China’s first floating wind turbine commissioned with unique dry-type transformer
China: Hitachi Energy has developed and supplied first-of-its-kind vacuum-cast-coil (VCC) dry-type transformer designed for floating, offshore wind turbines.
Image source: Hitachi Energy
China: Hitachi Energy has developed and supplied first-of-its-kind vacuum-cast-coil (VCC) dry-type transformer designed for floating, offshore wind turbines.
As a part of their recently announced portfolio of transformers for floating applications, these transformers will support in unlocking the vast potential of offshore, floating, wind-power generation, thus enabling the transition to a sustainable energy future.
This unique transformer has been installed in China’s first floating wind turbine called ‘Sanxia Yinling Hao’ (Three Gorges Lead). This 5.5 MW wind turbine has been successfully put into operation in December 2021 at Yangjiang wind farm – off the coast of south China’s Guangdong Province.
China is accelerating the transition to a low-carbon energy to meet the country’s carbon neutral targets. China plans to build over 1,200 GW of solar and wind power by 2030, nearly two times the current size.
Currently, the majority of potential offshore wind resources are in water bodies that are more than 60 m deep. This is beyond the reach of traditional, offshore wind power platforms. Therefore, the solution is floating wind turbines, which have more flexible and cost-effective design. However, the harsh environments around floating wind turbines, including 10 times more vibrations compared to fixed wind turbines, pose huge challenges to the operation of the transformer inside a wind turbine generator.
The VCC dry-type transformer is a compact, moisture-proof solution that is best suited to operate even with heavy and frequent vibrations. It easily fits inside the wind turbine and can withstand the extreme environments on the floating platform. Moreover, due to its complete dry operation there is no risk of oil leakages, thus enhancing safety for people and the surrounding environment.
“This floating wind turbine is a key breakthrough in offshore wind power industry, effectively supporting the development of offshore wind resources,” said JianHua Zhang, Head of Transformer business for Greater China at Hitachi Energy.
Source: Hitachi Energy
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