Meteorological data handling 
 
1  Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2 
2  Meteo Object: the data container .................................................................................................. 2 
3  Meteo Object – tab by tab .............................................................................................................. 3 
3.1  Guide – including online data description ..................................................................................... 3 
3.2  Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 7 
3.3  Data .............................................................................................................................................. 8 
3.3.1  Import setup .......................................................................................................................... 8 
3.3.2  Calibration ........................................................................................................................... 11 
3.3.3  Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 13 
3.3.4  Data setup ........................................................................................................................... 18 
3.3.4.1  The Add… button: adding & generating wind data at new heights ................................. 23 
3.3.4.2  Remove tower shading: Add merged height ................................................................... 24 
3.3.5  Time series ......................................................................................................................... 34 
3.3.6  Frequency table .................................................................................................................. 36 
3.3.7  Weibull ................................................................................................................................ 36 
3.3.8  Turbulence .......................................................................................................................... 37 
3.4  Graphics ...................................................................................................................................... 39 
3.4.1  Time series ......................................................................................................................... 39 
3.4.2  Weibull/Table ...................................................................................................................... 41 
3.4.3  Turbulence .......................................................................................................................... 42 
3.4.4  Rose view ........................................................................................................................... 42 
3.4.5  Wind speed difference ........................................................................................................ 43 
3.4.6  General XY graph ............................................................................................................... 43 
3.4.7  Profile .................................................................................................................................. 44 
3.5  Statistics ...................................................................................................................................... 46 
3.6  Shear .......................................................................................................................................... 49 
3.7  Mesoscale terrain ....................................................................................................................... 50 
3.8  Report ......................................................................................................................................... 51 
4  Meteo analyser .............................................................................................................................. 52 
5  Meteo analyser: tab by tab ........................................................................................................... 53 
5.1  Data: overview and selection of data .......................................................................................... 53 
5.2  Graphics: Compare time series .................................................................................................. 54 
5.3  Substitute: Perform data substitutions ........................................................................................ 55 
5.4  Cross predict: WAsP vertical and horizontal extrapolation ......................................................... 56 
5.5  Time variation: complete 1 year of data ..................................................................................... 59 
5.6  Scaling – create a new scaled time series using the Scaler ...................................................... 61 
5.7  RSD verification .......................................................................................................................... 67 
6  Flagging and data screening ....................................................................................................... 68 
6.1  What is a flag? ............................................................................................................................ 68 
6.2  Building conditions ...................................................................................................................... 69 
6.3  Multiple conditions ...................................................................................................................... 72 
6.4  Actions for flags .......................................................................................................................... 72 
6.5  Flags in Meteo Analyser ............................................................................................................. 74 
6.6  Import/Export flags ...................................................................................................................... 74 
6.7  Showing flags in time series graph ............................................................................................. 75 
6.8  Showing flags in time series table .............................................................................................. 76 
6.9  Showing flags in XY graph and Wind Speed Relations graph ................................................... 76 
6.10  Cleaning data with flags .......................................................................................................... 77 
 

Introduction 2

12.1 Introduction

Meteorological data is commonly supplied as time series, meaning large data amounts. There is a large range

of data sources, from local measurements to refined mesoscale model data. While local measurements often

have gaps or erroneous values and cover typically shorter periods, model data are usually available for long

periods back in time, whilst at the same time not being so accurate.

Different data sources complement each other, and efficient tools for comparisons and manipulations are

essential for preparing the data representing the long-term meteorological reality at the specific location. In

windPRO the tools for importing, screening, comparing, repairing and validating meteorological data can handle

most situations thanks to decades of development.

This chapter describes two main components:

The Meteo Object : For importing, screening, analyzing, synthesizing, merging, wake-cleaning (along with

PARK calculation), etc. data from a single source (mast, remote sensor, model output, etc.) with one or more

heights.

The Meteo Analyser : For comparison of multiple Meteo Objects data series (same station or different

stations), featuring cross-predictions, substitutions, gap filling and RSD (Remote Sensing Device) verification.

In both components, the SCALER function can be used. See details in Chapter 3 Energy on this comprehensive

model-based tool to transfer/extrapolate time series from one to another point for comparison and thereby

evaluation/calibration of the model.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the online data service, whence data from all over the world can be downloaded

into a Meteo Object (subject to license conditions). It is probably the easiest-to-use and most comprehensive

service to be found in the business.

12.2 Meteo Object: the data container

The Meteo Object is the input object for wind data and other measurements or model data.

Input can be from the very simplest form:

• input manually one wind speed (annual mean) in one sector together with Weibull k=2, and you can

calculate AEP based on just a simple mean wind speed and a Rayleigh distribution (Weibull with k=2)

to the very advanced form:

• import measurements from a SODAR or LIDAR file with 25 different heights for a long measurement

period with high time resolution. The data files might even have changed format or units during the

measurement period. The Meteo Object importer can also read from compressed files, such as .ZIP

directly. Finally, it can read the NRG logger files (.RWD) directly (although this is processed through the

NRG data retriever software that must be installed).

Data from other loggers must first be converted to ASCII files (such as .txt or .csv) with the logger

proprietary software. Additionally, windPRO has an automatic filter for Zephir LIDAR data files so that

all definitions for all channels are filled out automatically.

• A newer option is to load data directly from databases through an API.

The measurements can be used directly (i.e. without use of models) for AEP calculations in the calculation

module METEO. The most common method of use, however, is with MCP for long-term correction (see Chapter

3) and using these data and terrain information to generate a long-term representative wind statistic or time

series. These can then be used to calculate AEP with ATLAS, WAsP interface or (most commonly) the PARK

module.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 3

12.3 Meteo Object – tab by tab

12.3.1 Guide – including online data description

The different options for starting are explained here.

Figure 1 Guide in Meteo Object

1.

Typically, time series will be the most common format in which data is made available – if users have any

doubts about reading them, start with the Wizard.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 4

2.

APIs make it possible to download measurement data from external data servers.

Two options are currently available: the Ammonit server and the generic EMD Meteo API:

The EMD Meteo API is an open API interface which allows you to connect to your own data servers by

implementing the EMD Meteo API. For more information on how to connect, please visit:

https://help.emd.dk/knowledgebase/content/EMD_technote_Meteo_API.pdf or contact support@emd.dk

Once connected and logged in, you can download your company’s own data directly from windPRO:

Figure 2 Example implementation of the EMD Meteo API

The other API option is the Ammonitor API:

To access the Ammonit server, select this option, and enter your project credentials and a name in the

AppId (e.g. windPRO):

Meteo Object – tab by tab 5

Open a browser and log into AmmonitOR and visit the Project settings:

Click the Edit button under “API: 3

rd

party applications”:

Click the Allow access button for the application name you chose for AppID (e.g. “windPRO”):

Go back to windPRO and click Login to select which data to download. You can filter by logger and by

start/end date:

Hitting Ok starts the data download and everything is loaded into the Meteo Object.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 6

3.

