Wind Turbine Installation Research Articles

Teaching practice of wind turbine practical training based on virtual teaching platform

AbstractThe wind turbine components are bulky and costly. Undergraduate students majoring in wind power cannot achieve professional skills training in the laboratory. To deepen the understanding of wind turbine installation, a virtual simulation platform for the teaching exploration of wind turbine assembly practice course is developed. The goal of the platform is to build a virtual simulation installation process of each huge component of the wind turbine through the model, so that students can experience the experiential learning of the installation of the wind turbine, and experience the learning opportunities of the visualization of parts and the operability of the assembly process, so as to lay the foundation of wind power engineering practice for undergraduate students. The teaching of simulation working process based on wind turbine assembly process and performance characteristics is discussed. The results and questionnaires of students in three classes are counted. The teaching experiment shows that the average score of the experimental group is 4.5 points higher than that of the control group. This method can significantly improve students' interest in learning and academic performance, improve students' wind turbine assembly ability, and meet the actual needs of students majoring in wind power. The research shows that the platform can be effectively used as a practical teaching tool for wind power students.

Hybrid Wind-Solar System with UPQC

The hybrid wind-solar system is a combination of renewable energy sources, specifically wind and solar, that is utilized for power generation. While wind power has historically been used for various purposes such as sails, windmills, and wind pumps, it is now predominantly used for electricity generation. This system incorporates solar panels and small wind turbine generators to produce electricity. The advantage of hybrid systems is that they can generate electricity as needed, taking into account the varying peak working hours of solar and wind systems throughout the year. To ensure a stable power system, UPQC (Unified Power Quality Conditioner) is employed. This multipurpose power conditioner serves multiple functions, including preventing harmonic load current from entering the power system, rectifying voltage fluctuations, and compensating for voltage disturbances from different power sources. It is specifically designed to minimize interference with sensitive or critical loads. With its series and shunt compensation capabilities, UPQC effectively manages power flow, reactive power, harmonics, and voltage disturbances. In this paper, the work addresses the issue of electricity quality that arises from the installation of wind turbines in the grid. To get over this issue, the suggested course of action demonstrates how to install a BESS and a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) at the connection point. Even though wind power fluctuates, the use of battery energy storage technology helps to provide a constant power supply. With the power system block established in MATLAB/SIMULINK, one can simulate the UPQC control method of a grid-connected wind energy generating plant. As a result, the power's quality will increase. When the recommended approach lowers the load's and the induction generator's reactive power requirements, it is successful. Furthermore, the plan for raising the grid's power quality criteria and developing the grid coordination rule are also provided.

Current Trends and Innovations in Enhancing the Aerodynamic Performance of Small-Scale, Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines: A Review

Abstract Wind energy has proven to be one of the most promising resources to meet the challenges of rising clean energy demand and mitigate environmental pollution. The global new installation of wind turbines in 2022 was 77.6 GW, bringing the total installed capacity to 906 GW, documenting an astounding 9% growth in just one year (Lee and Zhao, 2023, Global Wind Report, GWEC. Global Wind Energy Council). Sizeable research continues to focus on improving wind energy conversion, safety, and capacity. However, funding allocations and research have not matched this sustained market growth observed over the last few decades. This is particularly the case for small-size wind turbines. We define small-scale wind turbines as those with an output power of 40 kW or less that can nonetheless be interconnected to provide larger power output. Thus, the paper focuses on small-scale horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) with emphasis on current technology trends including data gathering, aerodynamic performance analysis of airfoils and rotors, as well as computational approaches. The paper also highlights the challenges associated with small-scale HAWTs thereby conjecturing about future research directions on the subject. The literature review suggests that small-scale HAWT wind turbines are suitable for harnessing energy in communities with limited resources where grid-supplied power is out of reach. The power coefficient of these turbines ranges from 0.2 to 0.45 which shows that it could greatly benefit from research, built on targeting these modest performance scales by using efficient airfoils, mixed airfoils, optimizing the blade geometry, shrouding the wind turbine rotor, using maximum power tracking control, etc. This review paper is an attempt to prioritize and layout strategies toward evaluating and enhancing the aerodynamic performance of small-scale HAWTs.

