Wind Energy and the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

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Wind is a viable renewable energy source for Canada with a continuing increase in the numbers of wind farms in all provinces. As available wind farm sites close to electricity demand locations become harder to find we anticipate offshore wind farm development in the Great Lakes (despite the current moratorium in Ontario) and part of our work is related to this activity. In addition more wind farms are under development in complex terrain (for example in the Gaspé peninsula and British Columbia). The economic viability of a wind farm is critically dependent on the wind resource and the detailed design (layout and turbine selection), based on satisfying noise and other environmental concerns while maximizing annual energy production (AEP). Financing arrangements are often sensitive to the uncertainties associated with estimates of AEP and improved understanding and modelling will play an important role in reducing these uncertainties and supporting the industry. Our research will provide improved and validated models of wind flow in complex terrain including shoreline environments and for offshore locations in the Great Lakes. Although the real dangers are minimal in most instances, there are continuing arguments about the noise generated by wind farms and the propagation of this noise to residences and other locations. Regulatory models are over simplified and a more detailed study is planned, especially for over water propagation as this appears to be a concern for offshore wind farm developments in the Great Lakes. The basic goal is to conduct atmospheric research that will support the efficient and economic development of Canada's wind energy resource.