Forecasting and verification of winds in an East African complex terrain using coupled mesoscale - And micro-scale models. Issue 176 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mughal, Muhammad Omer; Lynch, Mervyn; Yu, Frank; Sutton, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics. Issue 176(2018)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Wind-pressure -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Aerodynamics -- Periodicals; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Constructions -- Aérodynamique -- Périodiques; Buildings -- Aerodynamics; Wind-pressure; Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2018.03.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-6105

Abstract

Abstract: A novel technique for micro-siting and forecasting appropriate to wind farms has been developed. The modelling approach was tested with a selection of different physical options and initialization fields at a complex geographical location characterised by a contrasting diurnal meteorological cycles. An improvement of 10% in wind speed forecasting was achieved by coupling a mesoscale model to a microscale model; the latter was based on Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The platforms for meso and microscale modelling were the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and OpenFOAM models respectively. Highlights: Development of a novel technique for micro-siting and forecasting appropriate to wind farms. The modelling approach involves coupling of meso and microscale models. 10% improvement in wind forecasting achieved through coupling. The study demonstrated the capacity to contribute to wind farm design as well as improved wind energy forecasting.