Abstract
Majority of the severe variability in power production of an offshore wind farm occurs when open cellular convection (OCC) is observed. With a diameter of 10-80 km, the open cells are essentially the main drivers of hour-scale wind fluctuations passing through the wind farm. Here we aim to quantify the impact of the OCC on Horns Rev-I offshore wind farm located in the North Sea, in terms of variance in the power production and turbulence intensity. Using mesoscale simulations, met-mast measurements and high frequency (1 Hz) SCADA data from all the operating turbines, the behaviour of power deficit and added turbulence intensity is explored comparatively with and without presence of open cells. The investigation is a case study performed on a ‘day-to-day’ basis with an in depth analysis of the in-farm effects, such as the wake behaviour and smaller scale atmospheric structures. For the investigated event, the study shows striking difference in wind farm operation under the open cell structures and underlines the importance of taking local mesoscale phenomena into account for wind farm operation monitoring and control, short-term wake estimation, forecasting and market participation.
Highlights
We aim to quantify the impact of the open cellular convection (OCC) on Horns Rev-I offshore wind farm located in the North Sea, in terms of variance in the power production and turbulence intensity
Open cellular convection (OCC) is three dimensional convective circulation of air that commonly occurs behind cold fronts over warmer water
Previous studies claim that the majority of the severe variability in power production of an offshore wind farm occurs when OCC is observed [9]
Summary
Open cellular convection (OCC) is three dimensional convective circulation of air that commonly occurs behind cold fronts over warmer water. Open cells are often present over the North Sea, e.g. The edges are cloudy, corresponding to upwards vertical velocity, and the centres of the cells are clear with downwards vertical velocity. Previous studies claim that the majority of the severe variability in power production of an offshore wind farm occurs when OCC is observed [9]. With a diameter of 10 – 80 km, the open cells that are passing through the wind farm substantially enhance the variance over the timescales of minutes to hours [9; 5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
