Nonuniform wind farm layout optimization: a state-of-the-art review

Abstract

This paper presents a review on wind farm (WF) layout optimization with multiple types of wind turbines (WTs). Compared with uniform WF layout optimization, the three key research points of this topic are WT type selection, wake modelling and optimization algorithm design. Firstly, a series of WT power curves are demonstrated with a WT type selection method to choose the most suitable ones. When calculating the WF power output, a one-dimensional (1D) and a two-dimensional (2D) wake models are briefly introduced and a newly-developed three-dimensional (3D) wake model is described in detail for the application in the nonuniform WF layout optimization. The objective functions, constraints and optimization algorithms used in the literature are reviewed and the optimization framework is built. Case studies are carried out on two real-world WFs. One is the Greater Gabbard offshore WF, on a flat area with an irregular shape and the other is Huade II onshore WF, on a mountainous area with a square shape. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the most significant aspects in the nonuniform WF optimization design based on the summary of the latest works. In addition, future works have been pointed out in the conclusion.