All‐DC offshore wind farms: When are they more cost‐effective than AC designs?

The use of MVDC collector systems has been proposed as a way to reduce the levelised cost energy (LCOE) offshore wind farms. This study provides quantitative assessment conditions required for such all-DC farms be cost-effective. A comprehensive LCOE analysis two AC and farm designs is performed, with sensitivity studies on size, distance from shore, voltage, component costs. results show that MVDC-based more cost-effective than equivalent HVDC farms, DC/DC converter must less 90% an MMC, reduction 25% DC platform. Alternatively, if reductions 30% can achieved platform, then same MMC. For all-MVDC without conversion stage have lowest LCOE, voltage increased, preferably ±100 kV or above. configuration also become 50% in cable installation achieved, example, through simultaneous burial multiple cables.