Proof of Concept of a Disruptive Gate Drive Technology, ReliaDrive, for Power Electronics Converters used in Offshore Wind Applications

There are substantial global market potentials for offshore wind if the levelised Cost of Energy (CoE) could become competitive with alternative low-carbon power generations. The power electronics converters are major components in offshore turbine drivetrains and power transmission via High Voltage DC (HVDC) networks. Therefore, radical improvement in converter's efficiency and reliability can bring substantial reductions in the CoE.

The project aims to study and assess the technical and commercial feasibility of a new gate drive technology for Power Electronics Converters (PEC) used in offshore wind turbines. ReliaDrive can offer a substantial reduction in converter losses and failure rate, hence reducing the Cost of Energy (CoE) from offshore wind by significantly. This is particularly important for the UK since the offshore wind is set to play an important role in achieving the renewable energy and CO2 emission reduction targets for 2035\.