Nevesbu and Iv have developed a patented concept for a floating offshore substation (FOSS), marking a significant advancement in the infrastructure needed for floating wind energy. The concept has been successfully tested in MARIN's basin, establishing a critical foundation for the burgeoning floating wind sector, according to Netherlands-based Nevesbu.
A report by DNV, titled “Floating Offshore Wind: The Next Five Years,” projects that 1,800 GW of offshore wind energy will be generated by 2050, with 250 GW expected from floating wind farms. To effectively transport this vast amount of energy from sea to land, offshore substations are essential. However, Nevesbu noted that no proven designs for floating offshore substations currently exist in the market.
The company highlighted the unique challenges posed by the dynamic conditions encountered by a FOSS, which remain largely uncharted for equipment and cable manufacturers. The concept developed by Iv and Nevesbu addresses these challenges using Tension Leg Platform technology, designed to convert between 1.4 GW and 2 GW of power, with a DC export link ranging from 300 kV to 525 kV.
Nevesbu tested the floating concept on a scale model featuring various configurations of the cable guiding system. The tests were conducted within MARIN's SME slot, with the maximum wave height tested simulating a once-in-100-years event west of Shetland, corresponding to Hs > 17 meters. Initial high-level verification indicated that the measured maximum displacement, accelerations, and Center of Gravity (CGS) loads in irregular waves closely matched the results of Nevesbu's numerical model.
