Feasibility Analysis on Using a Group of Wind Turbines as a Hub to Supply Electricity to Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Previous research indicated that interconnecting offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico with wind energy and the onshore grid can provide significant advantages. This research considered groups of offshore wind turbines as energy hubs to provide electricity to nearby offshore platforms, including the evaluation of energy deficits caused by wind wakes. The proposed research idea allows platforms to improve energy efficiency, save fuel, reduce air pollution, and increase income by selling surplus energy. The energy output of these wind turbines was estimated considering wake effects. Diverse layouts were modeled applying meteorological and geographical data integrated with wind wake models to solve a realistic wind farm layout optimization problem. The research created a methodology to optimize a group of offshore wind turbines performance in the Gulf of Mexico, minimizing negative interference while maximizing power output. Results indicated that an important number of locations of offshore oil and gas platforms were able to provide adequate levels of wind energy. Variable wind directions cause changes on the behavior of the turbulent wakes. Therefore, the layout of wind turbines needs to be optimized to minimize negative interaction while maximizing power output under different wind conditions. Furthermore, the analysis revealed the feasibility of installing, in particular optimal locations, wind farms that would simultaneously serve several offshore platforms in close proximity (as hubs) while the system remains connected to the onshore grid.