RaptorNL
Standard wind resource assessment is currently undertaken with wind flow models that were developed in the mid- to late-1970's. These models typically solve some simplified form of the fluid flow equations in order to be usable on the computers of the day and therefore suffer from low accuracy when used in complex terrain. Many real-world situations are well outside of the steepness/roughness/complexity range where these models can be expected to give accurate results. However, with the increase in speed and capacity of modern computers, Windlab has been able to make use of a much more complete and accurate model formulation.
The RaptorNL™ non-linear model is a significant new advance in commercial assessment technology. It provides a solution to the industry need for accurate wind resource assessment in steep terrain.
RaptorNL™ contains leading edge numerical and physical formulations. These are the result of many years research in both numerical modelling and the fundamental fluid dynamics of turbulent flow over topography.
Technical Highlights:
- Non-linear
- Incompressible
- Full Reynolds Stress turbulence closure
- Terrain following vertically stretched coordinates
- Extensive wind tunnel validation, over broad steepness and roughness parameter space.
More about RaptorNL™
Presentation to American Wind Energy Association, Denver, May 2005.