This option gives access to data on the EMD online server, where we add (mostly) free data for fast and

easy download. Data for purchase is also available, and in this case the EMD server links to commercial

data servers. Click the GO Online button to see your current options. These are expanded regularly. If a

Meteo Object with online data is reopened, the Online button changes into “Refresh online data”, to allow

you to update previously downloaded data.

The online data download interface looks like this:

Figure 3 Online data download in Meteo Object – with spatial coverage check

The first screen shows the list of available datasets. Here, check relevant datasets to test if there is

coverage near the site. The date of the most recent record is shown.

The list of the datasets available is nowadays very long. The focus is on wind, but several data sets have

several other climate parameters, including Heliosat solar irradiation and the Danish Wind Index.

The datasets are regularly updated, and the latest information about the data can be found here:

help.emd.dk/mediawiki/

After coverage check, dots on the map and radio buttons in the list show the locations of the data.

Click on one of the dots to see which database it refers to. With Ok the selected dataset will be downloaded.

The data will automatically be imported in the Meteo Object, ready for analyses.

Note that it is possible to download more datasets at a time from the Meteo Analyser! Users have the choice

of filtering the download period according to the available data and their own requirements.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 7

Figure 4 Selection of data set for download.

12.3.2 Purpose

Figure 5 “Purpose” settings help to structure the data and their use.

If there are several datasets loaded in a windPRO project, giving them a purpose may provide a better overview.

Only the relevant data based on the purpose chose in this tab will be available in specific places within windPRO.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 8

12.3.3 Data

Figure 6 The Data tab - Import setup

The Data tab controls and hosts a number of functions and applications, listed as further tabs to the left side of

the window; before importing data:

• Import setup (identifying file structure(s))

• Calibration (applying correction to the data)

• Configuration (input of configuration of the measuring equipment and check against standards)

• Data setup (setting up the signals required for each height)

and after importing data more tabs will appear:

• Time series (raw data table, can be sorted by any signal)

• Frequency table (summary table binned by sector and wind speed)

• Weibull data (Weibull fit parameters per sector)

• Turbulence data (summary table binned by sector and wind speed)

Below, each function in this tab is explained.

12.3.3.1 Import setup

This is the heart of the importing system. It teaches windPRO how the files are formatted and should be read.

File types supported: Only ASCII files can be imported. This means raw logger files, Excel files or database

files must be converted to text files before data can be imported. Compressed text files are supported (.zip, .rar

etc.).

Meteo Object – tab by tab 9

Add file(s): links to the data files to be imported. Note, these MUST all have the same structure – if not, add

more “Import filters” and add the different files “below” each import filter.

Add folder(s): links to folder(s) with the data files to be imported. Note, these MUST have the same structure –

if not, add more import filters. If there are data from more masts or different files in the folder, it is possible to set

a mask, e.g. “*.txt”, so only relevant files will be used.

Figure 7 Adding folders in Meteo Object, and specifying the optional “file mask”.

Remove: removes the selected files in the list from the import filter.

Edit: edits the import setting, like the file mask in “Add folder(s)”.

View file: shows the selected file with the current import settings applied. This is very useful to identify the

structure of the file and see if the import settings will work as desired.

Online data (requires an active license for the METEO or MCP module): starts a communication with EMD

server (see help.emd.dk/mediawiki/index.php?title=Category%3AWind_Data).

Time zone: if data are in UTC/GMT (the meteorological standard), or in any time other than the project time

zone, they will automatically be transformed to the time zone set in the Project Properties. For the individual

measurement heights, you’ll later have the option to shift in time the data series individually. This is needed, for

example, when importing NCAR data where 10 m data are actually forecasts 6 hour ahead, whereas the other

data refer to the indicated time.

Import filter (structure of the files): each file structure defined in this window is called a “Filter”, and given a

name (I1, I2, …), and can be saved for later use. This helps saving time if similarly formatted files are used in

different projects. If you do not have a Filter saved, use the “Auto detect” feature.

Auto detect: a powerful tool to recognize the “base structure” of many types of data files.

Use text-to-numbers: converts, for example, wind directions described as N, NNE, ENE, etc., to numbers.

When "Auto detect" is used, the lower part of the window is filled automatically. Several standard logger output

files can be automatically detected, and new types are continuously added. Some file formats, however, must

be manually set up, if they are, for example, user-defined Excel exports etc. Let’s see how to do this.

There must be an entry for each data signal which will be used in the object. The signals not used will just be

ignored if the option “ignore” is chosen. Signals can always be set up and used at a later stage.

1. Choose “type” in the dropdown list, such as “Time stamp” or “wind speed” (note that the standard

deviation (StDev) of a wind speed signal is also classified as a wind speed).

2. Choose “sub type”, such as “year” or “mean” etc.

3. Choose “unit” – note that non-metric units (e.g. mph, knots, Fahrenheit) will be automatically converted

to metric units in the object.

4. Choose “height” – this must be in meters. Files set to “feet” will automatically be converted to meters.

Always check that height is correct.

In case a signal is undefined, the missing cell will be highlighted in pink.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 10

Figure 8 Setting up import filter in Meteo Object

Figure 9 The signal types available currently.

The signal type list is expanded when new demands occur. Above the status of predefined types are shown.

Some types have sub types and more units to choose from. And some types will have a special status. E.g. the

Solar irradiation is dedicated to irradiation on horizontal plane, the only type that can be used in Solar-PV

calculations at present, where direct and diffuse just can be used for evaluations.

When all signals are set up, go to the “Calibration” tab or skip directly to the “Data Setup” tab.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 11

12.3.3.2 Calibration

The Calibration tab is used to:

1. View the scale and offset parameters input in the logger, when available in a file format recognized by

windPRO.

2. Input correction or recalibration parameters (scale and offset) to be applied to the data when necessary.

This can be relevant when the values from the data logger differ from the values from calibration

certificates. Knowing the official values from calibration certificates, windPRO can automatically

calculate the needed correction to be applied on the “wrongly” logged data.

3. Check the average magnetic declination value valid at the position of the Meteo Object for the middle

of the data period. Wind direction data can be then corrected for magnetic declination if necessary

4. Provide documentation of data treatment, through the Report (see 12.3.8)

The tab consists in two main parts: the Calibration table and the Timeline. The Calibration table and timeline are

automatically created from the Import setup tab. If files are added at a later stage, these will be detected, and

the table will be amended accordingly. If the Manual mode checkbox is selected, no changes will be made upon

import of additional logger files. If un-checked the table values will automatically update.

Figure 10 Calibration tab

Calibration table

Each line of the calibration table relates to a calibration period of a given sensor.

A calibration period is defined as an interval of time for which a specific set of scale, offset and magnetic

declination relating a specific dataset from a given sensor. A given sensor can have more than one calibration

period, for example when it has been recalibrated as recommend by Measnet after 2 years.

