telephone junction can be prohibitively expensive in many cases. The financial burden of installing fixed line broadband in these areas makes it an impractical solution, while satellite connectivity is a possible alternative, it also comes with high equipment, installation, and running costs.

Reliability and performance issues can be mitigated by providing an un-contended internet connection, ensuring data doesn’t traverse the public network. However, using a Fixed IP SIM card equipped with router with a and an external 4G antenna attached to the turbine provides an optimal solution for managing wind turbines remotely.

Why IoT is used in wind turbines.

The rapid growth of wind turbine-generated renewable energy in the UK and globally has increased the need for remote monitoring. IoT connectivity equips turbine operators with the ability to remotely monitor and control turbines. Through a centralised management system, operators can constantly, gather precious data on variables such as wind speed, turbine speed, temperature, and vibrations access real-time data, oversee turbine performance, and even modify turbine settings from a distance.

This continuous monitoring paves the way for early detection of potential problems, eliminating the need for a physical presence at turbine sites, operators can schedule maintenance or repairs during non-peak hours, thereby minimising disruption to energy production thus reducing high call out costs and boosting operational efficiency. The combination of increased operational efficiency and reduced maintenance costs makes IoT very desirable in the operation of wind turbines.

Wind turbines require constant monitoring and adjustment based on the local weather. There was an incident that made headlines when a wind turbine couldn’t be turned off during high winds and ended up catching fire. The fallout from this event included the loss of expensive equipment, the cost of cleaning up, and lost income from the electricity that wasn’t being produced.

Connectivity is another strong point to why IoT is used in win turbines, IoT sims are predominantly multi-network sims unless requested, which means the SIM card will connect to the strongest

network available in your desired area while seamless changing network if the connectivity drops below a certain strength.

Why Fixed IP SIMs are important for wind turbines?

Fixed IP SIMs play a pivotal role in the smooth operation of wind turbines. As these turbines are often located in remote areas, it’s vital to have a reliable and secure method for remote monitoring and control. Issues related to reliability and performance can be addressed by offering a dedicated internet connection, which ensures that data doesn’t travel through the public network. That’s where Fixed IP SIMs come into play Fixed IP SIMs provide a dedicated internet connection with a fixed IP address, enabling a secure two-way connectivition over the internet with either VPN encryption using appropriate hardware devices such as an integrated router/firewall device. Anvil can even build a private managed VPN over the 4G network using private IP address ranges so the network device housing the SIM can be simple and inexpensive.

The use of private APNs (Access Point Names) and private carrier networks enhances the security of these connections, reducing the risk of unauthorised access. In an industry where any downtime can result in significant lost energy production, the importance of Fixed IP SIMs for wind turbines cannot be overstated. They ensure not only efficient operation but also robust security, making them an indispensable tool in the renewable energy sector.

Our IoT data SIM cards and plans are specifically designed to support renewable energy. With reliable connectivity and flexible bespoke data plans, you can easily monitor and manage your renewable energy systems. Our years of experience in the renewable energy sector have honed our dedication to providing innovative and resilient solutions that contribute to a greener world.