The Influence of Non-Uniform Wind Conditions on the Power Output of an Offshore Wind Farm

Abstract

This Master's thesis uses Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and ERA5 data to explore the impact of non-uniform wind conditions on the performance of offshore wind farms. It introduces a novel methodology for detecting and characterising mesoscale atmospheric structures, such as low level jets, convective rolls and wind farm induced gravity waves, and for relating them to variations in power and energy output. Analysis of six wind farms reveals that low-level jets and convective rolls decrease energy production, as do gravity waves. However, convective rolls and gravity waves introduce spatially varying wind, which can increase production locally. The study also presents an innovative approach to determining inversion layer and free atmosphere heights, linking boundary layer dynamics with wind farm output. This research provides a data-driven, foundational understanding of how mesoscale atmospheric phenomena influence the performance of offshore wind farms and offers guidance for future modelling and monitoring approaches.