Course Overview

The course is an introduction to the atmospheric physics and associated basic statistical analysis relevant to wind energy. It deals with the atmospheric boundary layer, including stability, roughness and topography, mean winds, and extreme wind statistics. It also involves turbulence and gusts; description of these includes spectra, coherence and probability density functions. Sources of wind data are reviewed; wind resources and their assessment, as well as site assessment and the IEC standard are covered.

Course Highlights

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MAIN GOAL

To give a general and usable understanding of atmospheric flow/physics and statistics relevant for wind energy, including wind resource assessment, site assessment, and driving atmospheric input for aero-elastic loads calculations.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of this course, you will be able to:

• + Apply simple statistical concepts in the description of time series of the wind; e.g. means, moments, and probability density functions.
• + Analyze meteorological time series using more advanced statistical tools, such as the correlation function, spectra and cross-spectra.
• + Explain the basic mechanisms responsible for winds in the atmosphere.
• + Explain and use the atmospheric boundary layer [ABL] and surface-layer concepts, along with the limitations/requirements of surface-layer theory.
• + Explain how atmospheric stability and the Coriolis force affect the ABL and wind flow.
• + Quantitatively use micrometeorological concepts such as roughness length, momentum flux, Obukhov length, and the geostrophic drag law.
• + Qualitatively explain how various kinds of non-uniformity in terrain affect the atmospheric flow.
• + Apply the above-mentioned concepts to estimate the wind energy resource over simple terrain.
• + Quantitatively characterize atmospheric turbulence, via variances, spectra and coherences; explain the connection to dynamic loads on structures.
• + Characterize the most commonly used in-situ and remote sensors of wind.
• + Explain wind-related aspects of the IEC 61400-1 standard for wind turbine safety.

Meet Your Instructor

Mark C. Kelly

Assoc. Professor

Admissions

Entry Requirements

• + Need to know/use undergraduate mathematics including differential & integral calculus with vectors & complex numbers (e.g. DTU 01005 & 01901). Some basic fluid mechanics/dynamics is also used, and thermodynamics is a bonus. Course now uses Python assignment templates, which reduces the workload for the student compared to 2024 and earlier; thus experience with Python (also Matlab) is helpful—equivalent to e.g. DTU 02631/02633.

Teaching and Assessment Methods

• + Lectures with discussion and short in-class exercises (e.g. written derivations); mandatory computational assignments drive the assessment and hands-on learning.
• + Oral examination and exercises.

Application Deadline: TBC

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

TBC