Spatial Analysis of Enhanced Precipitation Co-located with Wind Turbines in North Central Illinois

This study observed whether or not regions of enhanced precipitation were co-located with wind turbines. Wind farm turbulence signatures collected from the Doppler on Wheels 7 were analyzed in IDV and Solo 3 to pinpoint the mechanisms responsible for possible precipitation modification. Archived radar data was analyzed in a GIS framework in order to better understand its potential influence by nearby wind turbines. The current hypothesis is that the turbulence generated by the wind farms will have the greatest effect on stratiform precipitation events and very little effect on convective precipitation events. Given the height and amount of turbulence observed during data collection on-board the Doppler on Wheels, it is anticipated through the spatial analysis that the wind turbines may be related to locally enhanced precipitation. This research is most relevant to those in the agricultural sector who rely on precipitation as opposed to irrigation.