A simplified, efficient approach to hybrid wind and solar plant site optimization

Abstract. Wind plant layout optimization is a difficult, complex problem with large number of variables and many local minima. Layout only becomes more difficult the addition solar generation. In this paper, we propose parameterized approach to wind hybrid power that greatly reduces dimensionality while guaranteeing generated layouts have desirable regular structure. Thus far, research has focused on system sizing. We go beyond sizing present practical optimizing physical wind–solar plant. argue evolution strategy class derivative-free methods well-suited problem, demonstrate how hard constraints (e.g., placement restrictions) can be transformed into soft are amenable using strategies. Next, experimental results four test sites, demonstrating viability, reliability, effectiveness for generating optimized layouts. Completing tool kit generation, include brief tutorial describing evolutionary inspected, understood, debugged when applied