Enhanced estimation of boundary layer advective properties to improve space-to-time conversion processes for wind energy applications

Abstract

Remote sensing instruments that scan have the ability to provide high-resolution spatial measurements of atmospheric boundary layer winds across a region. However, the ability to use these spatially distributed measurements to extract temporal variations in the flow at time scales less than the measurement revisit period is historically limited. As part of this work, the framework for an enhanced space-to-time conversion technique is established, allowing for time histories of atmospheric boundary layer wind characteristics to be reliably extracted for locations within the measurement domain. This space-to-time conversion technique is made possible by quantifying momentum advection within the measurement domain, rather than simply assuming a uniform advection based on a singular mean wind speed and direction. The use of this technique enables the extraction of long lead-time (ie, upwards of 60 seconds) forecasts of wind speed and direction at individual locations within the measurement domain, thereby expanding the application and potential benefits of scanning instruments. For example, these long lead-time forecasts can be used to enhance proactive wind turbine control and more accurately define wind turbine wake statistics.