Modular Offshore Converter Platforms for Wind Farm Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power transmission systems for offshore wind farms are inefficient and costly due to the need for extensive subsea cabling and separate collector platforms, which complicates the transmission of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power from wind turbines to onshore converter stations.
Innovation Solution
A distributed, modular power transmission system utilizing multiple converter platforms connected via DC lines and AC interlinking, allowing for flexible and redundant power transmission with standard AC/DC converter units and transformers, reducing the need for separate collector platforms and enabling gradual system extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional point-to-point power transmission systems are used with separate collector platforms and extensive subsea cabling, then power can be transmitted from offshore wind turbines to onshore grids, but the system becomes costly and complex due to extensive subsea cabling and separate collector platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collector platform and converter platform functions into integrated converter platforms. Each converter platform serves both as a collection point for multiple wind turbines and as a power conversion station, eliminating the need for separate collector platforms and reducing subsea cabling requirements while maintaining reliable power transmission
2Power
If conventional power transmission systems use extensive subsea cabling and separate collector platforms, then power transmission can be achieved, but infrastructure costs and logistical challenges increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transmission system into modular converter platforms, each capable of independent operation. Each converter platform can handle a portion of the total power load and can be installed independently, reducing logistical challenges and infrastructure costs while maintaining full power transmission capability
3Productivity
If conventional systems require complete system installation before operation, then power transmission can begin, but system extension and gradual deployment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where converter platforms can be selectively activated and deactivated based on operational needs. The modular architecture allows gradual system expansion by adding or removing individual converter platforms without requiring complete system redesign, enabling flexible adaptation to changing power generation requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a cost-effective, modular, and redundant power transmission system that can efficiently transmit power from offshore wind turbines to onshore grids, ensuring reliability and flexibility in system expansion, while minimizing infrastructure costs and logistical challenges associated with subsea installations.
Implementation Method 1
The offshore converter platform 110 includes an AC/DC converter 116 having ac terminals that are connected to the busbar 108
Implementation Method 2
the dc terminals of the DC/DC converter 126 are connected to the first and second dc transmission lines 120a, 120b
Implementation Method 3
The connection between the busbars 106, 106' of the collector platforms and the busbar 108 of the converter platform 110 is by means of medium voltage (MV) or high voltage (HV) ac cabling 112 and step-up transformers 114, 114'
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An offshore wind farm includes a plurality of wind turbines (6) connected to an onshore converter station by means of a distributed power transmission system. The power transmission system includes a series of offshore converter platforms (2, 2') distributed within the wind farm. Each converter platform (2, 2') includes a busbar (4, 4') carrying an ac voltage for the converter platform and to which the wind turbines (6) are connected. Each converter platform (2, 2') also includes one or more converter transformers (121...12p, 12'1...12p) connected to the busbar (4, 4') and a series of one or more converter modules (181...18p, 18'1...18p). The power transmission system includes dc transmission lines (26, 28) which deliver generated power back to the onshore converter station.