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

Asmae El Bahlouli, Alexander Rautenberg, Martin Schön, Kjell zum Berge, Jens Bange and Hermann Knaus
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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

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-21

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.

Keywords: wind simulation; complex terrain; unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS); design of experiments (DoE); unmanned aircraft system (UAS) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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