Single converter interface for a cluster of offshore wind turbines

In this paper, a study of alternative inter-wind farm electrical collection network technologies is presented. The present technologies are discussed and areas where improvements should be made for application to offshore wind farms are identified. Alternative options based around interconnected clusters of turbines controlled by a single power converter using both AC and DC technologies are discussed. A control strategy based on power flow regulation for an AC based cluster is also outlined, and the impact of collectively varying the rotational speed of a cluster of wind turbines on predictions of annual energy production for a cluster is investigated.