Exploiting High Voltage Fragmentation to Enable Demand-Driven Recycling of End-of-Life Wind Blades

In recent years, the number of installations of wind turbines significantly increased, driven by the necessity for a transition to a sustainable economy to achieve EU goals of carbon neutrality. However, considering their life of 20-25 years, it is urgent to fnd innovative solutions for End-of-Life (EoL) treatment. Among their components, one of the most critical elements is the blade, made in composites, particularly glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP). Currently, EoL wind blades are going to disposal (where possible), incineration, or they are used in low-value applications, mainly due to uncontrolled mechanical recycling processes, which result in the reduction of their mechanical properties, limiting their reuse in high-added value products. High-Voltage Fragmentation (HVF) is an innovative technology that creates localized shockwaves at the interface between two different materials through the generation of electric discharges within a product. This study focuses on the application of HVF to EoL wind blades. Experimental results demonstrate that this technology can act as a feasible recycling solution, both to remove impurities and to recycle GFRP, as a highly-controlled shredding process. This opens up interesting prospects for the reuse of the material itself in high-quality, high-added value products, following a demand-driven approach.

Dynamic responses analysis of crane-blade coupling system for the single blade installation of offshore wind turbine considering the wind effect

The single blade installation method for large-scale offshore wind turbine has the advantage of reduced deck and crane requirements on the installation vessel. Accurately simulating the coupled dynamic responses of the system throughout the entire hoisting process is crucial to avoid spatial interference with surrounding structures. Additionally, the aerodynamic loads, particularly the turbulent wind with spatiotemporal non-uniformity, further aggravate the uncertainty of the dynamic responses. Therefore, a numerical model capable of comprehensive analysis of mechanical-hydrodynamic-aerodynamic-control is urgently needed. However, it is challenging for the commercial software to achieve the coupling analysis. In this paper, the hoisting process is investigated by jack-up installation vessel, so the influence of wave loads on the structure is not considered. The aerodynamic loads are firstly calculated by the blade element theory, and then the numerical model is established by the Lagrangian method, finally the analysis program is developed in MATLAB. The accuracy of the program is verified by code-to-code, and the interaction between the ship-mounted crane and aerodynamic loads during the hoisting process are analyzed. The results show that the aerodynamic loads should be considered during the hoisting of the blade, and the established program could determine the trajectory of the blade inputting the sea state, which can avoid the possible collisions with the surrounding structures.

Assessing areas suitable for offshore wind energy considering potential risk to breeding seabirds in northern Japan

Offshore wind energy is expected to play a major role in realizing carbon neutrality. However, the installation of offshore wind turbines is of concern for breeding seabirds. Identifying areas with low potential risk for breeding seabirds in Japan is urgently needed. This study identified technically and legally potential areas for wind energy development that are suitable for breeding seabirds by integrating risk assessment models through a spatial approach using Geographic Information System (GIS). While many studies and the government have assessed the potential areas for offshore wind energy in northern Japan, this study shows that most of these legally potential areas overlap with major concern areas for breeding seabirds. Currently, Japanese rules do not sufficiently consider the risk to seabirds when zoning areas for installing offshore wind energy system. The results imply that the risk to breeding seabirds should be carefully examined when zoning areas for local offshore wind energy installations. The approach developed in this study is expected to aid in clearly identifying areas suitable for the installation of offshore wind turbines and minimize the impacts on breeding seabirds. It provides a balance between the expansion of offshore wind energy and conservation biology.

Leveraging A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach with AHP & TOPSIS Method for the Selection of IoT-Based Inverter Smart Grid System and Smart Meter in Solar Photovoltaic and Wind Turbine Installations at Pelabuhan Ratu CFPP.

