course offshore wind energy module 1: from wind to wire : electricity

Offshore wind energy - advanced track

Offshore wind has a vital role to play in the global transition to green energy. As a rapidly growing energy technology, offshore wind has huge potential around the world. In the Belgian North Sea, offshore wind farms generate about 10% of Belgium’s total electricity demand. By 2030, offshore wind capacity in the North Sea will continue to grow, generating about 30% of electricity demand of Belgium.

For this booming industrial sector, Ghent University provides three tracks of lifelong learning courses for those who want to expand their knowledge of all phases of offshore wind energy, with a mix of academic and industrial speakers:

The advanced track will take a deep dive in the technological aspects of offshore wind energy.

This module describes the wind power production and conversions up to the grid connection and integration, i.e. “from wind to wire”. Herein the components (turbine blades, generators, offshore grid, etc.) are discussed in detail.

WTG Package: Aerodynamics introduction & FSI (blades)
Blades: blade build-up, design, modelling
Offshore grids and grid connections
WTG Package: Generator systems in offshore wind
WTG package: park owners' perspective
Drivetrain developments: servitization, modularization, torque density (ZF)
Reliability of Gearboxes in wind turbines
Electrical Package: transmission & conversion: OHVS, HVDC vs AC, transmission
Electrical Package: Network concepts: OHVS equipment & lay-out, grid connection, SMD infrastructure, grid code
Important electrical components in offshore wind farms: transformers & switch gears
Offshore wind integration in power and energy systems

Teachers: Bram Cloet, Frederik De Belie, Jan Declercq, Joris Degroote, Dieter Fauconnier, Sonja Goris, Frank Schouteeten, Marc Steensels, Lieven Vandevelde, Dirk Van Hertem, Wim Van Paepegem
Date: 15, 22 and 29 January, 5 and 12 February 2025

Advanced track: Technological aspects