Turbulence Modeling

les

Turbulence Wind Time Series

Have you ever wished to have a (turbulence) measurements time-series at each turbine position of your planned or existing wind farm? Now, you can get something outstandingly similar: Vortex Large Eddy Simulation time series.

Vortex LES is an NWP-CFD online-coupled framework based on the WRF model powered by the NCAR’s Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Laboratory (MMM).

For microscale applications, the WRF model uses a CFD algorithm based on the LES approach. When WRF is coupled with the LES model, the result is commonly known as the WRF-LES model. This means that simulations are run as normal but turbulence parameterization is replaced by the LES model and hence, turbulent eddies are explicitly solved.

Vortex has improved the source code in two ways: i) the problem of lateral boundary conditions (LBC) has been solved by including a perturbation in the potential temperature, and ii) the WRF model source code has been improved through optimization of computational needs. The modified version of the models is called Vortex-LES.

Vortex uses the adapted version of the model to provide high-resolution modeled wind resource data and virtual datasets for anywhere in the world. Download the white paper here for more detailed information.

The ability of WRF-LES technology to provide 10-minute modeled wind data makes this virtual time series a good candidate to fill in the day-scale gaps of measured data and support wind farm development planning.

Vortex LES provides a robust and reliable framework for generating high-resolution turbulence time series and modeled wind resource data at turbine level. By integrating advanced LES modeling with long-term historical wind data, these virtual datasets enable comprehensive turbulence analysis, support detailed wind farm development decisions, and allow engineers to evaluate site-specific variability, shear, and sub-hourly fluctuations. This approach ensures actionable insights for both preliminary assessments and detailed project optimization, onshore or offshore.

When to Use LES

When no measured wind is available (or reliable) to characterize mean flow and turbulence.
When generating modeled wind resource data for wind farm development or site-specific turbulence analysis.

How Can LES Help You?

Press Play to learn what LES
can do for you.

Technical Details

10-minute time series simulated at 100 m horizontal resolution.
Any location worldwide, both on and off-shore.
No measurements needed.
1-full year period: selectable or long-term representative.
Physically computed 10-min average records.
Based on 4-Hz samples, including 3-second gust.
Wind speed standard deviation for turbulence intensity calculation.
All heights included from 50 to 300 m allowing for shear and veer calculation.
ECMWF ERA-5 reanalysis.
Gap Fill
Provides high-resolution virtual turbulence data for precise wind resource assessment and supports detailed wind farm development decisions.

These Vortex LES datasets provide high-resolution turbulence time series and modeled wind resource data, supporting accurate wind farm development planning and detailed site-specific turbulence analysis. By combining advanced LES simulations with long-term historical wind data, engineers gain actionable insights for optimizing turbine placement, energy yield, and microscale flow characterization.

Other products you may be interested in:

Ready to Get Started?

Sign up for your free account and gain access to wind data at any coordinate worldwide.

Modeled wind resource data for the wind industry.
At any site around the world. Onshore and offshore.

info@vortexfdc.com