The effective selection of inverters plays a critical role in optimising the efficiency and performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine systems. Inverters have a direct impact on overall energy conversion efficiency and system output by influencing their efficiency and reliability. Inverter selection also involves essential criteria such as cost, compatibility with renewable energy sources, and environmental considerations. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic approach is necessary to thoroughly assess and compare various inverter options.
 This study utilises a multi-criteria decision-making methodology to address these challenges. It assesses the identified criteria using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and ranks them to determine the most suitable solution through the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). As a result, the investigation identifies smart grid and smart metre inverters as the optimal solutions, effectively addressing concerns related to power stability, communication and connectivity, security, data management, and cost.
 The proposed methodology yields a substantial total equity portion of USD 9,325.71, along with impressive annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of USD 1,734.09. The estimated payback period is 6.85 years, and the return on investment (ROI) reaches a remarkable 338.07%. Additionally, the nett income significantly reduces the production cost, amounting to USD 40,853.34 in a single period.

Feasibility Study of Offshore Wind Wheel Installation in South China Sea at Malaysia

As the global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, it becomes crucial to investigate the viability of offshore wind power generation. This paper presents a comprehensive feasibility study assessing the viability of the South China Sea wind turbine installation. This study will describe the current situation of wind energy across the world and specifically discusses offshore wind farm technology. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review emphasizing the significance of wind power in mitigating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The objectives of this are to study on the availability of offshore wind resources in Malaysia and to analyze the effect of micro-siting towards wind farm energy production and performance. This study indicates the best sites to set up offshore wind farm in Malaysia. According to the data, Mersing has a favorable availability of wind resources, which makes it the best place to put the turbines. Critical review for better understanding about the importance of micro-siting of wind farms social and economic was conducted. The micro-siting technique is helpful since it provides a methodical and well-informed way of choosing a location. It helps decision-makers strike a balance between the project's, the community's, and the environment's demands by considering various elements and tailoring the analysis to the particulars of a certain project. As technology and methodology evolve, the micro-siting approach will become more important in attaining sustainable and efficient development.

Adaptive dynamic positioning control of an offshore wind turbine installation vessel subjected to thruster dynamics and input constraints

This paper suggests an adaptive positioning control method for a DP-equipped offshore wind turbine installation vessel. The method combines a finite-time disturbance observer (FTDO) with adaptive command filtered backstepping (CFB) to handle issues related to thruster dynamics, input saturation, model parameter uncertainties, and unknown environmental disturbances. By analyzing the environmental loads acting on the pile legs, a mathematical model for the installation vessel is established. To counteract the unknown disturbance actively, a FTDO is utilized. Additionally, an auxiliary dynamic system (ADS) is used to mitigate the thruster input saturation issue. Then an adaptive positioning controller is designed based on the FTDO and ADS, and Lyapunov stability theory is used to prove that all signals in the control system remain uniformly ultimately bounded. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control approaches.

Grid Connected Wind Energy System Power Quality Improvement Using STATCOM

The wind energy generation, utilization and its grid penetration in electrical grid are increasing worldwide. Injection of the wind power into an electric grid affects the power quality. The wind generated power is always fluctuating due to its time varying nature and causing stability problems. This weak interconnection of wind generating source in the electrical network affects the power quality and reliability. This paper demonstrates the power quality problem due to installation of wind turbine with the grid. In this proposed scheme Static Compensator (STATCOM) is connected at a point of common coupling with a battery energy storage system to mitigate the power quality issues. The STATCOM gives reactive power support to wind generator and also load. The battery energy storage is integrated to sustain the real power source under fluctuating wind power. The STATCOM control scheme is simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK in power system block set.

Multi-factorial methodology for Wind Power Plant repowering optimization: A Spanish case study

Due to the climate change, there have been changes in the rhythm of nature over the last decades. In addition, there has been an increasing social consciousness regarding decarbonization and emissions, promoting governments new policies and economic support measures for renewable integration. In this scenario, the participation of the onshore and offshore wind sectors play a crucial role, expecting that more than 6000 GW will be globally installed in 2050. In parallel, the useful life of other wind power plants is coming to their end. Therefore, some countries will face in the coming years the decision of repowering, decommissioning, installing new turbines, or a combination of them. In general, the areas with the greatest wind potential are already occupied by relatively old wind turbines. Subsequently, a complex group of factors influences on the most appropriate solution decision-making, involving climatic, technological, environmental, social or economic aspects. This paper proposes an optimized methodology based on multi-criteria decision-making to estimate the most appropriate solution for extending the useful-life of wind power plants. An initial group of 26 factors were identified, corresponding to seven categories: technical, geographic, socio-environmental, location, economic, political and climate. The methodology is divided into three stages: (i) data, (ii) alternatives, and (iii) optimization. It was assessed with a Spanish onshore wind power plant connected to the grid. From the initial data and factors, 11 alternatives were designed based on a selection of 10 most relevant factors. The results provide an optimal solution, combining both repowering and installation of new wind turbines. From the results, this methodology would allow reducing the LCOE of the new wind plants installed in the European Union by more than 50%.

