Power generation
Installed Power Capacity ( GW ) per IEA ’ s NZE scenario 40000
35000
Installed Power Capacity [ GW ]
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0 |
2020 |
2030 |
2050 |
Net Zero Scenario [ IEA ] |
Renewable - Solar & Wind |
Fossil |
Power-to-X |
Renewable - Others |
Nuclear |
|
Figure 1 . Graph showing wind energy as a part of |
overall power mix ( Source : IEA 2022 ). |
Wind Power as part of overall Power mix 2022 & 2050
Total Power Capacity
Wind Power
Figure 2 . Wind power share as a part of total power ( source : IEA ).
70 % of the overall capacity mix
Rotork IQ3 Pro intelligent electric valve actuators are suitable for this safety-critical application because they are highly reliable and have intelligent features that can help prevent unplanned downtime . They also require only an electric power supply , eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment that can add weight and complexity to the platform . Rotork CVA electric actuators are ideal for applications that require continuous modulation . They can deliver continuous , repeatable modulating control with a programmable fail-to-position option . Both IQ3 Pro and CVA actuators have advanced and user-friendly programming and commissioning technologies , as well as comprehensive data logging , diagnostic , and asset management capabilities . Rugged , double-sealed IP66 / 68 enclosures enhance long-term reliability in even the harshest environments , such as those often encountered in offshore applications . This protection means that there is no need for a heater , even down to -50 ° C . HVDC platforms also have safety-critical applications within their auxiliary power
IQ3 Pro for isolation & regulating duty . IQ3 Pro Shutdown Battery for failsafe applications .
units , where they need to reach a failsafe position . For these requirements , Rotork offers two solutions : the IQ3 Pro electric actuator with a shutdown battery and the SI3 electro-hydraulic actuator with a mechanical spring-based design . The IQ3 Pro Shutdown Battery is the industry-leading design with explosion-proof certification and is capable of continuing to operate normally in uninterruptible power supply ( UPS ) mode ( multiple open / close cycles ) until the battery charge is depleted . The SI3 actuator uses the same technology as the IQ3 Pro , which helps to standardise the platform ’ s control system . The compactness and weight of these actuators make them a preferred solution for offshore platforms .
Digital innovation to improve platform maintenance
Another challenge for any equipment on an HVDC platform is that it is unmanned and fully controlled from the shore . This means that access to this equipment is only possible once a year during the platform ’ s planned maintenance . This is where Rotork ’ s Intelligent Asset Management ( iAM ) and Lifetime Management solutions can help . Rotork iAM is a cloudbased system that provides platform end users advanced condition monitoring of their intelligent actuation and flow equipment . IQ3 Pro intelligent actuators are equipped with data loggers that can record up to 3,000 historical events , which provides a comprehensive record of actuator performance . Users can download the data logs and send them to the iAM system . It helps reduce unplanned downtime by using analytics based on data taken from intelligent actuators to create a maintenance plan . The key areas of information taken from data loggers and uploaded to iAM are torque , temperature , vibration and event log information and other secondary metrics such as partial stroke profile , maximum starts per hour and motor run time . It is designed to provide platform owners with constant support in managing the life cycle of their assets .
Conclusion
Offshore wind energy will play a critical role in achieving a sustainable and renewable power generation mode . This is key to limiting global warming to 1.5 ° C above the current atmospheric temperature . As offshore wind generation moves further from shore , converter platforms and extensive cable networks are essential to minimise transmission losses before the electricity reaches the onshore grid . These converter platforms transform the lowvoltage electricity generated by turbines into the high-voltage electricity required for transmission , ensuring efficient power delivery over long distances . HVDC platforms have grown in size and can now handle up to 2 GW of power . This means they need a carefully designed cooling circuit to manage the heat generated by the thyristors / rectifiers . Additionally , the operational management of HVDC offshore platforms is shifting to remote onshore locations . Rotork ’ s range of intelligent electric actuators ( isolation and continuous modulating types ) and its service offering , including Lifetime Management and iAM , are well-suited for these challenging applications on unmanned platforms in harsh environments . They give users operational insights into the health of their assets and planned maintenance capabilities , which reduces the lifecycle cost of managing these platforms throughout their 25-year lifespan .
References
( 1 ) “ Renewables 2022 ”, https :// www . iea . org / reports / renewables-2022
( 2 ) “ World Energy Outlook 2022 ”, https :// www . iea . org / reports / world-energyoutlook-2022
( 3 ) International Renewable Energy Agency ( IRENA ) ( 2019 ), Future of Wind : Deployment , Investment , Technology , Grid Integration and Socio-Economic Aspects , Available at https :// www . irena . org / publications / 2019 / Oct / Future-of-wind
( 4 ) “ Wind ”, https :// www . iea . org / energysystem / renewables / wind
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