Optimal Substation Location Of A Wind Farm Using Different Metaheuristic Algorithms

Abstract

This article presents the optimization of the substation location of a wind farm using metaheuristic algorithms. This method can reduce the total length of cable which has a direct impact on the electrical power losses. The cost of the electrical system is estimated between 15–30% of the total investment costs. By optimizing the substation location, these high costs can be avoided even in the design phase of the wind farm. The optimization methods are tested on a regular as well as an irregular wind farm. In order to check the reliability of the optimization methods, two real existing onshore and offshore wind farms are used. The results of the proposed optimization show that the optimization of the substation location is an effective way to design the wind farm layout with low cost.