Wind flow around a wind turbine system over hilly terrain and its environmental effects: wind tunnel tests

Abstract

Wind tunnel tests were performed in order to study the wind flow field over hilly terrain and the effects of a wind turbine on a typical Mediterranean ecosystem. Cross-wire anemometry was used to measure wind speed and turbulence intensity, and Reynolds stress was estimated over the ground as well. The tests show changes in the wake behind the wind turbine, showing a decrease of wind speed and an increase of turbulence intensity caused by the system. Theoretical formulations allow to relate the measured disturbances in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) to seed dispersion by wind and evaporation rate. Results are in concordance with previous studies.