Windpower in forest - the effects of clearings

Research Project, 2016 – 2018

The wind flow over forested terrain is characterized by a slow down in wind speeds, higher wind shear and increased turbulence. High wind shear and turbulence are factors that increase fatigue loads on turbines, and most turbines today are not design for these loads. This leads to higher maintenance costs and a decrease in overall life time.

The aim is to learn to about the effects of clearning forest around a winf turbine to increase production and minimize loads. The study will cover the effect of larger effects.

The target is to:

1. evaluate the viability of a scanning LIDAR and advanced CDF modelling as a tool box for analysing the effect of forest clearing on wind wind turbines.

2. provide recommendations on how and when to clear forest around wind farms and wind turbines..