Wind shear data at wind turbine heights from several sites is reviewed and new data is documented in terms of total and component shear. A variety of atmospheric scenarios may combine to give large persistent shear. Among these, strong boundary layer stability is foremost. It occurs with strong nocturnal surface cooling, in low level frontal and subsidence inversions, and in thunderstorm outflows. Strong shears resulting from surface radiation inversions are particularly evident over the High Plains where dry air and high altitude combine to result in strong radiational cooling. Terrain is also an important influence on shear but it is not well understood and is very site specific.
Oregon State Univ., Corvallis (USA). Dept. of Atmospheric Science
Design Methods, Tools & Standards
Resource Characterization, Forecasting & Maps
Distributed Wind
Utility-Scale Wind
Technical Report
Mahrt, L.; Heald, R.C.