Numerical weather prediction models (NWP) feed dispersion models with important parameters such as wind, atmospheric stability, and surface roughness. These parameters are also important for wind-energy. Here we provide a different validation of the NWP model output that may benefit the dispersion community.
During the development (in 2014-2015) of a wind atlas for the wind-energy subsidy regulation in the Netherlands, the model-output wind was compared to observations from the 213 metre high mast in Cabauw. The wind atlas was developed for hub heights from tens of metres to 150 metre above surface. Comparison of the high-resolution limitedarea model HARMONIE-AROME with the observed windspeeds, for a period of 10 years of hourly wind data, showed the need for a wind shear correction. The calibrated shear corrected model was then compared to other wind masts in the coastal area of the Netherlands, showing good agreement.
Since 2015, many windfarms have been developed also on the inland sites in the Netherlands. To decide wind turbine type choices and estimate financial results, during the development of windfarms often lidars and/or wind masts are used to measure the local wind-field. We compared lidar-data with model wind and found some unexpected differences specifically for the winter season.
In this paper we discuss how the meteorological and dispersion community can benefit from the wind-energy related wind-data.
Key words: Wind shear, numerical weather prediction, dispersion models, wind farms, surface roughness, wind-lidar
Geertsema G., Holtslag E.. How wind energy can help improve wind shear and roughness modelling.
Year: 2024, Other information:
Reference: Geertsema G., Holtslag E., 2024. How wind energy can help improve wind shear and roughness modelling. Proceedings of the 22nd Conference on
Harmonisation within Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling for Regulatory Purposes, Parnu, Estonia, 10-13 June 2024, 5 pages. https://harmo.org/Conferences/Proceedings/_Pärnu/publishedSections/H22-091_Gertie_Geertsema_T1.pdf