Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
35 kV submarine
cables
Offshore transformer
platform
e.g., 35 kV/138 kV
138 kV submarine
cable to shore
Typically 30-100
wind turbines
Total power 100-500 MW
Shore
138 kV
Grid substation
existing grid
FIGURE 2-6
Offshore turbine grid connections.
(S
OURCE
: National Resources
Defense Council.)
The ESP can also function as a central service facility and personnel
staging area for the wind plant, which may include a helicopter landing pad,
a wind plant control room and supervisory control and data acquisition
monitoring system, a crane, rescue or service vessels, a communications
station, firefighting equipment, emergency diesel backup generators, and
staff and service facilities, including emergency temporary living quarters.
While the exact requirements for offshore safety and service have not yet
been established (Puskar and Sheppard 2009), several standards set by the
oil and gas industry may be applicable. Figure 2-6 shows the offshore wind
turbine and how it is connected to the onshore grid system.
Future Technology
Future wind technology may introduce novel concepts and advanced tech-
nology innovations for offshore wind energy that deviate significantly from
the current technology (Musial and Ram 2010; Butterfield et al. 2005).
Organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Sci-
ence Foundation have indicated that they plan to direct significant funding
to such research. The following are among the new technology concepts:
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