A semi-analytical model for velocity profile at wind turbine wake using blade element momentum

The shape of wake behind a wind turbine is normally assumed to have a hat shape for the models used in wind farm layout optimization purposes; however, it is know from experimental tests and numerical simulations that this is not a real assumption. In reality, the results of actual measurements and detailed numerical simulation show that the velocity in wake region has a S-shape profile. The present study calculated a semi-analytical profile for the shape of the wake behind a wind turbine using blade element momentum method. It is shown that the wake shape differs in different operational conditions and geometrical characteristics of the wind turbine.