Modelling Farm-to-Farm Interaction Using a Fast Linearised Numerical Approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast, linearised numerical method for modeling aerodynamic interactions between wind farms, validated against LES data and used to analyze wake effects on downstream farm performance.

Contribution

The paper develops a computationally efficient linearised model for wind farm interactions, validated against LES data, and explores wake effects on downstream turbines across various configurations.

Findings

Upward wake displacement is driven by asymmetric turbulent entrainment near the ground.

Higher hub heights in downstream farms lead to stronger wake effects from upstream farms.

The model accurately predicts wake behavior compared to large-eddy simulations.

Abstract

This paper presents a computationally efficient, linearised numerical method for modelling aerodynamic interactions between wind farms. The linearised two-dimensional incompressible equations are solved using Fourier transforms in the horizontal direction and finite-difference discretisation in the vertical. Model predictions are validated against large-eddy simulation (LES) data, focusing on a tandem wind farm configuration where a downstream wind farm operates within the wake of an upstream array. A parametric study is then conducted to examine the impact of this wake on the performance of the downstream farm across a range of inter-farm distances and hub-height ratios. We demonstrate that the upward vertical displacement of these wakes is driven by asymmetric turbulent entrainment caused by the farm's proximity to the ground, which restricts downward wake expansion. Consequently, the results suggest that, due to this upward wake displacement, downstream wind farms with higher hub heights may be more strongly affected by upstream farms than those with lower hub heights.