Performance evaluation of the WRF model in a tropical region: wind speed analysis at different sites

Abstract

In this study, the performance of the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is evaluated using combinations of three Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and three Land Surface Model (LSM) schemes, in order to identify the optimal parameters for the determination of wind speed in a tropical region. The state of Bahia in Brazil is selected as the location for the case study and simulations are performed over a period of eight months between 2015 and 2016. This is done to ensure that the dry and rainy seasons at the three different experimental sites—Esplanada, Mucuri, and Mucugê—are well separated from each other. The results of the simulations are compared with the observational data obtained from three towers equipped with anemometers at heights of 80, 100, 120 and 150 m, strategically placed at each site. Overestimation of wind speed is observed in the simulations, despite similarities between the simulated and observed wind directions. In addition, the accuracies of simulations corresponding to sites that are closer to the ocean are observed to be lower—the most accurate wind speed estimates are obtained corresponding to Mucugê, which is located farthest from the ocean. Finally, analysis of the results obtained from each tower accounting for periods with higher and lower precipitation reveals that the combination of the PBL-YSU scheme with the LSM-RUC scheme yields the best results.

Evaluation of a High Resolution WRF Model for Southeast Brazilian Coast: The Importance of Physical Parameterization to Wind Representation

“…In that sense, [10] assessed the performance of the WRF model in a brazilian tropical region, with a specific emphasis on wind representation. The authors emphasized the significance of such investigations to adequately support the expanding utilization of wind energy as an important source for the energy matrix of many countries.…”

Simulating Atmospheric Characteristics and Daytime Astronomical Seeing Using Weather Research and Forecasting Model

“…In order to increase the resolution, mesoscale models of the atmosphere and methods for parametrization of turbulent characteristics are being developed in the world. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is widely used in simulations of atmospheric movements and pollution [12][13][14][15][16][17]. In recent years, the WRF model has been used to diagnose and predict optical turbulence as well as astronomical image quality characteristics (including seeing) [18][19][20][21][22][23].…”