Costs and consequences of wind turbine wake effects arising from uncoordinated wind energy development

Lundquist, J. K.; DuVivier, K. K.; Kaffine, D.; Tomaszewski, J. M.

doi:10.1038/s41560-018-0281-2

Costs and consequences of wind turbine wake effects arising from uncoordinated wind energy development

Journal Article · Sun Nov 25 23:00:00 EST 2018 · Nature Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-018-0281-2· OSTI ID:1484339

^[1]; DuVivier, K. K. ^[2]; Kaffine, D. ^[3]; Tomaszewski, J. M. ^[3]

National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States); Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
Univ. of Denver, CO (United States)
Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)

Optimal wind farm locations require a strong and reliable wind resource and access to transmission lines. As onshore and offshore wind energy grows, preferred locations become saturated with numerous wind farms. An upwind wind farm generates 'wake effects' (decreases in downwind wind speeds) that undermine a downwind wind farm's power generation and revenues. Here we use a diverse set of analysis tools from the atmospheric science, economic and legal communities to assess costs and consequences of these wake effects, focusing on a West Texas case study. We show that although wake effects vary with atmospheric conditions, they are discernible in monthly power production. In stably stratified atmospheric conditions, wakes can extend 50+ km downwind, resulting in economic losses of several million dollars over six years for our case study. However, our investigation of the legal literature shows no legal guidance for protecting existing wind farms from such significant impacts.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1484339

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA--5000-70979

Journal Information:: Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 4; ISSN 2058-7546

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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