Configuration Optimization and Analysis of a Large Scale PV/Wind System

A multi-objective optimization model for optimizing the capacity size of the solar and wind component in a large scale PV/wind system is presented in this research. Objectives considered in the optimization include minimizing the power generation cost, maximizing the power supply reliability, and maximizing the average power fill rate. Decision variables, the number of PV arrays and wind turbines to be installed as well as the hourly load dispatches, are considered in the planning. A land budget is given to constrain the optimization. A solution algorithm is proposed to solve the proposed model and obtain exact solutions. Computational studies are performed to analyze the tradeoff among objectives in the optimization over the system's life-span. Combinations of load patterns, solar/wind resource availabilities, and penalties of power insufficiency construct different optimization scenarios. The computational results picture relationships among optimized objectives. The stability of the wind power generation contributes more than that of the solar power generation in achieving a more reliable power supply.