Optimal placement of wind turbines on a continuous domain: an MILP-based approach

Optimizing the placement of wind turbines in a defined region is a challenging task as it directly impacts the long term electricity production and thus the financial income of the investors. The main drivers affecting the cash flow are long-term wind resource, wind turbines location, investment upfront costs, O&M and financial framework (taxes, subsidies, depreciation, etc.). In this paper an iterative algorithm based on Mixed Integer Linear Programs (MILPs) is presented that allows to identify the wind turbines position that maximizes the long term cash flow. The Jensen's wake effect model is used to describe the interaction between wind turbines. Furthermore, Geographic Information System (GIS) software and data are used to give a more realistic representation of the area where wind turbines can be installed. In order to validate the MILP-based approach, a wind farm in Kansas is used as case study and the actual internal rate of return (IRR) resulting from the existing wind turbines layout is compared to the one obtained using the proposed methodology.