Title: Implementation of a generalized actuator disk wind turbine model into the weather research and forecasting model for large-eddy simulation applications

Abstract

A generalized actuator disk (GAD) wind turbine parameterization designed for large-eddy simulation (LES) applications was implemented into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. WRF-LES with the GAD model enables numerical investigation of the effects of an operating wind turbine on and interactions with a broad range of atmospheric boundary layer phenomena. Numerical simulations using WRF-LES with the GAD model were compared with measurements obtained from the Turbine Wake and Inflow Characterization Study (TWICS-2011), the goal of which was to measure both the inflow to and wake from a 2.3-MW wind turbine. Data from a meteorological tower and two light-detection and ranging (lidar) systems, one vertically profiling and another operated over a variety of scanning modes, were utilized to obtain forcing for the simulations, and to evaluate characteristics of the simulated wakes. Simulations produced wakes with physically consistent rotation and velocity deficits. Two surface heat flux values of 20 W m^–2 and 100 W m^–2 were used to examine the sensitivity of the simulated wakes to convective instability. Simulations using the smaller heat flux values showed good agreement with wake deficits observed during TWICS-2011, whereas those using the larger value showed enhanced spreading and more-rapid attenuation. This study demonstrates themore » utility of actuator models implemented within atmospheric LES to address a range of atmospheric science and engineering applications. In conclusion, validated implementation of the GAD in a numerical weather prediction code such as WRF will enable a wide range of studies related to the interaction of wind turbines with the atmosphere and surface.« less

Authors:

Mirocha, J. D. ^[1]; Kosovic, B. ^[2]; Aitken, M. L. ^[3]; Lundquist, J. K. ^[4]

---

+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO (United States)
3. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
4. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States); National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)

Publication Date:

Fri Jan 10 00:00:00 EST 2014

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1237535

Report Number(s):

LLNL-JRNL-639893
Journal ID: ISSN 1941-7012

DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Journal Article

Journal Name:

Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 6; Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 1941-7012

Publisher:

American Institute of Physics (AIP)

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

17 WIND ENERGY; large eddy simulations; turbulent flows; wind turbines; atmospheric turbulence; turbulence simulations