windPRO

SHADOW Module

Analyze and mitigate wind turbine shadow flicker

The SHADOW module in windPRO allows you to calculate and visualize the shadow flicker impact caused by one or more wind turbines on nearby buildings or open areas. Whether you're assessing a single window or a wide development zone, the SHADOW module helps ensure your wind energy project meets regulatory limits and minimizes nuisance to residents.

Plan clean energy with clear skies in mind

Targeted Shadow Impact Analysis

  • Calculate annual shadow flicker hours, days with flicker, and maximum daily impact at specific receptors (e.g. windows, patios, lawns).

  • Perform assessments using either worst-case scenarios (turbines always running, sun always shining) or realistic statistical models that consider:

    • Actual turbine operating hours
    • Wind direction sectors
    • Monthly sunshine probabilities

Flicker Maps & 3D Terrain Modeling

  • Generate high-resolution flicker maps that account for terrain elevation, obstacles, and sun position throughout the year.

  • Use digital contour maps to perform ZVI (Zone of Visual Influence) analysis, checking whether a turbine and sun are visible from each receptor point.

Shadow Calendar & Curtailment Planning

  • Create shadow calendars for each receptor or turbine, showing exactly when and how long shadow flicker will occur.

  • These calendars can be exported and implemented directly into turbine control systems for automatic curtailment—turning turbines off during critical flicker periods to stay within allowed limits.

  • Use flicker downtime data in your loss and uncertainty assessments.

Real-World Simulation Capabilities

  • Define shadow receptors as:
    • Points (e.g. windows or balconies)
    • Areas (e.g. yards, gardens, building footprints)

  • Customize:

    • Receptor orientation and dimensions
    • Area raster size for detailed simulations

  • Input data for shadow simulations includes:

    • Wind turbine positions and specifications (over 1,000 types in the WTG catalog)
    • Obstacles like terrain, forests, or buildings
    • Solar data from built-in statistical databases

Professional Reporting & Output Options

The SHADOW module provides detailed, ready-to-use documentation for permitting, public consultation, or internal planning:

1. Main Report

Includes maps of wind turbines and shadow receptors.

Summarizes shadow flicker hours per receptor.

2. Recipent Calendars

Tabular and graphic formats showing flicker dates, duration, and intensity.

Includes monthly reduction values based on actual sunshine and turbine operations.

3. Turbine Calendars

Identify exact times each turbine causes flicker.

Plan smart curtailment strategies to minimize energy loss while complying with regulations.

4. Flicker Impact Maps

Contour maps (isolines) showing intensity across larger areas.

Fully customizable: adjust isoline values, colors, and styles.

Export options: GIS shapefiles (ArcView) and Google Earth (KMZ).

Globally Recognized Shadow Flicker Calculation Standards

  • Fully compliant with international guidelines and best practices

  • Supports project approval processes in countries with strict shadow flicker regulations

  • Trusted by wind developers, consultants, and permitting authorities worldwide

windPRO

Manage shadow flicker in your wind energy project

Use the SHADOW module in windPRO to ensure community acceptance, regulatory compliance, and smart energy planning.

Take a closer look at every windPRO module

windPRO is built around a flexible, modular structure, so you can choose the tools that fit your specific project requirements. Whether you're developing a new wind farm or optimizing an existing one, windPRO has you covered.

BASIS

BASIS

Backbone for the use of windPRO modules. Gives access to a user-friendly GUI for designing wind farm projects.


Energy Modules

METEO

Import wind measurements, advanced data screen and AEP calculation.

MODEL

Interface to WAsP/WAsP CFD and other CFD models. Wind resource mapping and wind atlas calculations.

PARK

AEP calculatiopn including wake losses - advanced features as time varying AEP, RIX calculation etc. Based on input from modules(s) shown below.

MCP

Measure Correlate Predic - Generate long-term corrected wind statistics.

LOSS & UNCERTAINTY

Calculation of AEP in a bankable format.

OPTIMIZE

Optimize LCOE, AEP or NPV with load and noise limits.

SOLAR PV

Design and AEP of solar PV projects.

HYBRID

Combine wind and solar with prices and grid.


Operation Modules

TR10 – Quality factor

Post-construction analysis according to German TR10 Guideline.

PERFORMANCE CHECK

Analysis of actual production data from WTGs.


Loads Modules

SITE COMPLIANCE

WTG suitability for site and layout.

LOAD RESPONSE

WTG load estimation and Lifetime Extension.


Environment Modules

SHADOW

Calculate the shadow impact (flickering)

DECIBEL

Noise calculations based on different models.

ZVI

Calculates Zones of Visual Influence or Radar Interference.

GLARE

Calculate the impact of solar glare.

IMPACT

Individual neighbor environmental impact report based on modules below.

NORD2000

Advanced noise calculations.


Visualization Modules

PHOTOMONTAGE

Visualization of WTGs on photo or artificial landscape.

ANIMATION

Animated presentation of a photomontage. calculations.

SketchUp INTEGRATION

Import and export from SketchUp.


Electrical Module

eGRID

Calculation of electrical grid connections.


Economy Module

WINDBANK

Financial evaluation of WTG projects


Scripting Module

SCRIPTING

Interact with windPRO via API calls.