My Research

Senior Thesis

Abstract

The wakes created by wind turbi nes have adverse effects on the conditions downwind of the flow. Two variables that can be measured to show the changes in these conditions is horizontal turbulence intensity and thermal stability. There is a lack of research conduc ted in the area of wak e interactions on onshore utility - scale wind farms, making it important to understand the effects these turbines have on the small and large scale environment. Using data collected from meteorological s urface flux stations and Ground - Based Doppler Lidars on an onshore utility - scale wind farm during CW EX - 11 (2011 Crop/Wind - Energy Experiment) , horizontal turbulence intensity and thermal stability were quantified and analyzed using statistic al analysis and wind direction categories. Prior to calculating resu lts, an increase in the difference between the downwind and upwind turbulence intensity was expected to be greatest in direct line of a turbine wake rather than along the edges of the w ake for all types of stability (stable, unstable, neutral). This wa s confirmed to be true based on the statistical significance of the data . The highest increases t ended to occur at or above turbine hub height (80m) for all types of stability , but also at 60 m for an unstable environment . This project focu ses on understand ing how turbine wakes influence changes in the flow field within a rotor depth (43 - 117m) at different wind directions and stability paramete rs .