Flow in Complex Terrain

Lidar Complex

The project "Lidar Complex" was a project within South German research network "WindForS". It aims at the development of lidar measurement methods for topographically complex locations. A deeper understanding of the behaviour of wind turbines in such environments is to be achieved by means of comparative measurements in flat and complex terrain. The influence of topography as well as the influence of daily and seasonal fluctuations was investigated with different measurement methods (wind mast, RPA and lidar systems). Another part of the project was the development and validation of wind field models in complex terrain. "Link to project homepage: http://www.uni-stuttgart.de/windenergie/lidarcomplex

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie) on the basis of a decision by the German Bundestag

KonTest

The aim of the two-year KonTest project was to design a wind energy test field in southern Germany and to determine a suitable location for such a test field in Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria. The results of the project are to be used to implement a wind energy test field in a complex, mountainous terrain. In addition to meteorological measuring masts, two wind turbines of the 600-900 KW class with rotor diameters of 40-80 m are to be placed on the test field. These plants will be used to prepare, test and validate new technologies in the field of materials, construction methods, aerodynamics, load monitoring, noise reduction, measurement technology and others. The UAV MASC was used in the course of the project to investigate potential sites for small scale effects in the wind field.

WINSENT (Wind Science and Engineering in Complex Terrain)

With the shift from fossil and nuclear power to renewable energy, the importance of wind turbines is growing fast. In addition to large off-shore wind parks, local, decentralized energy production plays a key role because it reduces the need for expensive and inefficient power transmission.
However, these smaller wind parks are often built in complex mountainous or hilly terrain. Finding the best location and optimal layout of the wind turbines in these environments is a challenge addressed by several research projects. This research helps to reduce cost and increase reliability and efficiency of wind turbines in complex terrain. For these projects, a test site with full access to the wind turbines and a good scientific infrastructure is needed.
In the project “KonTest”, the optimal location and equipment for such a test field was evaluated. With the project WINSENT (Wind Science and Engineering in Complex Terrain), which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector Baden-Württemberg, this test field will now be built and operated.

The location of the test site behind an escarpment on the rim of the Swabian Alps near the town of Geislingen provides a more realistic testing environment compared to existing test sites in flat terrain. It will be the first wind energy test site in complex terrain in Germany and will serve as a Lighthouse project for Germany and neighbouring countries. The working group for environmental physics of the University of Tübingen will work on the sub area “microclimate” of the WINSENT project, using its MASC (Multiple- purpose airborne sensor carrier) aircraft to provide data on wind and turbulence over the test site. The data produced by the MASC will be used to validate other sources and fill spatial gaps. Measured data will also be used to validate and correct simulations of the wind test site.