Comparison of analytical and probabilistic reliability assessment methodologies for offshore renewable generation plants and networks

Improving the reliability and availability of offshore generating plants and networks (i.e. reducing their revenue losses) requires correct assessment of the reliability of both the individual components and the complete offshore generation system. This paper presents the results of the reliability analysis of offshore generating plants and interconnecting MV/HV networks. Both analytical and probabilistic reliability calculation methods are implemented and compared during the assessment, in order to obtain a more confident estimation of the reliability performance. Besides the standard reliability indices (related to frequency and duration of faults/interruptions), other energy-related reliability indicators are presented and compared, in order to identify the best combination of network configurations, network interconnections and generation technologies. The benefits of each case (reduction of interrupted or curtailed energy outputs) are assessed against the actual cost.