Best practices for designing floating offshore high-voltage equipment

Offshore renewable energy resources such as offshore wind are expected to double in the near future. Compared to other renewable energy sources, offshore wind provides the highest average output relative to the maximum rated capacity. So far, most offshore wind parks are typically constructed within 50 km (31 miles) from shore and at less than 30 m (~100 feet) water depth. Locations away from shore and deeper waters have higher quality wind generation and higher capacity. To be able to access these more productive locations, floating wind power installations are technically and economically more attractive than wind farms with fixed foundations.

Typical challenges for the high voltage electrical equipment, located in floating offshore substations and floating wind turbines, include the dynamic motions and accelerations coming from the wind and sea conditions, vibrations from their own operations, environmental corrosions, space and weight limitations, dynamic electrical loading and energy efficiency requirements.

This session will cover best practices for designing and manufacturing electrical equipment such as transformers, shunt reactors, earthing transformers, and switchgear, specifically intended for floating offshore applications. Hitachi ABB Power Grids has conducted extensive research on the floating offshore environmental loads, movements, and accelerations, allowing us to present research findings and share efficient design methodology and verification processes for the high-voltage electrical equipment.