A multi-objective optimisation approach applied to offshore wind farm location selection

V Mytilinou,A J Kolios

doi:10.1007/s40722-017-0092-8

V Mytilinou, A J Kolios

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40722-017-0092-8

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Abstract

This paper compares the three state-of-the-art algorithms when applied to a real-world case of the wind energy sector. Optimum locations are suggested for a wind farm by considering only Round 3 zones around the UK. The problem comprises of some of the most important techno-economic life cycle cost-related factors, which are modelled using the physical aspects of each wind farm location (i.e., the wind speed, distance from the ports, and water depth), the wind turbine size, and the number of turbines. The model is linked to NSGA II, NSGA III, and SPEA 2 algorithms, to conduct an optimisation search. The performance of these three algorithms is demonstrated and analysed, so as to assess their effectiveness in the investment decision-making process in the wind sector, more importantly, for Round 3 zones. The results are subject to the specifics of the underlying life cycle cost model.

Highlights

In the last few decades, a necessity to reduce carbon emissions has been raised after concerns of the global warming effect that causes rapid changes in the environment
The present study only considers the first four life cycle costs in the proposed methodology, because the aim is to understand the interplay between the CAPEX and OPEX costs to improve the decision-making process
This study successfully demonstrated by example the effectiveness of the newly developed optimisation process and delivered satisfactory outcomes for the most suitable and cost-efficient offshore wind farm Round 3 locations

Summary

Introduction

In the last few decades, a necessity to reduce carbon emissions has been raised after concerns of the global warming effect that causes rapid changes in the environment. According to the 20-20-20 target on reducing carbon emissions and the new Climate Conference in Paris (COP 21) on keeping the global warming temperature below 2 ◦C, it is important to contribute to the renewable energy (RE) investment growth in the UK by making the investments more attractive, information-rich and less risky (BEC CREW 2015). Wind energy is one of the fastest growing forms of RE in the UK; since structural material prices have significantly increased over the last years, it has a direct impact on larger scale wind projects, the overall cost of turbines, and their operational and maintenance costs (European Observation 2011; Lin and Chen 2013; Mytilinou et al 2015). The most important costs in an offshore wind farm can be found in HM Government (2013)

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