Optimising Network Design Options for Marine Energy Converter Farms

Authors: A. J. Nambiar, A. J. Collin, S. Karatzounis, J. Rea, B. Whitby and A. E. Kiprakis

Conference: European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference

Location: Nantes, France

Date: 6 – 11 Sep. 2015

Abstract: This paper introduces a techno-economic analysis framework to assess different transmission options for marine energy converter (MEC) farms. On the technical front, the feasibility of the transmission option considering supply quality constraints and the optimal sizing of reactive power compensation to allow maximum real power transfer capability in the subsea transmission cable have been considered. The economic viability of different transmission options are measured based on component costs and the costs associated with losses. A case study has been presented in the paper, which demonstrates the application of this techno-economic analysis framework on a range of MEC farm sizes and distances from the shore.