Energy
The constant demand for energy and the need to identify new supply methods consistent with decarbonisation processes make Floating Fffshore Sub-Stations a promising technology, albeit one still under development.
The main operational challenge lies in the movements caused by weather and sea conditions, such as wind and wave action. These phenomena can affect the operation of high-voltage electrical equipment, typically installed on fixed structures, and the stability of subsea power cables.
In the ProFOSS project, RINA is responsible for defining the overall regulatory framework and the reference technical standards applicable to the floating electrical substation. Activities include identifying the national and international regulations, codes, and standards applicable to the various phases of the system's lifecycle, namely design, fabrication, transport and installation, operation, and decommissioning.
RINA also verifies the technical and engineering documentation produced during the definition of the initial concept (design basis) and the development of the modular concept (integration of engineering systems, techno-economic analysis) for FOSS. Specifically, the document review aims to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and applicable standards, ensure consistency among the various design documents, and identify any observations, requests for clarification, or non-conformities.
Finally, RINA contributes to defining safety requirements, commensurate with standards for unmanned structures, and identifying the technical standards applicable to the various system components in a marine environment for a period of no less than twenty-five years..
ProFOSS will contribute to developing the knowledge and tools required to create floating electrical substations for offshore wind farms.
Regarding energy supply, the modular architecture will ensure flexibility and scalability to meet varying power requirements ranging from 500 MW to 1,000 MW.
The project will make it possible to identify key technical and operational challenges and to optimise, in an integrated manner, the interactions between the floating platform, topside, electrical equipment, mooring systems, dynamic cables, and control systems.
The project’s outcomes will support the future development of floating offshore wind farms, particularly in areas characterised by deep waters and significant distances from the coast. Furthermore, it will help build national expertise in the floating offshore wind sector and prepare the technical, regulatory, and methodological knowledge needed for future industrial developments.
1. Fincantieri S.p.A. 2. RINA Consulting S.p.A. 3. Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II 4. Università degli Studi di Trieste
