The transformer station that collects the energy produced by the 89 wind turbines in the 383 MW Fryslân Wind Farm in the IJsselmeer has been opened to the public this week. Those who wish to learn more about this largest wind farm in the world to have been built in a lake can now visit the transformer station an follow a free virtual tour.
A walkway in the centre of the newly built transformer station at Breezanddijk has been created with glass walls on both sides to show the inside of the station. Via the free virtual tour ‘Wie Watt Windenergie!’ visitors can learn about the operation of the transformer station. Students of NHL Stenden University Leeuwarden have developed an app for this purpose, which is linked to QR codes placed at several locations at the transformer station.
The transformer station, which measures 42 (l) by 18 (w) and 7 metres height , collects the energy that is generated by the 89 Siemens Gamesa 4.3 MW wind turbines and transported to the station via 90 km of 33 kV inter array cables. The transformer station houses two transformers that convert this medium-voltage to high-voltage (110 kV) so that it can be transported from the transformer station to TenneT’s high-voltage grid at Oudehaske via a 55-km cable connection.
The transformer station . The exterior of the building, which was designed by Olivier Architecten, is also special. The facades have been covered with flexible aluminium plates that literally show the power of the wind. The manner in which the flexible parts of these plates have been mounted, allows them to move in the wind. The hexagon shape refers to the shape of the wind farm and the basalt blocks on the dike.
The 89 wind turbines produce around 1,500 GWh of sustainable wind energy on an annual basis. This corresponds to the power consumption of around 500,000 households. The official opening of the wind farm will take place in early 2022. Source: Windpark Fryslân
