Numerical optimization of site selection for offshore wind turbine installation using genetic algorithm

The selection procedure of a potential site for an offshore wind farm around Jeju Island is presented using the optimization technique. The statistical model was developed by analyzing the sea wind data from RDAPS/KMA for year 2006, and the meso-scale digital wind map was prepared. To develop the high resolution spatial calibration model, artificial neural network (ANN) models were used to construct the wind and bathymetric maps. Accuracy and consistency of wind/bathymetric spatial calibration models were obtained using analysis of variance. The optimization problem was defined to maximize the energy density satisfying the criteria of maximum water depth and maximum distance from the coastline. The candidate site was selected through genetic algorithm (GA). From the results, it is possible to predict roughly a candidate site location for the installation of the offshore wind farm, and to evaluate the wind resources of the proposed site.