Coordinateurs du projet
Context
The OWARD project, led by the University of Nantes, focuses on optimizing the architecture of an offshore wind farm powered by a direct current transmission and distribution network.
Need for a tool to optimize the architecture of MRE farms: taking technical and economic constraints into account.
Technical and economic approach: development of cost models, operating models, maintenance models, and availability models.
Scientific breakthroughs and innovation
- Currently: models based on alternating current distribution. Studies on high-voltage direct current connections.
- Integration of alternating current-direct current hybridization.
- Build a simulator that can also take into account numerous exogenous constraints, disseminated and promoted to enable the definition of optimal architectures.
Expected technical and economic impact
- Model the technical and economic constraints associated with the electrical connection of offshore wind farms.
- Optimize the architecture of such installations using alternating current and direct current connections.
- Increase the efficiency and profitability of MRE installations.
Demonstrator
- Platform for optimizing MRE farm architectures.
- Creation of a technical and economic reference framework.
- Comparison between direct current, alternating current, and hybrid architectures.
Results
A comparison based on CAPEX, total losses, and LCOE was detailed for the three topologies (full AC, mixed AC/DC, and full DC) in order to determine the break-even distance.
The results show that, starting at a distance of 120 km, HVDC technology becomes more efficient than HVAC technology because the LCOE is lower. We can therefore say that we have developed a technical and economic analysis tool for selecting power transmission systems for offshore wind farms.
Study of the Borssele I&II wind farm: evolution of LCOE for different technical solutions depending on distance from the coast