Analysis of a stand-alone hydraulic offshore wind turbine coupled to a pumped water storage facility

Abstract

The concept of wind turbines operating with hydraulic transmissions is gaining popularity. With the promise of improved energy density and lower maintenance costs, a number of manufacturers are evaluating such a novel concept. In the current study an offshore-specific hydraulic wind turbine design is proposed. This is based on the use seawater as the working fluid in a large scale, open-loop transmission system. The possibility of coupling such a system to an onshore pressurized water storage facility is also evaluated. Simulation results indicate the potential for such an energy storage system, to address a supply-demand mismatch without requiring intermediate conversion to electricity, as in current pumped storage facilities used in conjunction with wind turbines.