A novel design of a hybrid glulam-steel substructure for the IEA 15-MW floating wind turbine

Wind energy has become increasingly recognised as a very promising type of renewable energy. In addition, floating offshore wind turbines have facilitated the development of electricity production in intermediate (45-150 m) and deep sea (>150 m) depths. Despite this, wind turbine manufacturing, installation, and operation may generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions. A novel hybrid glulam-steel floating substructure design is presented in this research, intended for the IEA 15 MW floating wind turbine. The objective is to contribute to advancing floating wind energy while minimising costs and carbon dioxide emissions. The objective of the novel design is to substitute steel with glued laminated lumber (glulam). It showcases an altered iteration of the UMaine VolturnUS-S semi-submersible platform originally created for the IEA 15 MW turbine. Before selecting one of three preliminary hybrid wood-steel models, the Ansys Workbench 2020 R1 is used to evaluate and appraise them per a set of criteria extracted from pertinent timber and steel standards. The chosen hybrid design conserves about 590 metric tonnes of steel mass compared to the UMaine VolturnUS-S semi-submersible platform. The selected model is then validated by executing a fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic dynamic analysis with OpenFAST. Consideration is limited to the ultimate limit state design (ULS) for normal and severe operating situations. The utilisation factor of the glulam supporting structure for the IEA 15 MW turbine ranges from 74% to 94%, indicating that it is an effective load-bearing solution.

Wind power density characterization in arid and semi-arid Taita-Taveta and Garissa counties of Kenya

Wind Power Density (WPD) is a crucial parameter that can be used in assessing the potential of a given site for energy development and determining the suitability of wind turbine installation. A 7-year long-term data (2014–2020) of temperature, relative humidity, and wind speeds were obtained from Voi and Garissa synoptic station with a 3-h resolution. The objective of the study was to characterize wind power density in selected arid regions in Kenya. Analysis was performed using Weibull distribution parameters statistical tools i.e. Moment of Methods, Empirical Method (Justus), and Empirical Method (Lyssen), and error analysis using Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Coefficient of determination (R2) and Root Mean squared Error to determine the WPD accurate characteristics. Results show that Moment of Methods (MoM) performed better compared to other statistical tools, while the Taita Taveta had a better coefficient of Variance (CoV) ranging between 0.20 and 0.28% compared to 0.28–0.43% in Garissa. Based on the wind power density, the sites were found to be within Class II on the wind power classification from IEC and thus not viable for commercial power purposes. Results imply that power produced can be used in supplementing Kenya Offgrid Solar Access Project (KoSAP) which supplements power production used in gazetted marginalized counties by Kenya Power.

