Schneider Electric is launching a new 72.5kV variant of its WI switchgear range, developed to optimise the design, safety, cost and reliability of 72.5kV electrical systems in offshore wind farms.
Larger turbines and longer cable lengths result in higher power losses and more costly equipment, all at a time when the industry is being challenged to increase efficiency, the company said.
Schneider Electric worked with the Carbon Trust as far back as 2011 on a study aimed at driving down the cost of offshore wind. One of the recommendations of this study was increasing the array voltage from 33kV to 72.5kV.
The company saw a unique opportunity to develop a new generation of 72.5kV equipment, conforming to all the applicable High Voltage standards but with all the benefits of a Medium Voltage switchgear. The solution is based on the Schneider Electric WI medium voltage switchgear range, upgraded and type-tested to 72.5kV.
The new WI 72.5kV switchgear technology answers the needs of offshore wind turbine and offshore substation applications. With a panel width of 600mm, the solution is said to be 35-40% lighter than other 72.5kV switchgears. It has been tested for harsh environments according to DNV-GL recommendations.
The system comes with a certified internal arc rating, designed to help ensure personnel safety. Internal arc resistance is not a requirement of HV equipment usually, but Schneider Electric see this as an important safety consideration in offshore wind applications.
“At Schneider Electric we know offshore wind. We have over 2000 panels of switchgear installed in offshore wind applications in Europe alone and were one of the first companies to be involved in the initial feasibility studies for High Voltage arrays ran by the Carbon Trust in the UK,” said David Hall, VP Energy UK and Ireland.
“Schneider Electric developed this range to optimise the design, safety, operational cost and reliability of wind farms’ electrical systems. WI 72.5kV is a gamechanger in high voltage switchgear technology. This compact and lightweight design is optimised for offshore wind turbines and platforms. It gives offshore wind power operators a real economic advantage, with crucial safety and operational benefits too.”
The new WI high voltage switchgear can be combined with EcoStruxure™ Grid – the company’s open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform.