The scientific activities in the project are structured around three main areas: Offshore wind (WP1); HVDC (WP2) and AC/DC interactions (WP3).
Offshore wind (WP1): This WP aims to find innovative modelling, control, configurations, functions, and stability analysis methods to improve performance and reduce the key components in offshore wind power generation and DC grids. The challenges and research questions will be addressed regarding the collection and transmission technologies, operation and control systems for OWFs. Large WT, floating WT, wind farms and offshore hydrogen generation will be investigated. Comparisons between DC collection systems and different AC options will be conducted to find the optimal configurations. Digital offshore converter stations will be studied to improve offshore grids' operation and control performance using the data collected by the smart substation. The stability of multi-vendor large OWF clusters will be studied to ensure the stable and secure operation of large-scale OWFs.
HVDC (WP2) focuses on the key questions related to the optimal techno-economic design of offshore medium-voltage collection systems, high-voltage transmission systems, and their integration. Moreover, WP2 deals with the optimization, design and operation of offshore grids, with a focus on fault protection and resilient performance. Additionally, it investigates the autonomous operation and control of power systems incorporating HVDC grids, including islanded operation and black start capabilities, by developing and validating innovative control algorithms for converters. Finally, HVDC cable analysis is also performed in this WP2, using monitored data to determine cable and accessory lifetime.
AC/DC interactions (WP3): focuses on the interplay between HVDC systems – including offshore wind – and the main AC power system. It covers crucial aspects like AC grid protection in the presence of converters like HVDC and converter-based resources like offshore wind. A second major focus is on the performance of offshore wind, seen as compliance with grid codes and the ability to deliver essential grid services, which would not be possible without advanced control methods, developed and validated in the project. The aim is to ensure the stability of the HVDC-dominated grids.
During the first part of the project, the main focus of the individual doctoral candidate projects has been on establishing the state-of-the-art in each area, developing the mathematical models and started implementing their own approaches and solutions.
