Research on the impact of wake effects of onshore wind power bases on regional climate

Large-scale wind power base development is a key trend in wind power growth, with regional climatic impacts from wake effects garnering significant attention. This research uses the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to conduct numerical simulations of the Ulanqab Wind Power Base, deeply analyzing wake effect mechanisms on local/downstream climates and quantifying its climatic impacts. In terms of seasonal variations, winter exhibits the most pronounced thermal and moisture shifts: a 0.76°C surface warming and 2.24% relative humidity drop, establishing a year-round pattern of dry-heating within the base and wet-cooling downstream. Summer local precipitation fluctuates by ±20 mm, with augmented rainfall at the base and diminished rainfall downstream. Diurnal effects contrast with the alternating patterns of conventional wind farms, exhibiting consistent warming (0.55–1.15°C) and a decrease in humidity (2.17%–2.61%). Nighttime perturbation intensities are 1.6–2.7 times greater than those observed during the day, especially regarding the maximum temperature increase on winter nights. This research illuminates climate-based interaction mechanisms, offering critical scientific insights for evaluating wind power development's environmental ramifications.