Abstract
This study employs mesoscale simulations using the Weather Research and
Forecasting model to investigate wind-farm blockage phenomena over a
six-month period in the North Atlantic Ocean. The impact of atmospheric
stratification and associated gravity waves on blockage effects is
assessed, unencumbered by the presence of nearby land. Simulations
reveal the formation of gravity waves at specific times, especially
evident in vertical velocity at hub height. Blockage analysis shows no
stratification effects above a Froude number of 10 and increased
blockage below 5. Different turbine layouts yield similar results,
emphasizing the Froude number as a key indicator of gravity wave effects
on wind farm aerodynamics. This study underscores the negative impact of
stratification effects, driven by gravity waves, on wind farm
production, reducing efficiency during approximately 10% of operation
time.