Comparative evaluation of cluster collection networks versus conventional configurations for wind farm power transmission

The following paper presents a comparative study between different types of the collection network configurations. The primary interest lies in the identification of the most cost effective farm configurations with the lowest cost profile. Different configurations based around small clusters of turbines that are controlled by a single power converter for both AC and DC technologies are discussed and compared to conventional configurations. In addition, the possible coupling of variable speed WTs into clusters with a collective rotational speed are more thoroughly considered.