Vertical mean wind profiles identification using Wind Lidars: an application to the area of Lamezia Terme

Abstract eng:
The definition of the vertical wind profile is a crucial point for wind loads and wind resource assessment. However, nowadays efficient methods for the measurement and probabilistic modeling of the vertical wind profiles are not fully available. Recent developments of remote sensing technologies such as Wind Lidars allow for the measurement of the vertical wind profile without the need of installing met masts. The present paper focuses on the assessment of vertical wind profiles on flat terrains employing Wind Lidars. These are described through the power law, characterized by the Hellmann coefficient, and through the modified logarithmic profile, characterized by the aerodynamic roughness coefficient and a stability correction parameter depending on the Monin–Obukhov length. Results for the area of Lamezia Terme are presented, pointing out some the issues related to complex terrains and breeze regimes. INTRODUCTION The Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) is the lowest part of the atmosphere and its behavior is directly influenced by its contact with the planetary surface. Above the ABL is the free atmosphere, where the wind is approximately geostrophic (i.e. parallel to the isobars), while within the ABL the wind is affected by surface drag and stability stratification conditions. The free atmosphere is usually nonturbulent, or only intermittently turbulent. Different is the ABL, where the wind speed increases with height, starting from zero at the ground level due to the no-slip condition. Flow near the surface encounters obstacles that reduce the mean wind speed and introduce random turbulent components. Moreover, the vertical temperature gradient also influences the vertical wind profile [1].

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