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Impact of mountainous terrain on wind farm wake characteristics in the Loess Plateau

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  • Li, Shoutu
  • Ma, Yulong
  • Kong, Weihao
  • Zheng, Xiaobo

Abstract

As onshore wind energy expands into complex terrain, the Loess Plateau has become a key region for wind farm deployment in China. However, the mechanisms by which Loess Plateau terrain affects wake evolution remain unclear due to its highly fragmented topography and strong thermal convection. In this study, the WRF-WFP numerical model combined with field measurements is employed to investigate wake recovery, vertical distribution, and terrain-induced deflection at a mountain wind farm on the Loess Plateau. Results show that the wake recovery distance on the Loess Plateau is relatively short compared to other terrains. Moreover, the wake recovery distances and vertical influence ranges are different in the primary and secondary wind directions. Terrain induces systematic horizontal wake deflection downstream, and deflection angles are closely related to the gully network. Terrain elevation change correlates linearly with the vertical offset of the maximum wake deficit. In addition, this study discussed the potential effects of the wakes on the local environmental parameters. These findings clarify the regulatory patterns of the Loess Plateau mountainous terrain on wake evolution and provide references for wind farm micro-siting in complex terrain.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Shoutu & Ma, Yulong & Kong, Weihao & Zheng, Xiaobo, 2026. "Impact of mountainous terrain on wind farm wake characteristics in the Loess Plateau," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 360(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:360:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226019602
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.141853
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