Mean and turbulent flow behavior over a 1:50 scale model of a wind turbine site containing a local escarpment was investigated from wind directions of 230°, 270° and 300°. Flow from each direction contained vastly different local geometry at the same elevation.
Results showed separation regions are formed immediately downstream of the escarpment at each wind direction. It is observed that turbulence within the first 3 meters from the escarpment edge is strongest for inflow from 230° while flow from 300° shows similar trends with lower turbulence magnitude. Inflow from 270° had the most impactful effect on the flow behavior showing the largest wake region increasing in height with the distance from the leading edge. The results also show that the flow field below 55 m was effected by the local geometry of the escarpment leading up to and likely beyond the turbine location. It is concluded that the effects induced from local geometry may cause changes to dynamic loading and fatigue on both the turbine blades and tower.
