Improving the performance of mass-consistent numerical models using optimization techniques
This report describes a technique of using a mass-consistent model to derive wind speeds over a microscale region of complex terrain. A serious limitation in the use of these numerical models is that the calculated wind field is highly sensitive to some input parameters, such as those specifying atmospheric stability. Because accurate values for these parameters are not usually known, confidence in the calculated winds is low. However, values for these parameters can be found by tuning the model to existing wind observations within a microscale area. This tuning is accomplished by using a single-variable, unconstrained optimization procedure that adjusts the unknown parameters so that the error between the observed winds and model calculations of these winds is minimized. Model verification is accomplished by using eight sets of hourly averaged wind data. These data are obtained from measurements made at approximately 30 sites covering a wind farm development in the Altamont Pass area. When the model is tuned to a small subset of the 30 sites, an accurate determination of the wind speeds was made for the remaining sites in six of the eight cases. (The two that failed were low wind speed cases.) Therefore, when this technique is used, numerical modeling shows great promise as a tool for microscale siting of wind turbines in complex terrain.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 5154136
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-5566; ON: DE86001224
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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