The effects of Open Cellular Convection on Wind Farm Operation and Wakes

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.