Analysis of the technology currently used in Offshore Wind energy systems

This paper gives an overview to the foundations, the Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) and the collection and transmission systems of Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs). Although for some of the components of their Electric Systems (ESs) there are different technical possibilities under consideration, under certain conditions of sea depth and distance from shore there are already tested industrial solutions available. However, the technology is not mature yet and decisions adopted today could condition the future expansion of operating OWFs or the development of the already planned Offshore Wind Power Plants (OWPPs). This paper presents the information gathered from about 93% of the currently operating OWFs. Moreover, OWPPs under construction have also been considered to confirm the conclusions presented and to detect current technological trends.