The influence of large wind farms on the atmospheric boundary layer

Global wind power capacity is growing exponentially making wind an important non-fossil energy source. As the number and size of wind farms increases, their influence on the local and regional climate must be considered. Large wind farms directly influence the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) by (1.) reducing wind speeds at turbine height, (2.) generating blade scale turbulence in the wake of the turbines, and (3.) generating shear driven turbulence along the interface between the turbine wake and the rest of the ABL. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) was modified to account for the presence of a large wind farm. This paper will discuss the influence wind turbines have on the atmopsheric boundary layer including changes in boundary layer structure, surface fluxes, wind shear, and the stress at the top of the ABL.