Periodic Reporting for period 3 - FASTAP (FASTAP Transformer for Wind Turbines)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-08-01 bis 2024-04-30
The FASTAP project aims to achieve the following specific objectives, in a timeframe of 29 months.
1) To develop two FASTAP prototypes, one for oil-immersed transformers (OIT) and another one for dry-type transformers (DTT) -main technologies currently used in WTGs.
2) To demonstrate the functioning of the FASTAP transformer technology through the development of one ad hoc test bench and two operational demos for WTGs with less (4.5 MW) and more than 5 MW (6 MW).
3) To ensure the FASTAP system architecture customization to maximize electric capabilities of all WTGs from any installation type (onshore and offshore) and rated power (<5MW & >5MW), as well as its application to PV energy.
4) To increase WTG electric capabilities especially in weak grid conditions, reducing the need of installing additional equipment at WF level.
5) To enlarge WTG’s Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) and High Voltage Ride Trough (HVRT) capabilities.
6) To allow a new more optimized WTG electric design to reduce the required oversizing due to operation in extended voltage ranges.
• Simulation and detailed design and production of OIT and DTT prototype transformers.
• Development of the FASTAP transformers’ control card and drivers.
• Preparation of the test bench, according to the specific characteristics defined after its study.
In the first scenario, the FASTAP will be used to maximize the electric capabilities of the WTG design with the minimum HW changes just replacing the transformer. In the second scenario, aimed at a new WTG platform which currently is in the design phase, not only the transformer will be replaced but also design changes will be adopted in order to maximize all the potential FASTAP benefits.
The impact of the FASTAP results on CAPEX and AEP, was calculated for a 42MW Wind Farm based on real commercial data coming from Siemens Gamesa Wind Turbines. The final total cost reduction for the 1st scenario is 1.5% which translates in a reduction of direct investments costs of 15,000€ per MW and 5% increase of AEP. For the 2nd scenario, the final total WTG cost reduction is 2% which translates in a reduction of direct investments costs of 18,900€ per MW and 5% increase of AEP.
Taking into account all cost reduction advantages, this project will directly affect the energy cost, increasing the performance and efficiency of WFs, leading to a reduction in LCOE of 5.5%.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIALLY IMPORTANT IMPACTS
1) Towards a zero-carbon economy, reduction of CO2 emissions: The total CO2 emissions avoided by wind energy European Union range from 6,600 to 13,100 MT CO2 over the period 2015-2050, representing around 5-10% of the cumulative emissions under the EU’s reference scenario36, proving its high potential towards decarbonisation. The FASTAP solution will allow an extra potential worldwide wind market of 71,640MW, which represents an increase of 12%37 of the total installed wind capacity, reducing even further CO2 emissions.
2) Challenges during energy transition: Energy markets and investors have three key challenges which could be overcome by new solutions (Figure 8). FASTAP answers to these 3 main challenges by 1) Lowering the LCOE of wind energy, through CAPEX significant reduction and AEP increase 2) Improvements of grid management by allowing HVRT/LVRT 3) Stable supply guarantee and allowing for flexible response, especially in weak grid condition locations.
3) Green jobs and green economy: Together, the onshore and offshore wind industries employed 1.16 million people worldwide in 2018. IRENA estimates that employment in the wind industry would continue to rise, exceeding 3.7 million jobs by 2030 and 6 million jobs by 20507. It should be noted that EU accounts for 30% of all wind energy industry jobs. FASTAP will secure EU green jobs, by increasing the wind market capacity and the reduction of LCOE.