Abandoned Wells Can Provide Use for Pulverized Wind-Turbine Blades

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 213000, “Improving Economics for Abandoning Orphaned and Idle Oil and Gas Wells by Providing Storage for Pulverized Blades From Wind Turbines,” by Elena Ikeocha, SPE, and Iraj Ershaghi, SPE, University of Southern California. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The complete paper outlines a potential solution for handling leftovers from wind-turbine blades. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in such blades. The risk of BPA leaching into groundwater resources and the soil from wind-turbine-blade landfills can damage the food chain and can harm future generations through exposure to contaminated resources. The solution discussed by the authors is the potential use of the casing of idle wells considered for plugging and abandonment (P&A) for housing pulverized blades mixed with Portland cement. ​​​ Introduction The first large wind farms in the US were installed in the 1980s. Since then, the US has experienced two generations of wind-turbine installations, meaning that many of the early-generation turbines have already reached their end of life (EOL). Approximately 85% of turbine components are recyclable. Because of the complexity of the recycling process, however, these parts typically end up in landfills. Using landfills is, unfortunately, the most-common method for blade disposal in the US because of its convenience and cost efficiency. Wind turbines are manufactured using composite materials formed by the combination of polymer resins and high-tensile-strength fibers to develop glass-fiber-reinforced (GFRP) or carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers. These composite materials provide strength, weight, and durability. The strength and durability of the turbines, in conjunction with their size, create a disposal problem during their EOL. A singular wind turbine blade can be up to 100 yards long. The average weight of a wind turbine blade 128 ft long is 5,200 lbm. Blades that measure 155 ft can weigh up to 27,000 lbm. The annual rate of blade decommissions is projected to reach 2.2 million tons per year by 2050. Breaking down the statistical outlook further, 400,000 tons of blades will be decommissioned annually by 2030. This number is projected to reach 800,000 tons annually by 2050. EOL Options for Wind Turbines Between 80 and 90% of a wind-turbine blade’s mass consists of composite materials. Of that percentage, 60–70% is made up of reinforced fibers, while the remainder is resin. BPA is a chemical produced mainly for use in polycarbonate plastics. The epoxy used to form the blade consists of approximately 30–40% BPA. BPA can leak out because of blade erosion after landfill placement. Wind-turbine-blade landfills have the potential not only to leach hazardous chemicals into the environment but also to affect subsurface aquifers. Because of their durable nature, they will remain in landfills forever and leach volatile organic compounds and other toxins for decades.

Research on process safety of offshore wind turbines installation: A theoretical model and empirical evidence

As the world energy problem becomes more and more prominent, offshore wind farms have made remarkable progress in the last few years. With the advent of the rush to install offshore wind turbines around the world, offshore wind turbine (OWT) installation accidents have gradually increased. The process safety associated with offshore wind turbine installations has been a growing concern in offshore wind industry. To address this issue, this study aims to identify the factors affecting offshore wind turbine installation process safety, and to evaluate the correlations among these factors. The study involved an investigation into the causes and procedures of accidents that occurred during offshore wind turbine installation, leading to the development of customized safety factors. A questionnaire survey was developed and administered by a team of offshore wind industry professionals, including scholars, managers, and workers, and the data collected was analyzed using a theoretical model based on structural equation modeling. The results show that environment and weather condition, organization and management, and OWT installation technology have a significant impact on OWT installation technology. Furthermore, OWT installation technology has the largest total effect on the process safety of OWT installation.

Extended reality-based choice experiment to assess the impact of offshore wind turbines in historic center: The case of Manfredonia

This paper proposes a novel four-step methodology to achieve an extended-reality-based choice experiment in historic and touristic centers. The study exploits the case of Manfredonia (a seaside town in southern Italy) to apply the new approach and investigates public attitudes and preferences towards the installation of offshore wind turbines in the area. The novelty of the proposed work is twofold: i) for the first time, a structured methodological approach is defined for the development of a hybrid extended-reality-based choice experiment; ii) the perception of the visual impact of offshore wind turbines is assessed in a touristic and historic city in southern Italy exploiting the proposed approach. Our findings underscore the importance of continuously monitoring public perceptions to maintain and promote support for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in relation to the perception of wind energy's visual impact. In particular, 65% of respondents express their worries about wind power plants impact on the landscape. Moreover, the positive coefficient of the visual impact (0.011) suggests a positive utility of respondents from a higher off-shore turbines' density and a marginal willingness to accept a compensation of about 13€ for the visual impact and of about 33€ for the distance from the shore. In this context the use of extended reality technology in choice experiment scenarios significantly improves the results and enhances the understanding of the landscape impact of offshore wind farms.

Structural Analysis Procedure and Applicability Review of Spudcan Considering Soil Types

As interest in eco-friendly energy development continues to rise, the offshore wind turbine market is growing at a high rate of increase every year. In line with this, the demand for installation vessels with large capacity is also increasing rapidly. WTIVs (Wind Turbine Installation Vessels) employ spudcans in the seabed for the installation of wind turbines. Currently, the assessment of spudcans is an important issue in ensuring structural safety in the entire structure system. This study examines the current procedure suggested by classification societies and a new procedure that accounts for the new loading scenarios based on realistic operating conditions. This new procedure is further validated through an FEA (Finite Element Analysis). The current procedure yields maximum stress values below the allowable criteria because it does not consider the effect of the seabed slope, the leg bending moment, and the spudcan shape. However, the results of some load conditions as defined in the new procedure confirm the need for reinforcement under actual preload conditions. Therefore, the new procedure considers a broader range of real-world operating conditions, and the possible problems were verified through a detailed FEA.

