Design of Off-Shore Wind Power Plant Electrical Systems using Fractional Frequency Transmission

Abstract

The increasing demand for renewable energy has accelerated the development of offshore wind power plants, which present unique challenges for electrical system design due to their remote locations and harsh marine environments. Traditional power transmission methods often face limitations related to efficiency, stability, and infrastructure costs when applied offshore. This paper explores the application of Fractional Frequency Transmission (FFT) techniques in the design of electrical systems for offshore wind farms, aiming to enhance power transfer efficiency, reduce transmission losses, and improve grid integration. FFT is a novel approach that utilizes fractional multiples of the base frequency (e.g., 12.5 Hz, 16.67 Hz), enabling the decoupling of transmission and generation frequencies. This allows for more flexible operation of wind turbine generators and can reduce mechanical stresses on equipment. The paper analyzes the electrical system configuration of offshore wind farms utilizing FFT, comparing it with conventional AC and HVDC transmission systems based on criteria such as system stability, power quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Using simulation models reflecting typical offshore wind farm layouts and electrical configurations, the study evaluates FFT’s performance under different loading and fault scenarios. The results indicate that FFT can offer improved dynamic response and fault tolerance compared to traditional systems. Additionally, the fractional frequency approach simplifies transformer design, enhances insulation coordination, and allows for smaller, lighter electrical components, which is critical in offshore installations. The findings suggest that adopting FFT for offshore wind power plant electrical systems is a promising strategy to overcome current limitations in offshore power transmission. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating FFT into future offshore wind projects and highlights areas for further research, including control system optimization and long-term reliability assessment.