Extreme Wind Gust Detection Method

The development of a method to detect extreme wind gusts represents a critical advancement in the protection of wind energy systems and the optimization of renewable energy generation. Through education, research, and technological innovation, data can be transformed into solutions that safeguard infrastructure, reduce risks, and contribute to societal well-being.

The detector is part of the research entitled “Detection, Taxonomic Characterization, and Modeling of Extreme Operational Gusts in La Ventosa, Oaxaca, Mexico”, published in the journal Computation, which belongs to the MDPI publishing group. This platform has been developed by the principal authors of the article, with the aim of facilitating the application and reproducibility of the results obtained in the research. The full article can be accessed through the following DOI: 10.3390/computation13110268 .

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MDREV

The MDREV gust detection method is based on the “Velocity increment method” approach, identifying a gust when acceleration exceeds a set limit and ending when it falls below it. Unlike the traditional method, MDREV introduces an additional constraint on window amplitude, in addition to duration, which enables the definition of a more precise acceleration threshold. This means that instead of relying on a fixed 10-minute interval and a 3 m/s threshold, MDREV allows for analyses over intervals of just a few seconds with higher thresholds. These enhancements not only improve accuracy but also make it possible to detect operational gusts—something the original method, focused solely on coherent wind gusts, could not achieve.


Extreme Wind Gusts

A wind gust is defined as a rapid variation in wind speed occurring within a short time interval in a turbulent wind field.

Extreme Operational Gust (EOG)

The EOG is defined as a transient event caused by atmospheric turbulence, characterized by a brief drop in wind speed, followed by a sudden increase reaching a maximum value, and then rapidly decreasing back to the original mean speed (see Figure 1).

Extreme Operational Gust (EOG)
Figure 1. Extreme Operational Gust (EOG) profile.

Extreme Coherent Gust (ECG)

The ECG represents a sustained change in wind speed, typically described by a cosine-shaped curve, which eventually stabilizes at a constant speed. This corresponds to an increase in Ucg compared to the wind speed prior to the gust (see Figure 2).

Extreme Coherent Gust (ECG)
Figure 2. Extreme Coherent Gust (ECG) profile.