“Wind Theft” from Onshore Wind Turbine Arrays: Sensitivity to Wind Farm Parameterization and Resolution

• DOI: 10.1175/jamc-d-19-0235.1
• Publication Date: 2019-12-12T17:08:54Z
• Authors: Sara C. Pryor; Tristan J. Shepherd; Patrick J. H. Volker; Andrea N. Hahmann; Rebecca J. Barthe...
• Keywords: Horizontal resolution

Abstract High-resolution simulations are conducted with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to evaluate sensitivity of wake effects power production from two wind farm parameterizations [the commonly used Fitch scheme more recently developed Explicit Wake Parameterization (EWP)] resolution at which model is applied. The for a 9-month period domain encompassing much U.S. Midwest. horizontal resolutions considered 4 km × 2 grid cells, vertical discretizations employ either 41 or 57 layers (with latter having double number in lowest 1 km). Higher speeds observed close turbine hub height when larger employed (12 200 m vs 6), contributes higher both schemes. Differences gross capacity factors most strongly manifest under stable conditions (i.e., night). spatial extent wakes defined as area affected by velocity deficits near heights excess 2% simulation without turbines considerably scheme. This generally reduced increasing and/or levels. These results have important applications projections expected annual energy new arrays constructed shadow existing farms.