Reliability-based topology optimization for offshore wind farm collection system

J.A. Pérez-Rúa, S. Lumbreras, A. Ramos, N. A. Cutululis

Wind Energy Vol. 25, nº. 1, pp. 52 - 70

Summary:

An optimization framework for global optimization of the cable layout topology for Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) is presented. The framework designs and compares closed-loop and radial layouts for the collection system of OWFs. For the former, a two-stage stochastic optimization program based on a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is developed, while for the latter, a hop-indexed full binary model is used. The purpose of the framework is to provide a common base for assessing both designs economically, using the same underlying contingency treatment. A discrete Markov model is implemented for calculating the cable failure probability, useful for estimating the time under contingency for multiple power generation scenarios. The objective function supports simultaneous optimization of: (i) initial investment (network topology and cable sizing), (ii) total electrical power losses costs, and (iii) operation costs due to energy curtailment from cables failures. Constraints are added accounting for common engineering aspects. The applicability of the full method is demonstrated by tackling three differently sized real-world OWFs. Results show that: (i) the profitability of either topology type depends strongly on the project size and wind turbine rating. Closed-loop may be a competitive solution for large-scale projects where large amounts of energy are potentially curtailed. (ii) The stochastic model presents low tractability to tackle large-scale instances, increasing the required computing time and memory resources. (iii) Strategies must be adopted in order to apply stochastic optimization for modern OWFs, intending analytically or numerically simplification of mathematical models.

Spanish layman's summary:

En este paper se muestra que el diseño óptimo del cableado de las plantas de eólica marina cambia cuando consideramos la fiabilidad. Si incluimos la probabilidad de fallos aparecen anillos y conexiones redundantes.

English layman's summary:

In this paper, we show that the optimal design of the electrical cables of offshore wind farm changes when reliabiltiy is considered. If we include the probability of failures, loops or redundant connections appear.

Keywords: closed-loop layout, collection system, offshore wind farms, radial layout, stochastic optimization

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 4,100 - Q1 (2022); 4,000 - Q1 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1002/we.2660

Published on paper: January 2022.

Published on-line: June 2021.

Citation:
J.A. Pérez-Rúa, S. Lumbreras, A. Ramos, N. A. Cutululis, Reliability-based topology optimization for offshore wind farm collection system. Wind Energy. Vol. 25, nº. 1, pp. 52 - 70, January 2022. [Online: June 2021]