The calibration periods are firstly automatically created by windPRO after screening all data files defined in

Import setup.

A calibration period is created for each time interval with constant Channel (if available), serial number (if

available) AND constant 2 scale/offset values (if available), for any Type of data (speed, direction, temperature

…) with sub type defined as “Mean” in the import filter.

Please note that windPRO detects only one calibration period per file. It is therefore not recommended to gather

all data into one data file if several calibration periods are covered.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 12

The calibration periods can also be created manually using the + at the bottom of the table or a right click on the

line and select Duplicate line. An existing line can be split in 2 lines to allow the user to identify distinctive periods

for different calibration factors in case this has not been detected automatically. Alternatively, right click on a line

of the table.

The columns From data file under the header Logger relate to the Scale and Offset values read from the file

(if available).

The columns User input under the header Correction allows the user to decide which scale and offset to apply

to a dataset. The same correction is applied to all signals under the same channel, like mean wind speed, min

and max wind speed. The standard deviation is however only using the scale factor, not the offset.

The Result column shows the result of the correction of first data of the first file loaded under the given Import

filter. It can be useful to make a sanity check of the result to expect. In the rare case when several calibration

periods are created from files under a same import filter (occurring if the scale and offset information from the

files changes in raw data files), then it is only the result of the first file which is shown and not the result for each

file.

The Comment column is available for user text input.

Recalibration table

The Calibration table can be extended to a more advanced table by checking the checkbox Recalibration in

the upper left corner. The recalibration table is used to:

• Provide documentation of the calibration values applied to the data

• Calculate the corrections to apply to data in case of mismatch between the logger and official values

Figure 11 Recalibration table

The columns User input under the Logger header allows to manually enter the scale and offset as setup in the

logger, when these are not available or properly detected.

The columns under the header Official (from certificates) give the option to input the scale/offset values as

presented in the calibration certificates documents.

Under the Correction header, the Calculated columns are automatically filled when data is available in the

Logger columns and the Official (from certificates) columns.

The calculated correction for scale is calculated as: Scale(official)/Scale(logger).

The calculated correction for offset is calculated as: Offset(official)-(scale(official)/scale(logger))xOffset(logger)

When both logger values are available in the From data file or User input columns, only User input is used for

the Calculated correction columns. If a cell of User input is left blank, the value 1 is assumed for scale data and

0 for offset data.

The Final columns under the Correction header consists firstly in the selected of the correction to apply, that is

either the calculated one as presented in the Calculated columns, or the User Input ones or none. Then to the

right of the Apply column a final visual check of the correction selected and used later on in windPRO can be

made.

Calibration values from Kintech, Ammonit and Symphonie datafiles are automatically loaded. Also note that

some EMD on-line data have calibration factors for heatflux automatically input in the table while downloading.

Timeline

The Timelines gives an overview of the different calibration period(s) for each sensor as defined in the Calibration

table. This feature is especially useful when a sensor is concerned by several calibration periods. If a sensor

Meteo Object – tab by tab 13

has been (re)calibrated over time, a new calibration period is created on the same line in a lighter color. Clicking

on a line will mark the corresponding line in the table and vice versa.

Note that the function of the timeline is to provide a view of different calibration periods, not of the data

availability. If there are holes in the time series, they will not be reflected here but for example under Graphics

tab, Recovery.

Magnetic declination

By checking View magnetic declination, it is possible to see the magnetic declination as provided by the

International Geomagnetic Reference Field, 13

th

Generation, released in December 2019

(http://geomag.bgs.ac.uk/data_service/models_compass/igrf_calc.html). The value is calculated at the position

of the Meteo Object and for the central date of the whole measurement period.

Figure 12 Magnetic declination

If needed, the direction data can be corrected for the magnetic declination by checking Allow correction of

vane offset for magnetic declination. The correction for magnetic declination is only relevant if it has not been

considered during the installation of the wind vane(s) nor in the input of calibrating factors in the logger. The

value of magnetic declination is added to the direction data in order to get the direction relative to true North

(assuming that the vane has been installed relative to the magnetic North). The final correction applied to the

data can be seen in the Calibration table, where it can also be deselected or changed manually.

12.3.3.3 Configuration

The Configuration tab is used to:

• Document the configuration of the sensor installation on a typical mast

• Evaluate the compliance of this configuration to standards for wind data measurements (at the moment

IEC 61400-50-1 ed. 1).

Meteo Object – tab by tab 14

Figure 13 Configuration tab

Met station

It is possible to define the type of Met station between Lattice mast, (triangular or square section), tubular mast,

SODAR or LIDAR. The difference between lattice (whatever section type) and tubular has an influence on the

IEC check for the distortion from the mast (involving Ct value or not, see below). For SODAR or LIDAR, no

configuration table nor compliancy check is available at present.

It shall be specified if the top mounted anemometer(s) is single or side-by-side, since this is relevant for the IEC

checks.

The height of the mast structure AGL is the total height of the lattice or tubular mast from bottom to top.

Logger

If available in the raw data file, information on the logger, such as the manufacturer, Model, serial number … is

presented automatically. It is also possible to input the information manually and to add a line if the logger has

been changed with a new one during the measurement campaign.

Notes

This field is available for user-defined text for documentation purposes. It could be relevant to enter references

to various installation and maintenance reports related to the installation and operation of the measurement

mast.

Sensor/Equipment installation

The sensor/Equipment installation table lists the various sensors involved in the measurement campaign of the

data defined in Import filter and allows to input the dimensions relevant for the compliancy check to standards.

The relevant input concerns:

• the horizontal booms (direction, length from mast center and diameter)

• the vertical booms, that is both the smaller tube directly attached to the sensor and the supporting tube.

The supporting tube is the additional tube used to stabilize the smaller tube attached to the body of

single or side-by-side top anemometers

• The body diameter of the sensor

• The calibration number from the certificates (for documentation purposes)

• The mast width and thrust (Ct), the latter only in case of lattice tower

• The distance to anemometer and the alignment with the anemometer of the lightning finial.

The dimensions of certain sensor/equipment types are not relevant for compliancy check and therefore not

available for input in the table (grey cell).

The cells of the table can be filled in from the Clipboard (preferably from a Copy from Excel) using Paste relative

to currently selected cell will.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 15

The dimensions are presented in the diagram below, using the same colour as the headers of the table.

Figure 14 Diagram of the dimensions to input in the Sensor/Equipment installation table

This diagram is also available under the Guide button.

The table is based on the Calibration table but changing the data type (wind speed, wind direction, …) to

corresponding sensors (anemometer, wind vane, …). Wind speed signal is by default assumed to come from a

cup anemometer. It is possible to change the Type of sensor to sonic anemometer in the drop-down menu of

the Type column. The data such as temperature, pressure or humidity are reported as belonging to a sensor

type called Weather station.

