The fractal turbulent–non-turbulent interface in the atmosphere

Abstract

Abstract. With their constant increase in size, wind turbines are reaching unprecedented heights. Therefore, at these heights, they are influenced by wind conditions that have not yet been studied in detail. With increasing height, a transition to laminar conditions becomes more and more likely. In this paper, the presence of the turbulent–non-turbulent interface (TNTI) in the atmosphere is investigated. Three different on- and offshore locations are investigated. Our fractal scaling analysis leads to typical values known from ideal laboratory and numerical studies. The height distribution of the probability of the TNTI is determined and shows a frequent occurrence at the height of the rotor of future multi-megawatt turbines. The indicated universality of the fractality of the TNTI allows the use of simplified models in laboratory and numerical investigations.