FLAGSHIP’s choice for its grid-connection architecture

In the 3.2 public deliverable by UNITECH, the project defines the best option for its FWT demonstrator

FLAGSHIP project has chosen a 66 kV system for the power export to shore at the MET Test area of West Coast Norway. This is the new standard for inter array cable connection in a floating wind field and a central part of the project to demonstrate.

For this connection, a safe, cost efficient and environmentally friendly option have been developed by utilizing the existing floating turbine UNITECH Zefyros (former Hywind Demo) as a connection point 10 km off the coast. In this way the impact of a new export cable will be shared by multiple demonstration projects within floating wind turbines, subsea connectors and more.

This information was published in the Deliverable 3.2 “Grid-connection architecture”.

Zefyros – owned by UNITECH – is part of the National Infrastructure: Sustainable Energy Norwegian Catapult, a tool for the Norwegian Government to help accelerate floating wind developments.

“Re using existing infrastructure and sharing new infrastructure is the natural choice for a demonstration project aimed to help the world to be more sustainable,” says Gunnar Birkeland, Project Owner at UNITECH Offshore.

By utilizing Zefyros as a HUB, a floater to floater inter array cable connection for 66 kV will be demonstrated in the FLAGSHIP project.

In general, the floating wind turbine can be fitted for any grid connection or be part of a larger string of turbines into a hub or export point. The turbine will be equipped with the equipment needed to transform the local power production to the same standard of the array cable or the grid. In the Design Basis for the power export, investigation of alternative end users for the power production and their requirements will be done to ensure flexibility in the “after test” life.

For the grid architecture, FLAGSHIP will utilize and demonstrate the innovative global cable system by UNITECH Offshore.

“This is an exciting development to work with and we are now reviewing options for simplified installations and sustainable materials for the best overall impact to the project,” says Trine Halsnes, Project Manager at UNITECH.