Wakes in and between very large offshore arrays

Abstract Projected power output and wake extents are presented from new simulations with the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model v4.2.2 for large offshore wind energy lease areas along U.S. east coast. These assume nearly 2000 IEA 15 MW reference turbines deployed a spacing equal to mean of smaller European farms (7.7 rotor diameters). Results show marked differences across two farm parameterizations. Generally, modified Fitch parameterization (wherein TKE generation by has been decreased) generates lower production estimates, more spatially extensive deeper wakes than manifest in Explicit Wake Parameterization (EWP). For example, under conditions moderate freestream speeds (? 4-10 ms ?1 at hub-height) turbulent kinetic (TKE ? 0.2 1 m 2 s ?2 ), cumulative (summed over all areas) is substantially greater 25% higher) EWP Fitch. have real implications thus both expected revenues grid integration. The normalized extent also exhibit sensitivity order which overlapping inner domains computed number domains. This effect Analyses focusing on seven adjoining south Massachusetts indicate schemes magnified largest clusters (with installed capacity > 10 GW spatial 3675 km ).