Numerical analysis of the microclimate conditions around a new telescope in La Palma, Spain

This work aims at applying a numerical analysis methodology, based on CFD techniques, to evaluate the effect of the wind and the temperature over the quality vision of a new telescope in La Palma (Spain). This island constitutes one of the best places in the world to carry out astronomy experiments. However, small variations in the climate conditions, together with the particle dispersion, drastically affect the selection of the best place where this building may be installed. In this work, the surrounding flow pattern and the turbulence distribution of the two possible places will be evaluated and analyzed. The numerical simulation will include a discretization of La Palma island, statistic analysis of the wind variation and a detailed analysis of the wind turbulences due to the terrain obstacles and other telescope buildings.