Idealized Simulations of the Wind over a Complex Terrain with Double Ridges Using a Lattice Boltzmann Model

A multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model (MRTLBM) has been in the process of development at US Army Research Laboratory to simulate the complex turbulent flows in the atmospheric boundary layer. As an initial validation process, we used MRTLBM for the simulations of boundary layer flows over an idealized complex terrain with double bell-shaped ridges. The effects of different atmospheric thermal stratification conditions on the flows were explored using the model. The impacts different ridge arrangements, such as size and distance, on the flow were also investigated. Some results were compared with results from previous laboratory studies and field observations. This modeling study is related to wind turbine siting decision which the mean wind condition and turbulence intensity are important factors.