Loads Channels: (Re-)Loads the Sensor/equipment installation table based on the Calibration tab.

If two calibration periods have been defined for a data type in the calibration tab, two sensor lines will be created

in the configuration table matching each period and assuming that the configuration between the two periods

could be different. If this is not the case, lines can be manually deleted (with the – at the bottom of the table) or

modified; the Start and End date can also be manually changed.

At the bottom of the list, a line is added for a lightning finial.

Mounting

The mounting is relevant for the IEC compliancy checks. The mounting is filled in automatically as a first best

guess. It is recommended to check that it corresponds to the mast configuration at stake. The mounting of the

top anemometer(s) and of the lightning finial require user input. The different types of mounting are:

• Single-top: The top anemometer is placed on the top of the mast and centered on the cross section

• Side-mounted: The sensor is placed on a horizontal boom

• Shared boom: The sensor is placed on a horizontal boom together with another sensor (at the same

height and direction)

• Top (Lightning finial): The lightning finial is placed on the top of the mast and centered on the cross

section

• Boom (lightning finial): The lightning finial is placed on horizontal boom

Used in windPRO heights

This column is automatically filled once the data have been setup and loaded under the data setup tab. It refers

to the heights that are defined and used in the Meteo Object from the Data setup tab. It can be used for

traceability of the data.

Lightning finial, distance, and alignment

The horizontal distance between the finial and a given top anemometer is calculated automatically in windPRO

for most of the common combination of anemometer and finial mounting, as presented in the following table.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 16

Table 1. Automatic input of distance and alignment direction between finial and anemometer in

Sensor/Equipment installation table used for the IEC checks about distortion from finial.

Combinations of anemometer and finial

Automatic input in Configuration table

Anemometer mounting

Finial mounting

Distance to anemometer

Finial-anemometer alignment direction

Single, top (centred)

On a boom

Length of finial boom

direction of finial

Single, side mounted

Top (centred)

Length of anemometer boom

180 + direction of anemometer boom

Single, side mounted

On a boom

-

Side-by-side, top

Top (centred)

Length of anemometer boom

180 + direction of anemometer boom

Side-by-side, top

On a boom

-

The calculated distance or alignment can be modified manually in the table (“Distance to anemo.” Column).

Main wind direction

The input of main wind direction is used for the check of the mast distortion and of the lightning finial giving wake

in compliance with IEC 61400-50-1 Ed 1.

Advanced settings

Checking the advanced settings gives access to tolerance values used in some Compliance checks. The

IEC/Tolerance for boom orientation vs main wind direction gives a margin (+/-) around the ideal orientation of

the boom that will return OK to compliancy.

The tolerance IEC/Wake sector for distortion from finial is the wind direction sector in which the finial is supposed

to give wake, assuming that it is centered on the finial.

The default values are arbitrary and can be changed.

Compliancy check

The input made in the Sensor/equipment installation table is used to check the configuration of the mast to the

most important requirements defined in the IEC standard 61400-50-1 Ed.1.0 Wind energy generation systems-

Part 50-1: Wind measurements – Application of meteorological mast, nacelle and spinner mounted instruments.

Once the table is filled, provided there is an input in all the green cells (Height of mast structure, Main wind

direction and Mounting of lightning finial), the Compliancy check can be launched clicking on the button Show

compliancy check.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 17

For more detail about the checks conducted, please refer to the online documentation: https://www.emd-

international.com/files/windpro/240903_Notes_compliancy_check_in_WP.pdf, also available from the

Compliancy Check window through the link in the bottom right corner in the window.

A color code is used to give a quick overview of the result of the compliancy check. Green color is used for

compliancy, red for non-compliancy and orange for a non-critical non compliancy. When a check involving two

condition is not passed, the result is NO. It is possible to see which condition is not fulfilled by mouseover the

cell, as shown in the example below.

Figure 15 Example of explanatory text in case one condition is not met

In case of missing data, the checks cannot be performed. The required input from the configuration table is listed

for each check in the online documentation

Note that it is possible to select whether all or only some compliancy checks shall be presented in the final report

(See 12.3.8).

Meteo Object – tab by tab 18

12.3.3.4 Data setup

This is the tab where we can finally load the data from the files whose structure has been defined previously.

Note: in the Meteo Object, “Heights” always refer to the height of wind speed measurements!

This is how to proceed. Ignore the Add… button for now, as it will be treated later.

1 2 3

Figure 16 The data panel in the Data setup tab. (1) Click Auto-create, to create signals at the available heights.

(2) Click Clear and load all to load data into the signals. (3) Click Add… to add more wind data at other heights.

The “Auto Create” button is, by default, green, as this will be the typical starting point. This will automatically

create all the wind speed measurement heights in the import setup, providing the file can be read by windPRO.

The signals created by default are:

• Wind speed

• Wind direction

• Turbulence intensity

Wind direction is taken from the wind vane vertically closest to each anemometer/wind speed signal.

The “Remove” button removes any heights selected in the list. Holding down SHIFT or CTRL it is possible to

select multiple heights and remove them in one go. This can be useful when working with remote sensing

devices that have many heights and you wish to limit the number of heights.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 19

Clear and load all will clear data, in case of already loaded data. If new data have been added to the import

filter, the Load new will make sure the data already loaded data are maintained with flagging, disabling etc.

And this is how the window will look like, after importing data.

Figure 17 The Data setup tab, after data loading

You can now switch between different measurement heights by clicking in the Heights panel to the right.

Never change the value indicated in the Height [m] field on the left! This would effectively modify the height

of that particular instrument/signal!

Figure 18 Data type and displacement height

It is possible to set a displacement height, if the mast is, for example, in a forest (positive disp. height) or on a

very narrow rock (island) (negative disp. height), which is NOT included in the elevation data. The data type,

mast, Lidar, etc. can be specified. This information can be used by modules like PARK and SITE COMPLIANCE,

and is used in the wind profile graphic, discussed later. The data type Mast, Lidar etc. can be selected and is

used for relevant purposes. For example, for downscaling Meso data in Scaler the data type must be Meso.

Creating a wake-cleaned wind speed signal will be handled differently if the datatype is Nacelle or Mast. If

Nacelle, the turbine nearest the Meteo Object is not included in calculations. However, it is checked that there

is indeed a Turbine Object within 5 m distance.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 20

Add… (Figure 16) adds a new height. We will treat it later.

Update online refreshes data previously loaded from On-line data (updates with most recent months and,

optionally, extends data back in time, if data are available).

Setup allows setting of rules for concurrency, disabling of turbulence and rules for use of data for the turbulence

table. Also, a special feature is available for very-high time resolution data.

