Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Measuring a Utility-Scale Turbine Wake Using the TTUKa Mobile Research Radars

Brian D. Hirth Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

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John L. Schroeder Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

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W. Scott Gunter Atmospheric Science Group, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

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Jerry G. Guynes Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

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Print Publication:
01 Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-12-00039.1
Page(s):
765–771
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Abstract

Observations of the wake generated by a single utility-scale turbine and collected by the Texas Tech University Ka-band mobile research radars on 27 October 2011 are introduced. Remotely sensed turbine wake observations using lidar technology have proven effective; however, the presented radar capabilities provide a larger observational footprint and greater along-beam resolution than current scanning lidar systems. Plan-position indicator and range–height indicator scanning techniques are utilized to produce various wake analyses. Preliminary analyses confirm radial velocity and wind speed deficits immediately downwind of the turbine hub to be on the order of 50%. This introduction lays the groundwork for more in-depth analyses of wake structure and evolution using the Texas Tech University Ka-band radar systems, including wake meandering and wake-to-wake interaction in large wind park deployments.

Corresponding author address: Brian D. Hirth, Texas Tech University, Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Box 41023, Lubbock, TX 79409. E-mail: brian.hirth@ttu.edu

Abstract

Observations of the wake generated by a single utility-scale turbine and collected by the Texas Tech University Ka-band mobile research radars on 27 October 2011 are introduced. Remotely sensed turbine wake observations using lidar technology have proven effective; however, the presented radar capabilities provide a larger observational footprint and greater along-beam resolution than current scanning lidar systems. Plan-position indicator and range–height indicator scanning techniques are utilized to produce various wake analyses. Preliminary analyses confirm radial velocity and wind speed deficits immediately downwind of the turbine hub to be on the order of 50%. This introduction lays the groundwork for more in-depth analyses of wake structure and evolution using the Texas Tech University Ka-band radar systems, including wake meandering and wake-to-wake interaction in large wind park deployments.

Corresponding author address: Brian D. Hirth, Texas Tech University, Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Box 41023, Lubbock, TX 79409. E-mail: brian.hirth@ttu.edu
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Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology

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