Offshore substations — the systems that collect and export the power generated by turbines through specialized submarine cables — are an essential component of offshore wind farms, especially at large, multi-megawatt sites. These systems serve an important function: to stabilize and maximize the Contact online >>
Offshore substations — the systems that collect and export the power generated by turbines through specialized submarine cables — are an essential component of offshore wind farms, especially at large, multi-megawatt sites. These systems serve an important function: to stabilize and maximize the voltage of power generated offshore, reduce potential electrical losses, transmit electricity to shore, and do so in a manner that supplies the greatest return on investment.
But the wind industry is still young, and there is a long way to go before the development of offshore substation systems fully mature. Given that the typical cost breakdown for large-scale offshore wind installations includes 7.5% for platforms, cabling, substation equipment, and more, there is opportunity for greater cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Sizing up substationsEarly substations for offshore wind farms consisted of simple topside frames with basic modules installed on top or as a covered deck. These structures were intended to operate unmanned, and required few visits from personnel. In many cases, these substations weighed as little as 400 tons.
That''s not much compared to today''s more advanced structures that weigh upwards of 10,000 to about 22,000 tons. These substations are more fully developed, and consist of a topside or a deck installed on monopole or jacket structures. Options today include self-floating and self-installing structures that eliminate need for expensive marine lifts or cranes.
Over and above serving as an offshore power-converter station, a substation''s platform may be equipped with boat landings, a helicopter deck (yes, a helicopter deck), accommodations, and act as a logistics'' service base during installation and operation of an offshore wind farm. Not surprisingly, one of the greatest cost challenges to developing an offshore substation is the sheer size of the structure. Much like transporting and installing wind-turbine components offshore, careful logistical planning is key.
The two substations installed at what''s been dubbed "the world''s largest wind farm at sea," the UK''s London Array offshore wind farm, required use of a 3,300-ton, lift-capacity floating crane just to maneuver the systems onto a foundation that''s 15 km from shore — undoubtedly a costly venture.
With an area of around 20 x 20 m, the substations are each 22-m high, and feature three levels of structural steel decks. They weigh in at 1,250 tons and are supported on transition pieces, connected to monopile foundations driven into the seabed. The substations let the wind farm operate more efficiently by transforming the energy generated from 33,000 to 150,000V, after which electricity is exported through cables 50-km long to an onshore substation.
Self-installing structuresOne option for overcoming the size and cost challenges related to substation installation is a self-installing platform, a design used by ABB and Alstom Grid. Their floating and self-installing HVDC offshore substation was used to connect the 400-MW, MEG 1 offshore wind farm to the German high-voltage, direct current system.
According to Alstom, the platform uses a "suction can" method to set the foundations to the seabed floor and is fully self-contained to protect electrical equipment. The method reduces cost, noise pollution, and is believed safer on the environment when compared to conventional options.
Siemens is also working on a more efficient installation system for offshore substations. The company''s WIPOS (wind-power offshore substation) is available in different options, including self-lifting, topside and jacket, and floating, all of which involve pre-fabricated sections with flexible configurations for ac and dc applications.
Much like, Alstom''s system, Siemens'' self-lifting platform can self-install to reduce the need, costs, and risks related to heavy lift vessels. In this configuration, the foundation is the substructure base frame, which connects to piles that are driven into the seabed. The topside includes a rectangular pontoon with customizable internal walls and decks. Self-jacking legs, attached to the topside, are immersed and then connected to the substructure base frame.
Operations & maintenanceConfiguration of a substation, its access points, and storage areas for maintenance equipment are important when considering the design for use at an offshore wind farm. These factors impact how often a substation may require servicing and its accessibility. But the factors are also difficult to assess because of extreme weather conditions and vibrations an offshore substation must endure, so routine O&M is typically a guess.
Because maintaining anything offshore is more costly and hazardous to operators, there is an inherent risk of unexpected equipment breakdown if maintenance is not made simpler and more efficient. The wind industry is responding to these challenges several ways. For example, along with using condition-monitoring systems, the industry is planning more frequent maintenance visits to detect potential equipment failures early on. They are also starting to take notes. With more detailed records, wind technicians can identify issues and that insight provides for better future substation designs.
Transformers, for example, are an issue. They the use oil as electrical insulation and are made of thin steel making them susceptible to corrosion. To overcome this challenge, designers are working with gas-insulated transformers that are safer for personnel to deal with. Additionally, some substation designs are moving transformers indoors to help minimize exposure to the elements.
