For complex terrain sites, mast positioning is crucial. In order to avoid locating the mast at highly turbulent area, and have your mast at a representative position to minimize uncertainty, it is highly recommended a LES CFD study to be carried out.

Excessive turbulence not only affects stable operation but also shorten turbine life and in extreme case results in turbine destruction. Therefore, it is extremely important to check the turbulence levels at the planned turbine positions. Unsteady LES CFD is employed to accurately predict and quantify turbulence level for minimising turbulence risk and optimising layout for maximising production.

For moderate to highly turbulent sites, turbine models can have a major impact on operational availability. A good understanding of site wind condition is gained through in-depth analysis of the met mast data and correct interpretation of the LES CFD results. Combining with extensive turbine design knowledge, we recommend appropriate turbine models.

Precise production prediction for complex terrain sites is a major challenge. Accurate unsteady CFD modelling is essential, combining with experience and sound judgment on modelling errors and uncertainties. Mesoscale coupling with LES CFD model is employed when necessary.

We specialise in risk assessment and production estimate for complex terrain sites.

For new sites, we carry out unsteady LES CFD simulation and ask these critical questions:

・Are the masts located at suitable locations ?
・Are the turbine positions at risk from excessive turbulence ?
・Is the selected wind turbine model suitable for the site turbulent conditions ?

For existing operational sites, we carry out the following critical tasks:

・SCADA Data Analysis - to check performance and turbulence level
・Unsteady LES CFD simulation - for accurate flow reproduction essential for risk quantification
・O&M Records - to check if turbines has been proprely maintained
・Lubricating & control oil analysis history - to identify the health history of the turbines
・Turbine Inspection - to assess the conditions of key componenets (gearbox, bearings, yaw, etc) with endoscope
・Production Estimate - to calculate the future energy yield taken into account of turbine conditions and site turbulence

We investigate, determine and quantify any siginificant risk, essential for accurate project value assessment.

In order to be confident that your wind power project will be profitable and sustainable, stable operation of wind turbines is a must. To achieve that, suitable maintenance and regular condition checks are necessary.

Based on rich experience and know-how acquired over the years, inspection is carried out with the specific aim of grasping the wind turbine condition, not a perfunctory inspection with a long checklist.

Also, taking account of any site-specific turbulent wind conditions, a critical turbine technical review can be performed from the design point of view.

Featuring extensive data quality control with wide range of value-added tools, enhanced data visualisation, all driven by a fast calculation engine. This innovative online wind analysis tool is now available including the following analysis and more in development.

・ Wind Speed & Wind Direction Time Series
・ Monthly Average Wind Speed
・ Multi Sector Turbulene Intensity
・ Wind Rose by Wind Speed & Energy Density
・ Hub Wind Speed Prediction by time series
・ Mesoscale MSM Annual and Monthly Wind Rose
・ Topographical Conversion for RIAM-COMPACT MASCOT & WAsP
・ Tree Height
・ ERA5 and ERA5-Land Wind Data (In Development)
・ Mast data comparison with Lidar (In Development)

Superior to all RANS softwares in terms of accuracy and detail. Featuring the fastest unsteady LES codes/solvers among all commerical CFD softwares. Making this an indispensable tool for turbine siting and resource assessment. To find out more, go to RIAM page.