Wind-tunnel simulation of the flow over hills and complex terrain

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Abstract

A study has been completed to evaluate the accuracy of a wind tunnel investigation of flow over a complex terrain model. Both terraced and contoured models of the Rakaia River Gorge region of New Zealand were prepared to an undistorted geometric scale of 1:5000. The contoured model was examined for three separate surface roughness conditions. On two spring days, selected for strong adiabatic down valley wind flow, three teams of investigators surveyed up to 27 sites on either side and within the river gorge. Measurements consisted of wind speed and direction at a 10 m height.

The laboratory simulation results were compared with the available field data by means of statistical correlation and scatter diagrams. The model and field results have been used to assess the value of laboratory experiments as part of strategy to develop and demonstrate efficient and economical techniques for identifying favorable wind energy conversion sites.

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