Novel DE-based Optimization Technique for the Renewable Sources' Integration

Abstract

Ever since the thermal generation units, once a foundation of a large number of the power systems, were marked as one of the main emitters of greenhouse gases and, therefore, undesirable in the modern systems, the renewable energy sources are taking over their share in the generation mix. Although this process is going fast, it might still not be efficient enough to reach the climate goals, set with short deadlines. In accordance with that, every measure that enhances the integration of renewable sources into the grid and makes the application process for the new investors simple and straightforward is welcome. To aid that cause, this paper proposes the method for determining the optimal location of the new wind power plant in the predefined geographical area, taking into account both the characteristics of the power system in that region and the relevant climatic indicators. This technique was developed by utilizing the differential evolution mechanism, while introducing a novel space search formula that ensures the avoidance of the local optima. For the mapping of the solutions and switching between the discrete and continuous values, the georeferencing principle was implemented. This method was illustrated on the part of the Serbian real-life system.