Export exports all or selected data into a flat text file format. The flag definitions are included in the export (see

their explanation in the text file itself). Below is an example where 80m and 60m data are exported:

Figure 19 Export selections

Meteo Object – tab by tab 21

Figure 20 Export format from Meteo Object

Status values are coded, so the sum in the status columns can be decoded for precise identification of, for

example, “disabled”, “out of range” (this means that multiple flags can be applied to the same data point). There

is also a status column for all signals as well as one for each signal. The headers are exported unicoded (UID),

meaning that the same text will appear no matter from which Windows language it is exported. Thus, it is easy

to maintain a large database with exports from many different users around the world, as only one windPRO

meteo importer will be needed.

Import imports data from the export file (Note: a whole Object export can be performed from the Object List).

Back to the central part of the Data setup tab:

Figure 21 Data panel below the signals in Data setup tab

Add signal is used for adding other signals not automatically considered by windPRO; for example, temperature

or max. wind speed. The range of signals that can be included is constantly expanded:

WindPRO Meteo Data Export version 7

Geographical Coordinates (WGS84):

Longitude:

9.707051 Latitude: 51.24978

Local Coordinates: (UTM (north)-WGS84 Zone: 32)

Easting: 549346.4

Northing:

5677839 EPSG: 32632

Description: Mast

User label:

Date time format: dd/mm/yyyy hh:nn

Decimal separator: .

Digit group separator: ,

Displacement height [m]: 0

All time stamps: (UTC+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

UTC offset [minutes]: -60

StatusValues:

Ok 0

Disabled 1

Below limit 2

Above limit 4

Duplicate 8

Null value 16

Missing 32

Other error 128

Note that SampleStatus takes precedence over DataStatus which means that DataStatus is only relevant if SampleStatus is OK.

TimeStamp

MeanWindSpeedUID_100.7m|Mean wind speed|L-1.00|U75.00

DirectionUID_100.7m|Wind direction|L0.00|U360.00

TurbIntUID_100.7m|Turbulence intensity|L0.00

Comment_100.7m

TimeStampStatus_100.7m

SampleStatus_100.7m

DataStatus_MeanWindSpeedUID_100.7m

DataStatus_DirectionUID_100.7m

DataStatus_TurbIntUID_100.7m

MeanWindSpeedUID_100.5m|Mean wind speed|L-1.00|U75.00

DirectionUID_100.5m|Wind direction|L0.00|U360.00

TurbIntUID_100.5m|Turbulence intensity|L0.00

Comment_100.5m

[m/s] [Degrees] [m/s] [Degrees]

28/09/2013 00:00 7.2 119 0.0556 0 0 0 0 0 7.2 119 0.0556

28/09/2013 00:10 7.2 119 0.0556 0 0 0 0 0 7.1 119 0.0563

28/09/2013 00:20 7.1 120 0.0563 0 0 0 0 0 7 120 0.0571

28/09/2013 00:30 7.2 118 0.0694 0 0 0 0 0 7.2 118 0.0694

28/09/2013 00:40 7.71 118 0.039 0 0 0 0 0 7.7 118 0.039

Meteo Object – tab by tab 22

Figure 22 Current predefined signals.

Full flexibility is given for creating a specific signal at a certain height from other signals/measurements. The

signals available match the import filter types + sub types and some extra signals, calculated from more signals,

e.g. Turbulence Intensity, which requires wind speed and Std.dev wind speed.

Let’s see a few examples.

If the data come from files with different formats (multiple import filters used), always check the dropdown buttons

in the column “Based on” to see if the signals from the different import filters (I1, I2, …) are correctly included:

Figure 23 In this example, wind speed data come from Filter I1, which refers to certain data files only, whereas

the direction is going to be read from Filter I2, referring to other files, with a different data structure. The Filters

were defined in the Import Setup tab

Note also the column Low/high limit (next to Signal name): this is used to define the valid range of the values

the data can assume. By default the low limit for wind speed is -1 m/s. It is important not to set this to “0”. If “0”

wind speeds are not included in the data set, the Weibull distribution will be wrong and the calculations will be

wrong.

Shear can be added as a signal, giving options for comprehensive analyses of shear within the Graphics tab.

Since shear requires more heights, these can be selected in drop-down buttons as illustrated in next figure.

When adding shear, the user has full flexibility about which heights will be used to calculate the shear time series

(minimum of 2 heights is needed).

Meteo Object – tab by tab 23

Figure 24 Setup of shear calculation

Delete signal removes unwanted signals from a height.

(Re)load all files for selected height loads the data from the files for the selected height only. The right side

button (Load new files for selected height) only loads new files added after the last load operation. The Reload

button preserves the results of any data cleaning (“disabling”) operation that might have been done previously.

This doesn’t happen with the “Clear and load all” button presented earlier.

Figure 25 Features at the top of the tab

The various Activate options activate the different types of data presentations, such as the Weibull or

Turbulence tabs. If you have no intention of using the Weibull distribution, or you have table data but no time

series data, this feature is useful.

Lock existing time series is used when new data are added, but previously loaded data do not exist as files

on the PC or they have been added with different import settings in WindPRO 2.5 or previous versions. Basically,

adding new data requires intact import filters and files for all data except when older data series are locked.

12.3.3.4.1 The Add… button: adding & generating wind data at new heights

We have so far left behind a very important feature: the Add… button. It essentially creates a new measurement

height, where wind data can be read from files or generated by different methods.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 24

Its submenu gives hints of the different features and purposes:

Add height simply creates a new height, where the presence of wind data is automatically assumed,

and the user will have to select their source, as in Figure 23.

Add merged height allows to merge two or more wind speed time series based on wind direction; it is

typically used to remove the mast shading effects when two anemometers are mounted at the same

height

Add sheared height gives access to a shear calculator that extrapolates measured data to another

height on the basis of the measured wind shear.

Add scaled height creates a new data series, which can be, for example, a downscaled mesoscale

time series (if EMD mesoscale data are loaded) or the output of a flow model used to extrapolate wind

data from one or more measurement heights to a new height. There are many possible scenarios here

due to the high flexibility of the Scaler tool.

Add stability creates an artificial atmospheric stability classification based on user-defined classes for

day, night and season.

Add wake cleaned height is based on a PARK model (which must be pre-run), which cleans the

measured data series from wakes generated by neighbouring turbines.

Let’s discuss the details of each feature.

12.3.3.4.2 Remove tower shading: Add merged height

Figure 26 Compare wind speeds by direction

When two wind speed measurements are at the same height, both measurements can be used to remove the

influence of tower shading and thereby get a “clean” signal. Note that the original data are never modified: we

will create a new time series, merging the two existing ones.

This procedure should be used only after the quality control procedures have filtered out (“disabled”) bad data.

