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windPRO 4.2

Smarter tools. Faster workflows. Deeper insights.

We are proud to announce the release of windPRO 4.2 - packed with new tools and enhancements to make your wind, solar, and hybrid project design more efficient and insightful than ever.

GIS

windPRO 4.2 introduces a new GIS platform that will make it easier to work with large geospatial databases directly within windPRO. In this first edition we are focusing on connecting and visualising datasets from more sources than ever before. This includes the ability to import Geopackages, connect to Web Feature Services (WFS) and ArcGIS Feature Services. 

Display multiple layers from different sources on top of each other using the original symbology. Re-order, hide and add layers to fit your needs. 

Swap between thematic maps with ease. You can create collections of maps for individual purposes. One set for environmental considerations, another for administrative maps and a third for civic works and so one. No need to tick a billion checkboxes, just to view a preferred set of GIS maps. 

The GIS platform in windPRO 4.2 is the first deliverable from a long-term project seeking to improve the GIS capabilities of windPRO in general. This is just the beginning. 

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You can get access to the GIS maps from the Background Maps window:
beta 2

Improved project wizard

You can now save templates when creating new projects. This makes it easier to download the right datasets every time, depending on the project type and location.

Create your own pre-defined layer structure and export it to colleagues so they use the same setup. Start your first template by selecting datasets in the individual tabs:

beta 3-1

Identifying good positions with T-RIX maps

Lower your uncertainty by finding the best suited met mast position on or near your site. Adhering to the guidelines for site complexity assessment in the German Technical Guideline 6 (Technische Richtlinie TR6) the T-RIX tool now offers three new map generators:

  • Complexity index: Where can I place new turbines, using a specific mast?
  • Sitefinder map: Where can I place new turbines, using existing reference points?
  • Met mast map: Where can I place a new met mast, given a specific turbine layout?

You can find it under the Tools tab:

PARK: New Ensemble Wake Model and Resampling

PARK can now combine multiple wake models into one ensemble model. Add weights to your preferred models. Currently, the N.O. Jensen, N.O. Jensen PARK 2, Ainslie 1988 and TurboPARK can be combined with individual settings in time varying calculations.

The ensemble model can be used in conjunction with time varying curtailments and outputs a separate report section in the PARK report and production time series export.

Find it as a wake model in the Wake tab of Time-Varying PARK calculations:

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With windPRO 4.2 you can now also up-sample the PARK production time series to 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60-minute time steps. This requires that the calculation is not aggregated. Find the new option in Result to File:

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METEO: New LiDAR correction

Measuring with LiDAR in complex terrain? You can now use CFD to correct your measurements within the METEO object. Either import from third party CFD providers using the flowres format, use WASP-CFD, or manually enter the correction factors in the table.

Access the RSD Flow correction window from the Data tab:

beta 6

New LiDAR verification:

Verify remote sensing devices against a mast according to the IEC 61400-50-2 standard. 

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You can access the tool from the Climate tab:

Showing wind roses on map

You can now display the wind roses for all meteo objects by right clicking on it and selecting “Show rose on map”. If multiple meteo objects have been selected, you can toggle the roses closest to a specified height:

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beta 8-1

Highlight timeseries on the graph by clicking on the height in the list: 

beta 10

Added import support for the new NRG LOGR format.

Curtailment Optimisation of Lifetime

Potential sites often get excluded because of an exceedance of loads or noise thresholds, killing a project.

With windPRO 4.2, you get a second chance of developing a business case for less ideal sites.

Using state-of-the-art optimisation techniques windPRO's Lifetime Optimization can suggest an optimal curtailment strategy that maximises park production and lifetime. The optimiser can take in multiple climatic parameters like wind speed, direction, temperature etc.

Find the new load optimiser under the Loads and Operation tab:

For noise optimisation, you can find it under Environment and Visual tab:

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Read more about Lifetime optimisation in windPRO here:

Take me to Lifetime Optimisation page

Improved noise calculations for Germany

You can now include noise from other sources than just wind turbines. With the new Noise Emitter Object (NEO), any kind of point noise source can be placed on the map. This could for instance be a factory, farm, battery or substation.

When running a DECIBEL calculation, these NEOs can be included when selecting the German Interimsverfahren model and adding an additional noise calculation model:

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Moreover, DECIBEL can now handle screening and noise reflections according to the ISO 9613-2 standard.

It is also possible to apply preloads according to TA LÄRM 3.2.1

windPRO 4.2 for SOLAR PV, HYBRID & GLARE

Redesign of HYBRID

windPRO 4.2 further improves the capabilities of the HYBRID module.

Grid Expansion costs are now included in the optimiser so you strike the right balance between production unit sizes and grid capacity.

The front page has been redesigned so it is easier to spot key metrics:

  • Production
  • Cash Flow
  • Capacities
  • LCOE, NPV, IRR
  • Payback time and lifetime costs
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Additionally, you can now decide whether to curtail wind or solar first.

ZVI in GLARE

When evaluating glare, it is now possible to include a Zone of Visual Influence calculation. That way, you can insert obstacles to mitigate glare.

The new feature is enabled by default and can be found in the GLARE calculation under the ZVI tab:

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Download windPRO 4.2 now

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