Hitachi ABB Power Grids launches new transformers for floating offshore wind power

2021-6-9 Hitachi ABB

 Hitachi ABB Power Grids has launched new a portfolio of transformer products for offshore floating applications.

These transformers are designed to overcome the challenging offshore environment and withstand the physically demanding conditions on floating structures.

The portfolio will enable much greater volumes of wind to be efficiently harvested and integrated into the global energy system, directly supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future. 

Building offshore presents many challenges beyond the harsh saltwater environment. So far, only a small fraction of offshore potential has been exploited, as in many areas the seabed is not suitable and depths of 60 meters are not feasible for fixed structures. 

Floating substations and floating wind turbines offer a solution, which can be used in deeper waters, vastly increasing the available global capacity for developing offshore wind energy. Yet floating systems come with their own challenges: over their entire lifetime they are constantly in motion and can be exposed to vibrations and shocks from waves up to 15 meters in height. 

“Our world-class engineers take pride in pioneering innovative solutions that overcome harsh offshore conditions and ultimately, help move society towards a sustainable energy future,” said Bruno Melles, Managing Director of the Transformers business at Hitachi ABB Power Grids. “Floating electrical systems are an important development in the offshore renewable industry, that will open up tremendous opportunities for clean power,” he added.  

This portfolio introduces a range of collector step-up transformers, earthing transformers and shunt reactors for floating substations plus wind turbine transformers for floating wind turbines, including the industry leading WindSTAR units.