Global land and water limits to electrolytic hydrogen production using wind and solar resources

Proposals for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 include scaling-up electrolytic hydrogen production, however, this poses technical, economic, and environmental challenges. One such challenge is for policymakers to ensure a sustainable future for the environment including freshwater and land resources while facilitating low-carbon hydrogen production using renewable wind and solar energy. We establish a country-by-country reference scenario for hydrogen demand in 2050 and compare it with land and water availability. Our analysis highlights countries that will be constrained by domestic natural resources to achieve electrolytic hydrogen self-sufficiency in a net-zero target. Depending on land allocation for the installation of solar panels or wind turbines, less than 50% of hydrogen demand in 2050 could be met through a local production without land or water scarcity. Our findings identify potential importers and exporters of hydrogen or, conversely, exporters or importers of industries that would rely on electrolytic hydrogen. The abundance of land and water resources in Southern and Central-East Africa, West Africa, South America, Canada, and Australia make these countries potential leaders in hydrogen export.

The world’s best practices in the development of aquaculture in the framework of the implementation of projects for the multipurpose use of the infrastructure of the fuel and energy complex

The article discusses the current international experience of integrating various aquaculture projects into the infrastructure of the fuel and energy complex. Against the background of the active growth in the production of aquaculture products, there is a tendency for the multipurpose use of energy sector facilities (oil platforms, wind farms, etc.) to obtain valuable aquaculture products both during their operation and after the completion of the project period of use. The specifics of the production and assortment of aquaculture facilities and farming methods in different regions of the world have been identified, which determined the features of the integration of aquaculture into fuel and energy facilities. The most common and has been used for many decades in many countries of the world is the cultivation of aquaculture facilities on the recycled water of thermal power plants and reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants. In the European region, there is an active use of offshore platforms for the extraction of hydrocarbons with simultaneous agricultural, aquaculture, scientific activities and the production of electricity through the installation of wind and wave turbines. Oxygen and hydrogen production is organized on some platforms. In North America, projects of hybrid systems “food-energy-water” are being developed using aquavoltaics technology, which allows maintaining the aquatic environment in optimal condition. Fish farming is combined with the cultivation of crustaceans and shellfish, oil platforms are often repurposed into artificial reefs. A patented project of an integrated floating system consisting of four vertical-axial wind turbines connected to a single system with a solar battery and a floating base for the placement of aquaculture facilities is being implemented in Asia. The development of such projects, in addition to the pronounced positive economic effect, also contributes to improving the level of food security of the regions. The use of engineering structures and other infrastructure facilities as new locations and substrates for the cultivation and free habitat of various hydrobionts can significantly reduce the negative impact of the fuel and energy industry on the environment.

Large Eddy Simulation Inflow Generation Using Reduced Length Scales for Flows Past Low-Rise Buildings

When undertaking wind assessment around buildings using large eddy simulation (LES), the implementation of the integral length scale at the inlet for inflow generation is controversial, as real atmospheric length scales require huge computational domains. While length scales significantly influence inflow generation in the domain, their effect on the downstream flow field has not, as yet, been investigated. In this paper, we validate the effectiveness and accuracy of implementing a reduced turbulence integral length scale for inflow generation in LES results at the rooftop of low-rise buildings and develop a technique to estimate the real local length scales using simulation results. We measure the wind locally and calculate the turbulence length scales from the energy spectrum of the wind data and simulation data. According to these results, there is an excellent agreement between the length scale from simulation and measurement when they are scaled with their corresponding freestream/inlet value. These results indicate that a reduced integral length scale can be safely used for LES to provide a reliable prediction of the energy spectrum as well as the length scales around complex geometries. The simulation results were confidently employed to obtain the best location for a wind turbine installation on low-rise buildings.