Design and Optimization of MMC‐HVDC Schemes for Offshore Wind‐Power Plant Application

This chapter provides an overview on how different European regulatory frameworks impact the design optimization and ownership of HVDC schemes used for the export of offshore wind energy to the mainland. Main components of the offshore and onshore modular multilevel converter high‐voltage direct current (MMC‐HVDC) converters are presented with a brief introduction to various offshore platform technologies. In Europe, the third legislative package for the internal EU gas and electricity market released by the European Council requires the unbundling of ownership between transmission assets and generation assets. The implementation and adaption of this regulatory framework has resulted in two different European models for the construction and ownership of offshore generation and transmission assets. The choice of HVAC platform location is influenced by several factors: requirements from shipping and aviation authorities; water depth and seabed condition; and ac cable voltage profile and cable losses.