Implications of complex terrain topography on the performance of a real wind farm

Abstract

Terrain topography affects the atmospheric boundary layer over a vertical region where wind turbines are usually located. It is commonly believed that placing wind turbines on the top of a ridge is beneficial because of the more energetic flow impinging on the turbines. However, the presence of topography with even modest altitude upstream of the wind farm may generate turbulent structures that significantly increase fluctuations in blade loads and power production.