Capabilities and limitations of black start operation for system restoration from offshore wind farms

The decarbonization of power systems poses unique challenges, especially in ensuring critical services such as black start, which may be delivered by renewable energy sources. However, the dynamics of these sources differ from traditional large inertia generators, requiring a thorough analysis of hardware limitations and capabilities to gauge the potential of renewable energy in such roles. This study investigates the ability of an offshore wind farm to provide top-up or anchor generator system restoration services in case a blackout and remain within a stable voltage operation area. The system here considered consists of an offshore wind farm connected via HVAC export cable to an onshore electrical grid. Findings reveal that variables such as export cable length, shunt compensation, and converter operation significantly influence the overall stability of the power system. Moreover, these factors play a pivotal role in the renewable sources ability to provide both active and reactive power to the electrical grid.