An evaluation of three models designed for siting wind turbines in areas of complex terrain

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the ability of three micrositing models to simulate the wind flow in complex terrain. One of these models, NOABL, is a mass-consistent model while the other two, MS3DJH/3R and BZ, are descendants of Jackson-Hunt (J-H) theory. All three models were applied to two areas of complex terrain, Askervein Hill in Scotland and Altamont Pass in California. Askervein Hill is an isolated hill of moderate slope surrounded by a flat plain. In marked contrast, the terrain of Altamont Pass is very complicated and is aptly described as being very hilly. Over each modeled area, wind measurements taken from a relatively dense network of anemometry were used to assess the performance of the models by comparing these data to the model-derived winds. 20 refs., 13 figs., 7 tabs.