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Characterization of wake dynamics via Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for Varying Wind Farm Arrangements

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Comparison of the dynamics between a standard rectilinear array and two offset row configurations. Stereo particle-image- velocimetry is used to collect a large sample of data ahead of and behind entrance and exit row turbines in each configuration. Inflow and wakes are compared statistically and through proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Spacing within the array configurations lead to varied wake recovery conditions visible in statistics and POD analysis. The number of snapshot POD modes required to reconstruct specified energy levels for the wakes demonstrates a strong dependence on the array configuration. Quantities including flux of kinetic energy and production rebuild with fewer POD modes than vorticity and dissipation as they rely on large-scale structures for shape and intensity. Energy content and organization in small-scale structures contribute to the delay of recovery of the flow to upstream inflow conditions.

Author(s):

Nicholas Hamilton    
Portland State University
United States

Murat Tutkun    
The Norwegian Defense Research Establishment
Norway

Raul Bayoan Cal    
Portland State University
United States