Evaluating the 3D PBL scheme for wind energy applications in the complex terrain of Altamont Pass, CA
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
In this study, the 3D PBL scheme, developed and tested during previous WETO projects, was used to simulate daily speedup flows in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area of California. These flows were observed as part of the WFIP2 companion experiment HilFlowS, which examined potential power output from taller turbines in the Altamont region. The regularity of the observed speedup events during the summer months, combined with the importance of terrain-induced wind acceleration, makes them a useful case study for evaluating mesoscale forecast models, which often underperform in regions of complex terrain. Compared to a traditional one-dimensional PBL scheme, the 3D PBL scheme shows evidence of improved wind speed predictions, including an ability to capture atypical wind speed profiles and reduce model overestimates of wind speed across the turbine rotor region. Such improvements will be necessary for wind farm siting and power forecasting, especially as taller turbines are deployed in complex terrain.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Wind Energy Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1964009
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL--TR-846963; 1071283
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Evaluating mesoscale model predictions of diurnal speedup events in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area of California
Journal Article
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Tue Jul 01 20:00:00 EDT 2025
· Wind Energy Science (Online)
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OSTI ID:2584394