Shadow effects in an offshore wind farm - potential of vortex methods for wake modelling

Abstract

Offshore wind turbines in a wind farm are affected by wakes of upstream turbines and adjacent wind farms depending on the park layout and wind direction. As a result the power output may decrease, while structural loads are increasing. In this research a coupled numerical approach based on multi-body system and free vortex methods is used to simulate shadow effects on the Alpha Ventus wind farm. The AV5 is operating at 12 m/s wind speed at half wake conditions with enabled control system and flexible blades and tower. Results of power output, rotor speed, blade pitch and blade root moment over time and azimuth demonstrate the high impact of the half wake condition on the wind turbine performance and loads.