Salvy Bourguet

Optimization of the Connection Topology of an Offshore Wind Farm Network

In this paper, an approach based on a genetic algorithm is presented in order to optimize the connection topology of an offshore wind farm network. The main objective is to introduce a technique of coding a network topology to a binary string. The first advantage is that the optimal connections of both middle- and high-voltage alternating-current grids are considered, i.e., the radial clustering of wind turbines, the number and locations of the offshore electrical substations, and the number of high-voltage cables. The second improvement consists of removing infeasible network configurations as designs with crossing cables and thereby reduces the search space of solutions.

Optimal sizing of a stand-alone photovoltaic system

The objective of this study is to optimize the sizing of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system. The optimization of the PV energy generated by horizontal panels (or inclined) fixed (or movable) for a given site is realized. The estimation of solar radiation on inclined panels based on the measurements taken on a horizontal plane is presented. Then, an optimization of the inclination angle (tilt angle) is proposed to maximize the annual PV energy production. The energy efficiency of solar tracking system is analyzed and evaluated. Finally, the optimal sizing for the stand-alone photovoltaic system (SAPS) is presented based on an energy management between the PV panels, the batteries, and the load.

Optimization and Reliability Evaluation of an Offshore Wind Farm Architecture

This paper presents an original approach aiming to obtain the optimum configuration of an offshore wind farm (OWF). Thanks to cost models, we take into account the costs off all the parts of the electrical network. The optimization platform, based on a genetic algorithm, also allows us to evaluate the reliability of an OWF. This approach is used to compare the topologies obtained in different cases on a real OWF, the “Banc de Guerande.” The selected design of the OWF is compared to the results obtained using different methods: cost optimization, or both cost and reliability optimization. The optimization results show that the ring topologies give interesting results if the total cost including the expected energy not supplied during the lifetime of the OWF are taken into account. The number of offshore substations and their positions are also considered in the optimization: we show that the introduction of more substations in order to obtain better performances is possible at a reasonable cost. The presented optimization tool can help to design such farms taking into account several constraints.

Photovoltaic energy for the fixed and tracking system based on the modeling of solar radiation

The objective of this paper is to estimate the photovoltaic energy on inclined panels for a given site. Its characterization is based on measurements carried out on horizontal plane. A comparison of different models of the diffused radiation released with respect to the monthly and annual energy balance is presented. An optimization of the inclination angle (tilt angle) by maximizing the annual photovoltaic energy is proposed. At the end of this study, energy efficiency of different solar tracking systems is also analyzed.

Optimization of the internal grid of an offshore wind farm using Genetic algorithm

Offshore wind energy is a promising solution thanks to its best performance of production. However its development leads to many technical and especially economic challenges among them the electrical grid topology attracts a large investment. In this paper, our objective is to minimize a part of this total investment which represents the initial cost of the middle voltage cables in the internal network with different cross sections. An approach based on Genetic Algorithm is developed to find the best topology to connect all wind turbines and substations. The proposed model initially accepts all possible configurations: radial, star, ring, and tree. The results prove that the optimization model can be used for designing the electrical architecture of the internal network of an offshore wind farm.

Reliability analysis of the collection system of an offshore wind farm

In this paper, we introduce a simple model to evaluate the reliability of an offshore wind farm network. The algorithm developed is based on reliability block diagram and minimal path techniques. The minimal paths found are used to evaluate both the exact and the approximate reliability. The first objective of this paper is to estimate the reliability indices of the global network due to the failures of the network components. The second objective is to analyze the placement effect of the redundant paths on the reliability indices considering the economic aspect. This procedure can be useful during the design phase of the optimal connection topology of the collection network of an offshore wind farm.

A Multirate Simulation Method for Large Timescale Systems Applied for Lifetime Simulations

This paper introduces an original approach of the modeling and simulation of multiphysics systems that exhibit a wide range of time scales. This approach will be illustrated by the simulation of the energy storage unit (ESU) of an all-electric ferry. The implementation of the models was performed using two different modeling approaches (causal and acausal) highlighting the main difficulties of modeling multiphysics systems. In order to optimize the sizing of the ESU considering its ageing, the system should be simulated for a lifetime of 20 years. For this purpose, a multirate method was developed to speed-up the simulation and the optimization by a factor of 100 or more.

Robust sizing of a stand-alone multi-sources power system

The objective of this paper is to present a new criterion for robust sizing of (Photovoltaic (PV) - Fuel cell (FC) - Batteries (Bat)) installation, with respect to the variability of the resource. After a presentation and modeling of the studied system, a multi-objective sizing using a genetic algorithm NSGA-II have been introduced. The study takes into account the aging of batteries and fuel cell for a total lifetime of 25 years for all the system. The sizing is based on an energy management by simulation of the system operation using 5 years of measurements from 2009 to 2013. A new criterion has been introduced for the choice of the reference solar radiation profile which considered here as the energy ressource of the system. This profile has been selected based on the analysis of the system sizings robustness.

A Novelty Control Strategy for the Photovoltaic Supercapacitor and Battery Hybrids Storage System

Most photovoltaic (PV) systems can supply continuous energy by using storage applications. Generally, the battery is employed for finishing this aim. The expense of the battery occupies a large part in the whole PV system. However, the constant variations of both photovoltaic panel power product and load power demand reduce the life of the battery. At the same time, for providing several large burst power demands generated by the motor based application startup, the sizing of battery should be enlarged. Both of them increase the cost of the PV system. Therefore, supercapacitor is integrated into this system. With a reasonable energy control strategy among the PV panel, supercapacitor and battery, the battery’s life could be prolonged and its size can be reduced. A PV system with hybrid storage applications is established in the Matlab/Simulink. Two different loads and weather situations are used to prove the efficiency of this control strategy.