Microscale wind simulations using Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence models with thermal coupling for the atmospheric boundary layer in complex terrains for wind resource assessment (wind farm modelling) and short-term wind forecasts.
Summary
In wind energy, numerical modeling has become a key tool for industry at several stages, from early wind resource assessment and wind farm design to management and exploitation. During a wind farm design stage, numerical modeling allows improving the emplacement of wind turbines by optimizing relevant parameters such as power production, turbulence intensity or wind loads. During the production stage, operational power forecast based on local-scale simulations is becoming an alternative to current methodologies based on time series of observations and statistical downscaling. On the other hand, coupling of mesoscale meteorological models (WRF) with CFD allows for high-resolution micoscale wind forecast on complex terrains.
Objectives
- Wind resource assessment
- Wind farm modelling
- Operational forecast of high-resolution winds in complex terrains coupling mesoscale meteorological models (WRF) with CFD
