Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
First Advisor
Raúl Bayoán Cal
Term of Graduation
Summer 2026
Date of Publication
8-4-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Language
English
Subjects
Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Boundary Layer, e-type Rough Surface, Particle Image Velocimetry, Rough Surfaces, Solar Photovoltaics (PV)
Physical Description
1 online resource (vii, 85 pages)
Abstract
As increasing energy demand drives growth of utility-scale solar farms, there is rising concern about how a solar installation changes land topography and the atmospheric boundary layer that forms above it. This study investigates boundary layer development over a novel rough surface, named elevated or e-type roughness. Inspired by solar photovoltaic modules, an e-type roughness elements is by a bluff body elevated off of the ground. This work builds upon existing blunt body roughness types, namely k- or d-type roughness, to include parameters known to affect local turbulence and boundary layer development. Experimental cases explore the effects of panel inclination, panel height, system yaw, and spanwise inter-panel spacing.
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were taken in the Portland State University wind tunnel over an experimentally scaled e-type roughness. Measurements provide an ensemble average velocity and time-averaged turbulence statistics. Results show that the physical geometry of the roughness changes boundary layer thickness, and there are spatial variations in the flow field which correspond to individual roughness elements. An e-type rough surface is proven to impose significant drag on incoming flow, comparable to that of an urban roughness.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/45141
Recommended Citation
Compton, Emma Rocio, "Boundary Layers Over Elevated (E-Type) Roughness: Considering the Atmospheric Effects of Utility-Scale Solar PV Arrays" (2026). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 7207.