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, particularly
evident in vertical velocity at hub height. Blockage analysis indicates
no significant stratification effects on farm blockage above a Froude
number of 10 and increased blockage below a Froude number of 5.
Different turbine layouts yield similar results, highlighting 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 of additional 3% during approximately
5% of operational time.