Numerical simulation of the atmospheric flow in a mountainous region of the North of Portugal

The present paper discusses the results of a numerical simulation of the wind flow over a mountainous area called Serra das Meadas, located in the North of Portugal, 60 km east of Porto, at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. Wind turbines are under installation in this region, where the availability of reliable wind data is crucial for the success of both the economic studies and operation of the windpower station. The mathematical model was based on the solution of the fluid flow (Reynolds averaged) and turbulence model equations (rc-E) using a non-orthogonal three-dimensional grid system. The results showed that it is possible to obtain three-dimensional simulations of the atmospheric flow over complex terrain, within a reasonable amount of computer time. Differences of about 10% of the wind speed measured 30 m above the ground could occur as a result of different grid resolution or flow inlet conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.