Standardization in substation safety and manufacturing is another topic gaining traction. If the industry can develop more consistent standards for substation designs and installation techniques, time and cost savings are bound to follow. But this takes time. To date, just over 20 substations for offshore wind farms have been built around the world.
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Our Engineer Benjamin Trouillard takes us on a guided tour of an offshore HVAC substation.
I''ve had the privilege of working on various offshore structures throughout my career and here, I invite you to join me on a virtual tour of one of the most important components of offshore wind farms: The Offshore Electrical Substation.
These massive structures are often hidden from public view but are crucial to our renewable energy infrastructure. As we delve into the intricacies of these facilities, we''ll uncover some of the systems that make offshore wind energy possible.
In this article, we''ll explore a representative layout of an offshore substation, from its top deck down to its cable storage level. We''ll uncover the essential functions of each level and gain insight into how these structures serve as the heart of offshore wind energy production. The journey through each deck will reveal not only the technical features but also the ingenuity required to operate these facilities in harsh marine environments.
This overview provides insight into the intricate systems involved in offshore substations, a key component of renewable energy infrastructure. Whether you work in the industry or simply have an interest, we hope this helps demonstrate the important role these facilities play.
The offshore HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) substation plays a crucial role in the transmission of power generated by offshore wind farms. It acts as the central hub where the electrical output from the wind turbines is processed and conditioned for efficient long-distance transmission. These substations are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the open sea while performing their critical function. They represent a significant investment in both financial and technological terms, but are essential for making offshore wind energy economically viable and efficient.
Let''s take a guided look through each of the levels of the substation and some of their key features. Each component plays a vital role in the overall function of the substation and the design of these structures is a careful balance of functionality, safety, and efficiency, with redundancies built in to ensure continuous operation even in challenging conditions.
The roof deck is mostly occupied by hatches through which equipment is installed by the use of the heavy-duty cranes. An area dedicated to helicopter operation is often located here. Equipment that does not require shelter is installed here, including water tanks, diesel tanks and diesel generators. This exposed level must be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, from high winds to corrosive salt spray. Safety features such as guard rails and non-slip surfaces are crucial, as maintenance crews may need to access this area during operations.
On this deck, we find equipment, facilities and machinery necessary to support the primary function of the substation, including the auxiliary transformers (the power source for the auxiliary electrical system), auxiliary electrical system (which sustains the auxiliary functions), communications room (for the control and communications within the substation), workshop (for small manual work onboard), UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and battery rooms (to avoid any shutdown). This level serves as the nerve centre for the substation''s support systems, ensuring that all critical operations can continue even in the event of main power disruptions. The layout of this deck is carefully planned to optimise available space while allowing for easy access for maintenance and repairs.
The primary functions of the substation are all housed here. Power enters the substation through the High Voltage (HV) switchgears, travels through the main transformers and is transmitted to the shore via the Extra High Voltage (EHV) switchgears. Shunt reactors (located on this deck) ensure voltage and power stability during load changes. This deck is the heart of the substation, where the main power conversion and transmission processes take place. The equipment here is designed to handle enormous amounts of electrical energy, with robust safety systems in place to protect both the equipment and the personnel who maintain it.
Finally, this deck is for offshore operations, such as cable pull-in, crew on/off-boarding, and equipment transfer. This area serves as the substation''s primary entry point for both crew members and cables. It also houses the sump tanks along with the oily water separator, for the onboard waste management. The cable deck is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for various offshore operations to be conducted safely and efficiently. Environmental protection measures are particularly important here, as this is where the substation interfaces directly with the marine environment.
In this exploration of offshore substations, we''ve journeyed through each deck, from the roof to the cable level, unveiling the systems that make up these structures. Each level represents a crucial component in the complex process of harnessing and transmitting offshore wind energy. The interconnectedness of these systems highlights the need for precise engineering and careful planning in every aspect of substation design.
Understanding the function of these substations is key to appreciating the engineering that enables the harnessing of offshore wind energy.
These structures represent the culmination of decades of technological advancement and environmental research. As we continue to advance the energy transition, these offshore substations form a key part of our commitment to a cleaner energy future. They stand as sentinels in our seas, working tirelessly to bring renewable energy to our homes and industries, and paving the way for a more sustainable world.
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