A typical setup is shown above. Here, wind speed data from “Height 1” is used as “base” and wind speed data

from “Height 2” is merged into the “base” data within the given sector defined by “From [deg] - To [deg]”. Only

wind speed data from “Height 2” that have survived quality control are used for the merging. The merging is not

Meteo Object – tab by tab 25

performed if the direction data of “Height 1” are disabled. Looking at the data above, it is obvious that wind speed

data from “Height 1” are underestimated due to mast shadow between 320° and 350° (the difference, ”Height

1” minus ”Height 2”, is negative). We then enter this angular window in the relevant fields; clicking on Ok, the

following screen appears:

Figure 27 Merging data from more sensors

The rules established for the merged series are shown. Before loading the merged data (green button), the rules

can be edited by clicking the small dots to the right of each rule; any rule based on any signal can be created.

12.3.3.4.2.1 Shear-extrapolate to new height: Add sheared height

Data can be scaled to a new height based on a shear extrapolation using one of four options:

• Time series shear

• Internal shear matrix

• External shear matrix

• Shear table

Figure 28 Selection of shear extrapolation options

The first option, Time series based shear, the shear exponent is calculated at every time step and so is the

synthetic wind speed.

Two or more heights can be used as source data for the calculation and it is recommended to pick the tallest

heights when extrapolating. The reference height determines the wind direction. The target height is the

desired height of the new synthetic wind speed.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 26

Figure 29 Selection of reference, target and source heights

Since a time series based shear exponent has a fluctuating nature, it is advisable to use a rolling window for

smoothing the signal. The rolling (or moving) window takes the median of the values of the window and is

always centered around the current time step. A rolling window of e.g. seven time steps, uses three time

steps before the current time step, the current time step, and then three time steps after. An internal study has

shown that applying a rolling window is particularly necessary when using only two source heights. The size of

the rolling window is specified by a given number of time steps. When the reference height has been selected,

the actual window size will appear in the brackets.

Figure 30 Application of a 7-step rolling window for a 10-minute resolution dataset. The smoothing window

includes 3x10 min before the time step, the time step itself, and 3x10 min after the time step.

It is possible to apply an omnidirectional or sector-wise displacement height to the shear extrapolation. This is

beneficial if the measurement device is located in forested terrain. The wind direction is taken from the

selected Reference height.

Figure 31 Selection of displacement height for shear extrapolation

Limits to the shear component can also be enforced by specifying a minimum limit and a maximum limit of the

calculated shear (not each shear value inside the rolling window). This option is disabled by default. If

enabled, and the calculated shear exponent exceeds the threshold, you can opt for discarding the value or to

override (cap) the calculated shear value to the threshold.

Figure 32 Selection of shear limits

Click on the green Calculate button and then Ok to generate a new shear extrapolated (or interpolated) time

series including wind speed, wind direction, turbulence intensity and shear. Remember to reload the selected

height.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 27

Referring to Figure 33, the two next shear extrapolation options, Internal shear and External shear, rely on a

shear matrix, calculated within the current Meteo Object in the first case or exported from another Meteo Object

in the second case. The fourth option uses a shear table from the shear tab of the current Meteo Object (see

12.3.6 about the shear tab).

Figure 33 Create sheared data

The Reference height is the height from which wind speed will be extrapolated from to the target height

specified in Height. Both heights need to be specified to start the shear matrix calculation.

To calculate the shear values, at least two heights must be selected and one of them will also define the direction.

The shear matrix contains shear values in several bins: monthly bins (yearly variation), hour bins (daily

variations) and directions. It is up to the user to define these resolutions.

The shear matrix is calculated from Weibull-fitted mean wind speeds in each bin (season, time of day and

direction) and will therefore partly represent atmospheric stability conditions. The extrapolation to a new height

will then be based on the individual bin values for shear. Note: In complex terrain, on a smooth hill, or in a forest,

very inaccurate extrapolations can occur. Using a model, such as WAsP (or better, WAsP-CFD, when terrain is

really complex) for the extrapolation will be the best choice.

The shear matrix can be more or less detailed, depending on how good and long-term period of data is available.

If there is too little data for a bin (direction sector, diurnal period and seasonal period), the bin will be given data

based on the following priority:

1. Annual value for the direction and diurnal period.

2. Mean value for the nearest two directions

Meteo Object – tab by tab 28

3. Overall mean

For instance, if a direction has almost no data, not even a year’s worth of values might be present for a certain

diurnal bin, then the two nearest directions are used. If those (or just one of them) also have too little data, the

algorithm moves to step 3. Note that these substitutions are not very critical, since they will basically represent

bins where wind is rarely experienced.

It is possible to use an omnidirectional displacement height or a sector-wise displacement height. If using an

omnidirectional displacement height, it should be consistent with the displacement height provided in the meteo

object. In case this value differs from a previously defined fixed displacement height, you will be asked to

overwrite the old value with the new value.

Finally, click on Calculate shear matrix. Once it has been calculated, it can be viewed (and/or exported) and

finally used to synthesize the data (clicking OK). The tab Displacement height shows the calculated

displacement heights and can be copied to clipboard.

Figure 34 Shear matrix (shown here for all directions)

Meteo Object – tab by tab 29

Figure 35 Load sheared data with the green button

The new sheared height is created and must be loaded. With the “Edit” button you can go back to the shear

calculation setup and adjust.

When data are loaded, the tabs with the different data presentations will be added.

In the case of an exported shear matrix, a .shearmat file is created. This file contains all the information needed

to replicate the matrix in another Meteo Object (or the same). This option can be useful especially for co-located

remote sensors (LIDAR, SODAR). Care must be taken that an imported shear matrix is representative (for

example concurrent in time or same terrain or stability conditions) of the data that it is going to be applied to.

12.3.3.4.2.2 Add Scaled height

Here, the Scaler is used e.g. to downscale mesoscale data to the microscale and create a time series within the

Meteo Object. Then, it will be easy to compare the scaled data to the original data within the Object.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 30

Figure 36 Selecting the scaler and heigths

It is important to note that the data are scaled to the same position of the current Object. Therefore, it is possible

to move a Meteo Object containing mesoscale data to a position where a “virtual mast” is needed. The

mesoscale-based Meteo Object knows its original position and uses the mesoscale terrain from this position,

but then the microscale terrain is used for the new current position.

12.3.3.4.2.3 Create atmospheric stability statistics: Add stability

This tool creates a statistic of the climate of atmospheric stability on site, relying entirely on user input. In other

words, the user must know, and enter, the expected stability conditions at different times of the day and year.

This is useful if this knowledge is available, but no hard data are at hand, on the matter.

One can decide in how many classes atmospheric stability should be classified (with a minimum of three, Stable,

neutral and unstable), and also how day and night are defined. Then, for each season and period of the day,

the expected mean stability condition must be entered:

Figure 37 Setting up stability class definitions

Meteo Object – tab by tab 31

The resulting user-made statistic can be shown in various histograms under the Graphics tab, where a new

tab called Stability view will be created.

It is worth mentioning that a more appropriate way of investigating the behaviour of atmospheric stability on site

is to estimate its state from hard data (Monin-Obukhov length, heat flux, Temperature differences, …): many of

these parameters are available from mesoscale models, such as the EMD-WRF.

