An extensive beta test was conducted, and this articles explains the process as well as the outcomes
The WindSim Accelerator pre-processing modules Map and Model have undergone a rigorous beta testing process, with participation from leading professionals in the wind energy industry. These experts were tasked with evaluating the tool’s performance in real-world applications, assessing its usability, functionality, and efficiency in handling large datasets and complex workflows. The beta testers were selected from well-established organizations, including Norconsult, Statkraft, and Fortum Corporation, bringing diverse perspectives from wind energy advisors and senior resource analysts.
This beta testing phase focused on streamlining the pre-processing phase of wind resource modeling, reducing errors, and enhancing the speed of execution. The primary goal was to determine how well the new features integrated with the daily workflows of these experts and the overall value they brought to the users. Other goals included;
- Validating requirements for the MVP (minimum viable product)
- Performance / speed
- Stability and reliability
- The value of the new functionality in the user’s work flow
- Identifying any bugs and defects
- General user feedback
Beta test process
The beta test process for WindSim Accelerator involved several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of the software's capabilities. Participants began by identifying suitable projects for testing, preferably European onshore projects with available measurement data. The tests were conducted according to a detailed protocol, and feedback was provided as stipulated in the same. Beta testers participated in at least two meetings, including a kick-off meeting and an evaluation session, along with any interim or training sessions that were required. The effort required per project included 2 manhours for testing and assessment, plus 3 hours dedicated to meetings. Finally, the process was included by going through a comprehensive checklist to discuss detailed feedback.
Beta Testers’ Findings
The beta testers reported overwhelmingly positive feedback on how the WindSim Accelerator pre-processing module improved their work processes. The new functionalities significantly optimized their workflows, saving time and reducing complexity. Below is a breakdown of the key findings based on their feedback:
Improved Workflow Efficiency
One of the most frequently mentioned benefits was the drastic improvement in workflow efficiency. Eivind Myklebust Støvne, a Wind Energy Advisor at Norconsult, emphasized how the module has “improved the efficiency of our workflow.” Previously, managing wind resource data was often labor-intensive and prone to errors. However, WindSim Accelerator's easy access to high-quality data allowed their team to reduce both execution time and errors, making it easier to onboard new employees into their methodology. By simplifying access to the necessary data, the pre-processing module ensures that even complex tasks can be completed more quickly and with less room for mistakes.
"The pre-processing module in WindSim Accelerator has improved the efficiency of our workflow. Easy access to high-quality data has reduced both the project execution time and the room for errors, as well as making it easier to introduce our methodology to new employees."
Eivind Myklebust Støvne (Wind Energy Advisor, Kjeller Vindteknikk Department, Norconsult)
Time Savings in Data Preparation, and Accuracy
Another significant benefit that testers highlighted was the drastic reduction in time needed for data gathering and preparation. Ove Undheim, Principal Wind Resource Analyst at Statkraft, mentioned how previously, the process involved using different third-party programs and data sources, which was a time-consuming task that could take up to half a working day. He noted that, with WindSim Accelerator, the process has been shortened to as little as 30 minutes, especially when Windsim’s own sources are used and the available data meets the required accuracy for calculation. This finding shows that the new module can significantly cut down on preparation time, allowing teams to focus on more strategic analysis rather than manual data handling.
“Previously we were using different third-party programs and sources to gather and prepare roughness and height data. This is a time-consuming process that could take up to half a working day. With WindSim Accelerator, this can be as quick as 30 minutes for an experienced user when the available Windsim sources are of sufficient accuracy for the calculation”.
Ove Undheim (Principal Wind Resource Analyst, Statkraft)
Ove also conducted a cross-prediction error analysis and you can see his presentation on the beta test incl. this analysis by clicking here.
Enhanced Multi-Project Capability
In large-scale wind energy projects, the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial. Utku Turkyilmaz, Senior Wind Resource Analyst at Fortum Corporation, highlighted this aspect, praising WindSim Accelerator for enabling his team to create multiple projects at the same time. This was made possible by the seamless GIS data handling and automatic grid modeling features. These functionalities not only reduce the time spent on desktop preprocessing but also make it easier to manage multiple projects in parallel. For organizations working on large-scale or simultaneous wind farm developments, this capability is a game-changer.
"WindSim Accelerator’s new features have helped us to significantly reduce the time spent on desktop preprocessing. It allows us to create multiple projects at the same time easily with seamless GIS data handling and automatic grid modelling.”
Utku Turkyilmaz (Senior Wind Resource Analyst, Wind & Solar, Fortum Corporation)
Summing it up
Based on the feedback from the beta testers, the following features stand out as key elements:
- Efficient Pre-processing: The ability to access and process data quickly, reducing the time spent on routine tasks from hours to minutes. Up to 75% time reduction was recorded in the pre-processing stage only.
- Error Reduction: The high accuracy of integrated data sources and easy accessibility ensures fewer mistakes, improving overall project quality.
- Multi-project Management: Seamless handling of multiple projects and datasets in parallel, with advanced GIS integration and automatic grid modeling.
- Improved Onboarding: Simplified workflows make it easier to introduce new team members to the processes, thanks to intuitive tools and streamlined data access.
WindSim Accelerator provides unparalleled speed and accuracy for wind resource modeling, offering organizations the tools to optimize their workflows, reduce errors, and cut down on processing time. The software’s advanced capabilities in handling GIS data and managing multiple projects simultaneously set it apart from other solutions in the market. By reducing the time required for data preparation and minimizing room for error, WindSim Accelerator enables wind energy professionals to focus on higher-value tasks, ultimately driving better project outcomes and faster time to market.