Evaluation of electrical losses in MVAC collector systems in offshore wind farms

Abstract

This work presents an evaluation methodology of electrical losses in the collector systems for different topologies considered nowadays in large offshore wind parks. Taking into account the current situation of the offshore collector systems, a summary about schemes employed in commissioned wind farms is presented. Electrical layout plays a key role in order to cut down Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE). Based on the calculus of electrical losses, the authors select the optimum design of the array of the wind farm combined with the most adequate rated power offshore turbines. Power losses evaluation is verified with real cable data sheets and the methodology is applied to a real wind farm in construction.