DolWin1 and DolWin2 are high-voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore grid connection systems in the North Sea, which are used to transport green wind power to land. The associated platforms, DolWin alpha and DolWin beta, are located off the north-west coast of Germany. On these platforms electricity from offshore wind farms is converted from AC to DC, thus enabling efficient transmission through subsea cables to the mainland grid. Both DolWin1 and DolWin2 are owned and operated by TenneT, the Dutch German transmission system operator.
Recently ABB and TenneT collaborated successfully to complete an upgrade of the DolWin2 platform’s operating system. The objective was to improve safety, cyber security and reliability by modernizing the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS).
System 800xA has over 12,000 installed systems in more than 100 countries, monitoring and controlling over 60 million tags and helping ABB be the no. 1 global DCS supplier for longer than a decade.
Fire detection was a key driver
The fire detection and safety system on the platform was an area of special focus because the existing third-party system was obsolete. The platform's fire alarm system is particularly important for the safety of operating personnel and for the transmission of electricity to the grid. As a result of the modernization, the DCS and fire detection systems are up to date and fully compatible. Furthermore, the platform now benefits from an enhanced level of operational security regarding fire hazards.
New level of cyber security
The modernization of System 800xA also means a big boost in cyber security compliance and hazard reduction on the platform. Based on the ABB Ability™ Cyber Security Workplace (CSWP) platform, the systems now comply with the new NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2) in Europe, which requires higher cyber security levels across many key industries. In addition, System 800xA will now have full life cycle support and ensured adaptability for at least the next 10 years, thanks to the system’s modular design.
ABB’s scope of supply included servers, switches, clients, firewalls and backup systems, controllers and communication cards, fire detection and safety system.
Supporting the energy transition and greater circularity
DolWin2 with their platform is one of several offshore wind connection projects that ABB has undertaken, demonstrating how automation expertise and technology innovation supports the progress of the energy transition and enables a low carbon society. The interchangeability and modular design of System 800xA supported greater circularity, enabling lifetime extension without the need to replace the entire system. Old controllers were upgraded by fitting new ones into existing terminal units, and network cables and cabinets were reused for the HSI components.
Collaboration across countries
The project was a joint effort between ABB and customer TenneT, involving remote testing, offshore commissioning, and strong teamwork and collaboration across Germany, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. The successful FAT in Mannheim, Germany, and smooth offshore execution emphasizes ABB and TenneT’s excellent long-standing relationship.
Alexander Schellbach, who is TenneT’s Operating Engineer for Grid Field Operations Offshore & HVDC, highlighted how positive cooperation delivered a successful project.
“We sincerely want to thank the ABB team for the excellent work carried out on DolWin beta, specifically on the fire and gas and emergency shutdown systems,” he said. “All tests were completed successfully, with no abnormalities, and ABB’s outstanding level of preparation and professionalism made sure everything fitted together seamlessly. Despite the complexity of the systems, the execution was flawless, and the collaboration was smooth and efficient. It was a pleasure working together on this project, and we look forward to our next opportunities to collaborate.”
Atakan Özcay, Local Division Manager ABB Energy Industries Germany and Gerton Dekkers, Vice President ABB Process Automation Benelux, confirm that this project was a huge success especially fostered by good collaboration: “The strength of ABB lies, beside technical competence, in close and trusting collaboration across national borders. This joint initiative between the Netherlands and Germany is a prime example of how shared expertise and mutual commitment can lead to remarkable results for our customers and the energy transition. We look forward to continuing this collaboration on future projects for the benefit of our customers.”
Detlef Winkler, Project Manager TenneT Operational Technology Upgrade Projects, emphasizes the technical solution, the well-thought-out and precise planning of the complex project, and the reliable implementation. Strict adherence to the planned deadlines and actions is essential in the offshore sector. “With ABB, we had a competent, proactive, and reliable contractor.” This enabled us to implement the upgrade project extremely successfully, ensure the operation of the grid connection system for many more years, and improve security to nowadays requirements and standards.
