Bob Conzemius, PhD, Senior Scientist at the WindLogics Research Center, will be presenting his research on convective boundary layer activity at The Inaugural International Conference of the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EM08) at the University of Minnesota on May 21.
This research, conducted with Evgeni Fedorovich, of the University of Oklahoma, specifically examines simulations versus observations of a sheared convective boundary layer. The study involved large eddy simulation (LES) and evaluation of LES predictions against lidar and vertically pointed radar observations.
“The turbulence in the convective boundary layer has a great impact on the fluctuations of winds that are felt by wind turbines during the day. The more we understand about behavior of atmospheric turbulence under various conditions, the better we can characterize its effects on wind turbines and wind plants,” Bob commented.
The study is a preview of upcoming research that will be sponsored by an Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund grant, awarded to the University of Minnesota, to develop a virtual wind simulator for optimal design of wind energy projects.
The International Conference of the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EM08) will be held at the University of Minnesota on May 18-21 to provide a major forum for the exchange of information and discussion of recent developments in, and applications of, solid and fluid mechanics. For more information, please visit the conference website.
