Introduction

Wind turbines in atmospheric numerical models, like PALM [1], are often simplified and discretized along the grid. Currently, there are three main methods to represent a wind turbine in a numerical model: the Actuator Line Model (ALM), the Actuator Disk Model (ADM), and the ADM with rotation (ADM-R). Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, the ADM's strength lies in its minimal information requirements, but is very simplified. On the other hand, ALM and ADM-R are more sophisticated, but usually needs data that commercial wind turbine manufacturers are unwilling to share.

[1] Maronga, B., Banzhaf, S., Burmeister, C., Esch, T., Forkel, R., Fröhlich, D., ... & Raasch, S. (2020). Overview of the PALM model system 6.0. Geoscientific Model Development, 13(3), 1335-1372.

Scope

The student will learn PALM-LES and work on enhancing the existing Actuator Disk Model (ADM). This learning process will be supervised. The objective is to refine the ADM to include rotation along its yaw-axis and potentially incorporate a controller to manage yaw misalignments. The results will be thoroughly discussed, documented, and the final version will be shared with the PALM community.

Work steps

Study Relevant Theory: Develop a basic understanding of LES and wind turbine representations.

Familiarize with LES Simulations: Learn to execute LES simulations using the current ADM.

Discuss Findings and Plan Approach: Review initial findings and create a detailed plan of approach.

Improve ADM Discretization: Enhance the ADM to allow for yaw-axis rotation.

Compare Improved ADM with Current ADM: Evaluate and discuss the results of the improvements.

Analyze ADM Behavior: Investigate the behavior in the upstream, near wake, and far wake of the wind turbine.

Analyze ADM in Wind Farm Setups: Compare the behavior of a single turbine with that of multiple turbines in a wind farm.

Optional: Introduce a controller to manage yaw misalignment, tilt, etc.

Document Findings: Discuss the results and provide recommendations for further investigations and improvements. Share the final ADM version with the PALM community.

• Master’s studies in physics, meteorology, engineering or different comparable degree
• Knowledge in the fields of physics, meteorology and wind energy
• High motivation for team work and self-dependent working style 
• Experience with data analysis in Python (preferable)