Physical Model Study of the Wind Turbine Array Boundary Layer

First results from an experimental investigation of the fully developed wind turbine array boundary layer are reported, using arrays of up to 100 model wind turbines with a diameter of 0.25 m. The wind turbine array was simulated by a combination of drag-matched porous disks, used in the upstream part of the array, and by a smaller array of realistically scaled 3-bladed wind turbines just upstream of the measurement location. The model array was placed in the 6.0 m × 2.7 m × 72.0 m test section of the UNH Flow Physics Facility. Power, rate of rotation and rotor thrust were measured for select turbines, and hot-wire anemometry was used for flow measurements. Development of a fully developed wind turbine array boundary layer was noted with increase in array size.