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Comparison of CFD Simulation to UAS Measurements for Wind Flows in Complex Terrain: Application to the WINSENT Test Site

Author

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  • Asmae El Bahlouli

    (Faculty of Building Services-Energy-Environment, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, 73728 Esslingen, Germany)

  • Alexander Rautenberg

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University, 72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Martin Schön

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University, 72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Kjell zum Berge

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University, 72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Jens Bange

    (Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University, 72074 Tübingen, Germany)

  • Hermann Knaus

    (Faculty of Building Services-Energy-Environment, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, 73728 Esslingen, Germany)

Abstract

This investigation presents a modelling strategy for wind-energy studies in complex terrains using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A model, based on an unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) approach with a modified version of the standard k-ε model, is applied. A validation study based on the Leipzig experiment shows the ability of the model to simulate atmospheric boundary layer characteristics such as the Coriolis force and shallow boundary layer. By combining the results of the model and a design of experiments (DoE) method, we could determine the degree to which the slope, the leaf area index, and the forest height of an escarpment have an effect on the horizontal velocity, the flow inclination angle, and the turbulent kinetic energy at critical positions. The DoE study shows that the primary contributor at a turbine-relevant height is the slope of the escarpment. In the second step, the method is extended to the WINSENT test site. The model is compared with measurements from an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). We show the potential of the methodology and the satisfactory results of our model in depicting some interesting flow features. The results indicate that the wakes with high turbulence levels downstream of the escarpment are likely to impact the rotor blade of future wind turbines.

Suggested Citation

  • Asmae El Bahlouli & Alexander Rautenberg & Martin Schön & Kjell zum Berge & Jens Bange & Hermann Knaus, 2019. "Comparison of CFD Simulation to UAS Measurements for Wind Flows in Complex Terrain: Application to the WINSENT Test Site," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:10:p:1992-:d:233951
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Javier Sanz Rodrigo & Roberto Aurelio Chávez Arroyo & Patrick Moriarty & Matthew Churchfield & Branko Kosović & Pierre‐Elouan Réthoré & Kurt Schaldemose Hansen & Andrea Hahmann & Jeffrey D. Mirocha & , 2017. "Mesoscale to microscale wind farm flow modeling and evaluation," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 6(2), March.
    2. Wildmann, Norman & Bernard, Sarah & Bange, Jens, 2017. "Measuring the local wind field at an escarpment using small remotely-piloted aircraft," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 613-619.
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    Cited by:

    1. Asmae El Bahlouli & Daniel Leukauf & Andreas Platis & Kjell zum Berge & Jens Bange & Hermann Knaus, 2020. "Validating CFD Predictions of Flow over an Escarpment Using Ground-Based and Airborne Measurement Devices," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Takanori Uchida, 2019. "Numerical Investigation of Terrain-Induced Turbulence in Complex Terrain Using High-Resolution Elevation Data and Surface Roughness Data Constructed with a Drone," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Takanori Uchida & Kenichiro Sugitani, 2020. "Numerical and Experimental Study of Topographic Speed-Up Effects in Complex Terrain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-38, July.

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