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Wind turbulence assessment: a key point to consider
A key phase in the development of a wind energy project is a comprehensive assessment of the inflow wind conditions. This is essential to determine the financial feasibility of a project.
Whilst the characteristics of the mean flow (like speed, direction) are relatively simple to assess by modelling or measurement tools, a lack of confidence in the characterization of wind fluctuations, i.e., turbulence, over a range of scales, has subsequently resulted in high levels of conservativeness being employed by wind turbine designers.
New methods for turbulence measurements and modelling
The DRACCAR-NEMO JIP (2023-2026) was established to develop methodologies and tools for a comprehensive assessment of turbulence at prospective offshore wind sites. The project explored the use of mesoscale models and data-driven methods to rreconstruct offshore wind metrics, yielding promising and encouraging results.
With regard to atmospheric turbulence measurements, the project’s main outputs are:
- TwinDAR©: a software solution delivering physics-based, DNV-compliant turbulence intensity measurements from dual ground-based pulsed lidars systems.
- Motion compensation algorithm: an algorithm that enables accurate turbulence intensity measurements from floating or otherwise mobile lidar platforms by compensating for platform-motion-induced line-of-sight velocity variance using a spectral approach.
Webinar resources
A webinar presenting the project’s key findings was held on 17 September 2026. Most of the presentations given are now available.