Figure 38 Stability can be imported in Meteo Object

Above, the EMD-WRF Europe+ mesoscale data. The “rmol_mean” signal is the inverse Monin-Obukov length

available in this data set. Stability can be viewed in Graphics tab under Stability View:

Figure 39 graphic view of stability classes.

Different settings are available. The graphic view is the first step; in future versions of windPRO, the Stability

information will be included in calculations.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 32

Figure 40 Setup of stability legend.

In the legend above, the grouping of the stability classes can be user defined. Note in EMD-ConWx mesoscale

data, it is the reverse Monin Obukov length (1/L) that will be imported, in the definition above it is the Monin

Obukov length, L that is shown, with option for showing 1/L.

12.3.3.4.2.4 Clean measurements from wake effects: Add wake-cleaned height

Figure 41 Setup of the calculation for wake cleaning

Lastly, it is possible to remove the effects of turbine wakes on measurements. This requires to run first a PARK

calculation.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 33

The setup window simply requires you to load the PARK result, the height of the instrument affected and to

define the kind of instrument you have at that height. This can be a real device on ground (mast, RSD, …), or a

nacelle anemometer.

In the first case, the measurement device coordinates are already known from the selected PARK calculation.

In the case of a nacelle instrument, the software checks if there is a WTG Object in the PARK calculation within

few meters from the Meteo Object used: if not, the calculation cannot be performed. If there is, this WTG Object

is automatically removed from the PARK calculation.

The wake cleaning is based on the calculation of a wake reduction matrix with resolutions of 1° and 1 m/s. Note

that a simplified PARK model is actually run, where time-based turbulence is not used (a fixed wake decay

constant for invalid turbulence values would be used instead). Similarly, curtailment settings will not be included.

Figure 42 Advanced wake settings of the PARK calculation are not included in wake cleaning. The WDC for

invalid TI is used, instead of time-dependent values

When the wake-reduced wind speed matrix is calculated, the method is: for each time step, a lookup in the

matrix from the wake-reduced wind speed identifies the free wind speed, and replaces the recorded value with

this in the wake-cleaned time series.

It is, of course, of high importance that the wake model settings are correct, and that the wake model does a

reasonable job.

The advantage of this method compared to e.g. a simple scaling, is that the wind speed reduction dependency

on wind speed is handled correctly.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 34

12.3.3.5 Time series

Figure 43 Time series data

With a coloured background, data characteristics such as “Out of range” are clearly shown. Click in the coloured

field and the cursor jumps to the first event. Data can be sorted by clicking on the header.

Select: allows to select data with different characteristics – a selection can also be performed “manually” by

dragging the mouse in the list.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 35

Selected: once data have been selected, you can apply on the selected data any of the actions listed (Copy,

Delete, …). For example, data can be copied to clipboard and pasted to other programs, e.g., Excel.

Enable/disable: can be performed manually in the list by checking the checkbox next to the time stamp, as

shown above, or via the “Advanced disable/delete” tool, which allows to disable or delete the data according to

specified conditions:

Figure 44 Advanced disable/enable/delete

Once the conditions have been entered (above in time and on a specific signal, the wind speeds at 100.7 m),

pressing the "Action" button opens the Advanced disable/enable/delete feature for ALL heights and signals (with

same time stamp or within ± 5’) that fulfill the conditions in the filter settings. Then the user decides which signal

should be disabled in those circumstances:

Figure 45 Advanced disable/enable/delete tool

Meteo Object – tab by tab 36

Selecting the All wind signals options will automatically select and deselect all wind speed and turbulence

signals for that height in one go.

12.3.3.6 Frequency table

Only Enabled data not out of range or duplicated are used in the aggregated presentation described here. The

aggregated data are automatically updated if changes in the original time series data are performed.

Figure 46 Data frequency table

12.3.3.7 Weibull

Only Enabled data not out of range or duplicated are used in the aggregated presentation described here. The

aggregated data are automatically updated if changes in the original time series data are performed.

The method for Weibull fit is energy weighted with the same method used by WAsP, as described in the

“European Wind Atlas”. The Weibull distribution can be used as input if the Meteo Object data are used for

further calculations, e.g., with the WAsP model.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 37

Figure 47 The Weibull fitted data.

12.3.3.8 Turbulence

Only Enabled data not out of range or duplicated are used in the aggregated presentation described here. The

aggregated data are automatically updated if changes in the original time series data are performed.

Turbulence data can be shown as mean values and as standard deviations. By copying these two tables to

Excel, any combination of mean and standard deviation can be made for turbulence evaluations (e.g.,

Characteristic values as defined in IEC 61400-1 ed.2: mean + 1 x StDev and ed. 3: mean + 1.28 x StDev).

Meteo Object – tab by tab 38

Figure 48 Turbulence data

Meteo Object – tab by tab 39

12.3.4 Graphics

The Graphics tab holds advanced features for the evaluation of the measurements. Also included are features

for disabling erroneous data found by the graphic screening of the data.

On each graph there is a “Copy to Excel” button. The graph data “as seen” can be copied to clipboard, and,

from there, pasted to Excel or similar.

The Graphics tab has the following main tabs, each with different viewing options:

• Time series

• Weibull/table

• Rose view

• Turbulence

• Wind speed relations

• General XY graph

• Profile

Only a selection of the graphs within each tab will be shown below, as the others should be self-explanatory.

12.3.4.1 Time series

Figure 49 The time series view

The time series view is efficient for finding erroneous data visual comparison – then simply right-click in the

graph at the start and end of erroneous data to disable that particular period. You can also add comments (right-

click) and these will be listed in a separate report. Zooming by mouse drag is possible as well.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 40

With the check boxes for each height and signal, viewing can be controlled.

Figure 50 Disable by right-clicking and dragging the mouse along the time series graph.

Furthermore, data can be highlighted with flags based on logical expressions. See section 12.6.

The graphs showing the individual data points, like the “Gun shot” and XY graph, data points can be disabled

by right-click on the data point. Thereby obvious outliers can be eliminated.

Figure 51 In scatter plots, disabling is available by right click.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 41

12.3.4.2 Weibull/Table

Figure 52 The Weibull/Table graph for two different heights

The measurement histogram and the relevant Weibull fit are shown here. Note that the axis can be scaled

manually by the “Edit graph” feature, activated with the button or by double-clicking on the graph. This

feature is of course available almost anywhere in windPRO.

Figure 53 Advanced editing of the graph setup

Meteo Object – tab by tab 42

12.3.4.3 Turbulence

Figure 54 Turbulence graphs

In the Turbulence graphs, different options for including comparisons with the IEC Standard are available. Note

that the axes can be scaled manually by the “Edit graph” feature mentioned above.

