On the Effect of Offshore Wind Farms on the Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics, 2015
Hamburg Studies on Maritime Affairs Series, Vol. 31

Renewable energy resources now play an essential role in the energy supply debate, and especially a new interest in wind energy has resulted in the intensified construction of wind farms. Thanks to the growing demand for renewable energy, offshore wind farms (OWFs) are increasingly gaining in popularity, since yields over sea are greater and more reliable than over land. Against this background it is becoming particularly urgent to determine whether and if so to what extent such OWF expansion affects our oceans and local climates. OWFs produce a downstream wind speed reduction, the so-called wind-wake effect, which impacts atmospheric boundary layers, alters local wind characteristics and in turn affects ocean dynamics. This book will help readers to understand in detail these OWF-induced changes in the atmosphere and ocean by analyzing model simulations and measurements. In this context, OWF-induced upwelling and downwelling are key aspects.

1. Introduction.- 2. Renewable Energy Wind.- 3. Models, Data and Methodology.- 4. Analysis 01: OWF Effect on the Atmosphere.- 5. Analysis 02: OWF Effect on the Ocean.- 6. Analysis 03: Future Scenario – OWF development within German EEZ.- 7. Summary, Conclusion and Outlook.- 8. Appendix I.- 9. Appendix II.

Determines whether and if so to what extent the OWF expansion due to the energy supply debate affects our oceans and local climates

Includes three in-depth analyses: 1. OWF effect on atmosphere, 2. OWF effect on the ocean and 3. a future scenario with two case studies

Analyzes model simulations and measurements

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras