X1 Wind has installed the dynamic cable for the prototype of its prototype PivotBuoy floating wind turbine and is ready to install it at the PLOCAN test site in the Canary Islands
X1 Wind electrical engineering manager Adrian Oliva said the 20 kV dynamic cable will enable validate the performance of the floating wind turbine, using an integral fibre optic cable, and enable it to feed electricity it produces to the grid.
“The cable will help us understand how our tension leg platform mooring system reduces motions and loads on the cable, compared to catenary systems,” Mr Oliva explained.
“Our platform is equipped with all the electrical systems that our commercial platforms will incorporate. The Vestas V29 turbine – originally designed for fixed foundations – has been retrofitted using a converter supplied by ABB and the control system has been optimized for floating operation.
“The voltage has been increased to 20kV with a transformer, to allow for connection to PLOCAN’s grid with the 1.4km cable.”
Mr Oliva said the cable will be connected to the floating platform using an innovative connector supplied by Ditrel. “All of the components have been tested in port, and the prototype is now ready to be installed in the next suitable weather window,” said Mr Oliva. “Once installed, we will be monitoring the platform in real-time with multiple sensors integrated into our in-house SCADA system.”
With the winds now blowing strongly in the Canary Islands until mid-September, X1 Wind’s team will wait for a suitable weather window to complete the tow and hook-up of the prototype.
