A New Architecture for Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore wind farms using HVDC links can be positioned a large distance from shore, opening up new opportunities for wind generation. Conventional approaches using 60 Hz generators and transformers are not appropriate in such applications, as they are heavy and result in expensive and complex installation and maintenance issues. This paper proposes an alternative architecture for such wind farms, using permanent magnet generators, medium frequency transformers and simple power converters to realize a compact and light system. It is possible that in the long term, the proposed approach may prove attractive for land-based wind farms as well.