Dynamic simulation of the shading cast by a wind farm on an adjacent photovoltaic plant

The hybridization of several renewable energy power generation sources is a viable option that can improve the use of available resources and space. However, the coexistence of different technologies, with different requirements for operation, can lead to some challenges. In the case of hybridization between a wind farm and an adjacent solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, the wind farm can cast dynamic and static shadows on the nearby PV generators. Simple hypotheses are often chosen for their conservative character, but they often turn out to be overly pessimistic and can result in worse results in the project economics. This study evaluates the shading losses impacting a hybrid wind/PV park in a sunny region with a novel advanced 3D shading simulation tool using dynamic visualization based on the power of modern GPUs (Graphic Processor Unit). The application of this method to a case study in a sunny region shows that, as a function of the approximation that is used to model the blades of the wind turbines, the resulting estimated shading losses can be far too pessimistic, or too optimistic. The study also provides guidance on how to assess the possible existing tradeoffs between PV power installation density and shading losses, and how to apply it to the optimization of the layout of the PV plant.