Large eddy simulation of wind turbine wake dynamics in the stable boundary layer using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

To thoroughly verify this model, simulations of various types of turbines and atmospheric conditions must be evaluated against corresponding experimental data. In this work, numerical simulations are compared to nacelle-based scanning lidar measurements taken in stable atmospheric conditions during a field campaign conducted at a wind farm in the western United States.

Using several wake characteristics—such as the velocity deficit, centerline location, and wake width—as metrics for model verification, the simulations show good agreement with the observations. Notable results include a high average velocity deficit, decreasing from 73% at a downwind distance x of 1.2 rotor diameters (D) to 25% at x = 6.6D, resulting from a low average wind speed and therefore high average turbine thrust coefficient.