Optimal Collector Grid Design for Wind Farm Based on Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

This paper present the optimization of the collector grid configuration of wind farms using genetic algorithm (GA). The purpose is to find a radial configuration that connects a set of wind generators to the substation, in an optimum way, minimizing operational and construction costs, reducing loss and therefore contributing to sustainability.  In the optimization process of the collector grid are adopted as the objective function, the investment in the construction and the present value of energy losses. This paper also analyzes the different criteria that can be adopted in the design of the wind farm’s collector grid. The results present the best configuration of the collector grid and show that the design of the collector grid is sensitive to the criteria adopted for the objective function.