Optimization of electric distribution system of large offshore wind farm with improved genetic algorithm

Offshore wind farm has been one of the most effective ways to wind energy exploitation, and many new technical and economic problems are brought with development of large offshore wind farms. Electric distribution system plays an important role in reliable operation of large offshore wind farm and holds considerable proportion in total investment, so that optimization of the system is one of the key problems in development of offshore wind farms. Based on analysis of main issues of the problem, optimization model is proposed and explained in this paper. An optimization approach based on improved genetic algorithm is presented to search the optimal solution. The model and its solution method are then checked on a planning offshore wind farm in China. The results show that the optimization approach is suitable and valid.