Multi-scale modeling of a wind turbine wake in complex terrain

Abstract Comparing numerical simulations of wind turbine wakes in neutral atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flow over complex terrains with full-scale experiments is not always straightforward. Pure ABL conditions are rarely found the atmosphere as characteristics change during diurnal cycle. This study presents some insights into how a single (WT) and its wake behave under near-neutral terrain. The Perdigão Valley Portugal was chosen test case it an excellent three-dimensional terrain to validate WT experimental data due availability extensively deployed remote sensing equipment (e.g., German Aerospace Center (DLR) Technical University Denmark (DTU) multi-Doppler lidars). Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) [1] model utilized large-eddy simulation (LES) mode order simulate period interest multi-scale modeling approach. Five nested domains, finest domain having spatial resolution 5 m, used dynamically downscale mesoscale features microscale. A generalized actuator line (GAL) parameterization turbine-flow interaction. WRF-LES-GAL (hereinafter referred WLG) results compare quite well obtained from lidars meteorological mast, minor biases between simulated observed data. Due insufficient buoyancy generation WRF-LES model, track have lower vertical deflection compared lidar data; hence, no recirculation zone valley. Overall, WLG able reproduce on first ridge top valley, power thrust generation, can be for further analysis other stability conditions.