Optimal design of collector topology for offshore wind farm based on ant colony optimization approach

Layout of offshore wind farm (OSWF) plays a major role in capital cost of its installation. The cost of OSWF depends on the cost of electrical collector system which includes, submarine cables, number of wind turbines, offshore platforms etc. The optimal design of OSWF will give better economical outcome. This paper explains the methodology for optimal design of OSWF electrical collector system and cost model of collector system. The methodology is based on the combination of Ant Colony optimization and Travelling Salesman problem. The objective is to minimize the length of submarine cable connected between wind turbines in wind farm. It will reduce the cost of cable and cable power loss. With the help of North Hoyle OSWF connected with 30 wind turbines, the optimization approach designs optimal OSWF based on minimum length of cable for radial and ring topologies.