TI calculation: a major challenge for the wind energy industry
Atmospheric turbulence is a key parameter in the design and sizing of wind turbines. It plays an important role in assessing the fatigue loads experienced by turbine components, as well as in modelling wake effects.
An overly conservative estimate of turbulence can lead to more severe loading conditions being assumed than those actually encountered on site. This approach can result in the over-dimensioning of components, with a direct impact on project CAPEX and, consequently, on LCOE.
Having a more accurate and representative estimate of turbulence is therefore essential to optimising turbine design and improving the competitiveness of wind energy projects.
TwinDAR©: an innovative approach to assessing TI using profiling lidar
To address this challenge and reduce uncertainties in turbulence estimation, we developed TwinDAR©, an innovative solution for assessing TI from measurements acquired using profiling lidar. Based on the variance method, the TwinDAR© algorithm generates TI time series over 10-minute periods and at different heights. These data provide a more accurate representation of the aerodynamic loading conditions experienced by turbines, thereby enabling more refined design and sizing analyses.
By providing a more accurate characterisation of turbulence, TwinDAR© contributes to optimising wind farm layout and turbine design, while helping to reduce the CAPEX of both onshore and offshore wind projects.
