Offshore wind farm grid integration: challenges and solutions for harmonic distortion

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the harmonic distortion observed at the onshore point of interconnection (POI) of an offshore wind farm. The study focuses on assessing the harmonic performance of the offshore network, taking into consideration various components such as passive offshore network elements, wind turbine generators (WTGs), STATCOM, and background harmonic sources. The research involves a thorough analysis of different switching configurations. Critical resonances between the onshore grid and the offshore network are identified, leading to significant amplification of background harmonics. The paper also evaluates the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies, including active filters from wind tu rbines and the active filter function of the STATCOM, in compensating for harmonic distortion during worst-case resonance conditions. The study provides valuable insights that can aid in optimizing the design and operation of offshore wind farms, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and minimizing the risk of harmonic-related issues.