Software tool for automated design and cost benefit analysis of offshore grid

This paper discusses a software tool for automated design and cost benefit analysis of an offshore grid. The tool utilises a graphical user interface (GUI) and a catalogue of components (cables, transformers, converters, platforms) to design an offshore wind farm and create the corresponding network model. A set of calculations that includes load flow, cable sizing inspection, reactive power compensation, reliability evaluation and evaluation of capital costs is carried out for the purposes of a comprehensive cost benefit analysis. The software tool enables quick and effortless analysis of a number of different offshore wind farm designs. It can be used to optimise the interconnection between wind farms to accommodate requirements for reliability and economic efficiency.