Wake measurements behind an array of two model wind turbines

In the design process of a wind farm the aerodynamic interactions between the single turbines have become a field of major interest. The upwind turbines in a wind farm will affect the energy potential and inflow conditions for the downwind turbines. The flow field in the wake behind the first row turbines is characterized by a significant deficit in wind velocity and increased levels of turbulence intensity. Consequently, the downstream turbines in a wind farm cannot extract as much power from the wind as the first row turbines. Furthermore, the additional turbulence in the wake could be a reason for increased material fatigue through flow-induced vibrations at the downstream rotor. The main focus of this experimental study is to investigate the local velocity deficit and the turbulence intensities in the wake behind an array of two model wind turbines. For two different turbine separation distances, the wake is scanned at three different downstream positions. Moving axially downstream the velocity deficit in the wake gradually recovers and the turbulence intensity levels slowly decrease. Furthermore, a gentle expansion of the wake can be observed. The wake profiles measured in close distances behind the rotor are characterized by evident asymmetries. Further downstream in the wake turbulent diffusion mechanisms cause a more uniform and more symmetrical flow field. Moreover, the turbulence intensity behind the second wind turbine is found to be significantly higher than behind one unobstructed turbine. Also, considerably higher velocity deficits are found in the near wake behind the second turbine compared to the wake behind one unobstructed turbine. However, the velocity profile at five rotor diameters downstream in the wake behind the second turbine is already very similar to the velocity distribution behind the first turbine. Furthermore, the velocity field and turbulence intensity distribution in the wake behind the second turbine is more symmetrical and more uniform than behind the first turbine. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of SINTEF Energi AS. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.