HVAC Transmission Systems for Offshore Wind Farms: Optimal Reactive Power Compensation

Abstract

Wind power is one of the cheapest and most developed sources of clean energy, and it will be a key contributing factor to the decarbonisation of the electrical grid. Offshore wind power has many advantages over its on-land counterpart, namely a higher and more reliable power output and reduced interference with the environment and other economic activities. However, offshore wind requires higher upfront investments and presents many technical challenges. One of the most relevant issues is finding cost-effective solutions to connect offshore wind power plants to the electrical grid. Several alternatives have been proposed and currently HVAC and HVDC are the predominant technologies, the latter being the go-to option for plants far offshore. However, recent advances in HVAC cables and the success of projects incorporating mid-cable reactors for compensation purposes suggest that the applicability of HVAC might be extended to longer distances than what was previously believed. The aim of this thesis is to analyse different HVAC transmission configurations, including midcable reactors and variable-speed wind turbines, which can provide part of the reactive power. The optimal configuration and operation for different distances to shore is derived, and the cost savings are presented

Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant::7.b - Per a 2030, ampliar la infraestructura i millorar la tecnologia per tal d’oferir serveis d’energia moderns i sos­tenibles per a tots els països en desenvolupament, en particular els països menys avançats, els petits estats insulars en desenvolupament i els països en desenvolupament sense litoral, d’acord amb els programes de suport respectius