Electrical System Architecture

The main goal of this work package is to develop a methodology that will propose technically and economically optimal configurations for the offshore electrical network.

The specific objectives within this WP are to:

• enable comparison of the benefits of combining various electrical subsystems
• develop models for the computation of the electrical efficiency of different configuration
• create a software tool to predict the reliability of the selected configuration either by providing failure probabilities or by estimating the mean time between failures
• develop a cost comparison and optimisation software tool that will allow an assessment of the cost implications of the selected configuration and design of electrical network components
• assess the environmental impacts of the overall system design
• to develop a design tool that encompasses all the above

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

1. State-of-the-art assessment and specification of data requirements electrical system architectures
2. An offshore network layout and technology design tool
3. Electro-mechanical aspects of components and offshore substation design/cost optimisation tool
4. Prediction of reliability and economics of the offshore electrical infrastructure with recommendations and guidelines for the environmental impacts of the proposed array configurations
5. Electrical infrastructure design/cost optimisation tool integration Offshore electrical components
6. Database and enabling technologies