Master thesis : Development of Pathway and Operating Concept on the topside of High Voltage (HVAC) Offshore Substation Platform

Abstract

Floating offshore wind farms are one of the most important pillars to manage climate change issues. Using large-scale series production methods, larger wind turbines with extended full load hours for floating offshore installations could result in reduced levelized costs for energy. These devices are installed in deeper water and away from shore. Due to their distance from the shore, wind farms need offshore substations for the power storage or conversion before sending it to the onshore grid. GICON has developed an innovative design for High Voltage (HVAC) Offshore Substation on a TLP substructure. This thesis mainly focuses on the development of the operational and pathway concept for the substation topside. The operational concept defines the strategies regarding the maintenance and operations based on the offshore standard regulations. It also involves the risk assessment of the platform and the development of tools regarding Hazard Identification Study (HAZID) and Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA). The pathway concept includes the development of the detailed layout of the topside, safety plan, emergency response plan, and lifting arrangement for the electrical equipment. Special attention has been given to the DNV GL regulations regarding offshore substations.