Power Flow Analysis of HVAC and HVDC Transmission Systems for Offshore Wind Parks.

As the onshore wind resource is running shorter, wind power promoters are paying attention to the offshore resources. As in most cases there is no load offshore, wind power must be transmitted to the main land. To do so, two options are available: HVAC and HVDC transmission systems. In this paper, the two options are analysed from a power flow point of view. The influence in the voltage regulation of the onshore connection busbar is investigated in a 57 bus test power system. The simulation results obtained for each one of the above mentioned transmission system configurations allow the conclusion that HVAC solution is limited by the distance to shore and by the wind transmitted power. HVDC options do not show these limitations, but are more expensive and more delicate to deal with, because there is a lack of operational experience, so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]