Author :
Bresesti, Paola ; Kling, Wil L. ; Hendriks, Ralph L. ; Vailati, Riccardo
Abstract :
This paper presents a technical and economic analysis to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of grid connecting offshore wind farms through a dc link. A first case, concerning a 100-MW wind farm, is thoroughly investigated and cases of larger wind farms (200 and 500 MW) are presented. Three different transmission solutions are compared: 150-kV ac, 400-kV ac, and high-voltage dc based on voltage sourced converters (VSC-HVDC). After a brief overview of the features of these connection solutions, the related operational aspects are evaluated. An economic assessment compares the dc connection option to the ac alternatives, taking into account the investment, operation, and maintenance costs, and the negative valorization of losses and energy not supplied. Economic assessment includes sensitivity analyses of parameters, which could impact the 100-MW wind farm: distance, component costs, dc converter reliability, and dc converter losses
Keywords :
HVDC power convertors; HVDC power transmission; offshore installations; power generation economics; power grids; power system interconnection; sensitivity analysis; wind power plants; 100 MW; 150 kV; 400 kV; DC converter reliability; HVDC connection; economic analysis; economic assessment; grid connection; maintenance costs; offshore wind farms; sensitivity analysis; transmission systems; voltage source converters; wind farms; Analog-digital conversion; Costs; DC-DC power converters; HVDC transmission; Investments; Joining processes; Power conversion; Power generation economics; Voltage; Wind farms; DC power transmission; interconnected power systems; power cables; power transmission economics; wind power generation;
