On the measurement of stability parameter over complex mountainous terrain

Abstract. Atmospheric stability has a significant effect on wind shear and turbulence intensity, these variables, in turn, have direct impact power production loads turbines. It is therefore important to know how characterise atmospheric order make better energy yield estimation farm. Based the research-grade meteorological mast at Alaiz (CENER's test site Navarre, Spain) named MP5, this work compares evaluates different instrument set-ups methodologies for characterisation, namely Obukhov parameter, measured with sonic anemometer, bulk Richardson number based two temperature one speed measurement. The methods are examined considering their theoretical background, implementation complexity, instrumentation requirements, practical use connection applications. method provides more precise local measurement of while simpler, robust cost-effective technique implement assessment campaigns. Using as benchmark, it shown that obtain reliable measurements onshore sites necessary install sensors close ground where gradient stronger.