Siemens has launched a new alternating-current (AC) grid access solution for connecting near-shore wind power plants to the grid.
The new solution consists of an offshore transformer module (OTM) attached directly to a wind turbine, and acts as a distributed transmission asset. Nominally rated in incremental 250 megawatt blocks it can be linked together to provide the required transmission capacity even for very large wind parks.
The new device, that replaces the conventional substation, can be installed on a wind turbine foundation separately. As an alternative, it can be installed at the transition piece between foundation and turbine shaft like a balcony.
The substation of the grid access represents an important lever for reaching Siemens’ goal of reducing the costs of wind power generated offshore to below 10 euro cts/kWh by 2020: Construction, transport, installation, operation and maintenance of the platform account for a high portion of the total grid access costs.
This innovation is small and light enough to be mounted together with a turbine on the same foundation. This eliminates the need for a special heavy lift vessel and saves additional costs.
Focusing on the core electrical equipment and removing a number of optional ancillary systems made this space and weight reduction possible, which also results in a reduced maintenance regime.