12.3.4.4 Rose view

The Rose graphs are shown below for one height, in a monthly view. The layout can be changed to contain a

user-defined number of graphs at a time.

Figure 55 The monthly Rose graphs

Meteo Object – tab by tab 43

12.3.4.5 Wind speed difference

Based on two different wind speed sensors, usually at the same height, a difference/ratio plot can be created.

This is a useful way to evaluate boom directions and influence. Data points in the graph can be binned by

direction, and flags can be defined and shown on the graph.

Figure 56 Plot of the directional distribution of the ratios of wind speed from two same-height anemometers

12.3.4.6 General XY graph

With the General XY graph, you can plot any signal versus any other. When the cursor is placed on top of a

data point, the hint box shows the values, the date and time. This is an efficient tool to evaluate “outliers”:

Double-click on the point, and you’re taken to the relevant time in the time series.

Right-click on the point to disable its data.

Use the “Select points tools” to select and possibly disable a whole batch of outliers.

Finally, one can colour-code the data points with a third time series, thus adding a third dimension to the graph.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 44

Figure 57 General XY graph

12.3.4.7 Profile

Figure 58 The profile graph

The profile view shows the terrain together with the wind speed profile. This is an efficient tool to analyse data

and compare them to model results.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 45

The profile viewer illustrates how the measured wind profile looks by showing the best fits of both power law

profile and logarithmic profile. Also, a WAsP-calculated profile can be shown.

There are 3 view options:

• Aggregated (average values of concurrent data for all heights used; default)

• Runtime (record by record)

• Manual (aggregated, but manually controlled values for power and logarithmic profiles)

The “height for fixed data” will be used as input in a WAsP calculation, if the WAsP profile is chosen. (WAsP can

only calculate from one measurement height, and creates the profile shape based on a fixed profile, modified

by surface and terrain effects).

Note that only in flat terrain the power or logarithmic profiles can be extrapolated to higher levels with reasonable

accuracy. If there are flow compressions due to hills, simple power or logarithmic profile extrapolations should

NOT be trusted. A WAsP profile will be a better estimate since it will include corrections by a flow model to

account for the compression effects.

The profile view window holds many options. To mention the more important ones:

Select heights by type – a quick way to select and show data: e.g. only the original data, so the calculated

shear values are not influenced by other “artificial” data (remember that only concurrent data are shown!); or

only wake-cleaned data, to get the free wind flow expected shear.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 46

Show MODEL profile – Here, you select the model for generating the mean wind speed profile.

The Scaler-calculated profile has the advantage of being based on the whole time series, thereby resulting in

time-dependent profiles, to be compared with the relevant measured profiles.

Include disp. height – Includes in the graph a fixed or sector-wise displacement height, the latter calculated on

the basis of tree height data to be provided by the user.

Copy profile data – Used for extracting the data which make up the graph. Includes information such as Meteo

Object name and displacement height.

12.3.5 Statistics

There are three different tabs for statistics:

• Main statistics

• Monthly means

• Recovery (data availability)

• Monthly Weibull parameters

Meteo Object – tab by tab 47

Figure 59 First view of Main statistics.

Figure 60 Monthly means

Meteo Object – tab by tab 48

Monthly means can be shown signal by signal – by right-clicking, the tables can be copied to the clipboard and

easily integrated into documentation.

Figure 61 Data recovery view

Data recovery can be shown height by height and for a signal alone or a combination of wind speed AND

direction. In this case, the data are considered available only if BOTH signals are available. The table shows the

percentage of available data in the first column and then the number of samples enabled per day and hour.

Color coding gives a fast overview of the availability. Green shows that no samples are missing nor disabled.

The cells in red show that all samples are missing or disabled, and yellow is in between.

The Effective data period equals the total period x recovery rate.

The results presented under “Enabled” are relative to the enabled period. In this case, if data are disabled at the

start or the end of the measurements, the recovery is calculated only between the first and last enabled data.

Change status of selected samples allows to graphically select data in the table and change their status to

enabled/disabled.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 49

12.3.6 Shear

Figure 62 Shear for simple METEO calculations and evaluations

In the graph above, two different shear calculation options are tested against each other.

When doing a METEO AEP calculation based on a Meteo Object, the shear tables available here can be

selected as input for the calculation.

Shear can be either entered manually or calculated on the basis of different models:

The most robust method is based on the shear matrix, and this also adds value analyzing the data (see

12.3.3.4.2.1).

The Shear tab can hold an unlimited number of shear calculations. The text in the yellow dialog box explains its

use.

The shear calculations based on Weibull method use the Weibull mean wind speed. Direction from only one

height is used, so the mean Weibull wind speed used is based on concurrent time records.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 50

12.3.7 Mesoscale terrain

This tab only appears in Meteo Objects holding EMD-WRF mesoscale data. It contains the EMD-WRF

mesoscale terrain used in the model.

Figure 63 Mesoscale terrain in Meteo Object

Note: there are two different roughness files - a min. (winter) and a max. (summer). The mesoscale model uses

seasonal surface roughness.

If an EMD-WRF Icing calculation has been run on our server, additional parameters such as icing intensity, ice

load, instrumental icing and meteorological icing will appear here. If at least 10 seasons are included in the

calculation, additional reports will apper. These can be accessed in the lower part of the window:

The mesoscale terrain map and icing maps can be added as a result layer by clicking “Add as result layer”.

Meteo Object – tab by tab 51

Figure 64 Mesoscale minimum roughness as a Result layer shown on map

12.3.8 Report

Figure 65 Reports from Meteo Object

The Report tab lets you create a report, where a number of optional tables and graphics can be included. A

template with a preferred setup can be saved for later use.

Meteo analyser 52

12.4 Meteo analyser

The Meteo Analyser is a tool started from the Climate tab:

The Meteo Analyser works directly on the data from one or several Meteo Objects. It can therefore perform

operations that are not possible within the individual Meteo Objects, such as:

Graphic comparison of data from multiple Meteo Objects.

Disable/Enable concurrent data from multiple Meteo Objects.

Substitute/Fill data from one signal to another, with the option of applying scaling factors.

Cross predict to set up and perform a cross prediction based on the WAsP model from height to height, and

from mast to mast (test the accuracy of the model vertical and horizontal extrapolations). In addition, RIX

correction parameters can be found.

Time variation data files (.WTI) can be generated from one or more time series affected by gaps, by

merging/interpolating/patching. The .WTI files generated hold a complete one-year dataset with user-defined

time resolution for use in time-varying PARK calculations or for detailed loss calculations.

Scaling creates a new time series based on the Scaler, for immediate comparison with measurements (e.g.

downscale mesoscale data to a measurement mast and compare the two signals. This can then be used for

post-calibration of the initial result to get a perfect match with measurements).

RSD verification based on the IEA Wind Expert Group recommended practices.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 53

12.5 Meteo analyser: tab by tab

12.5.1 Data: overview and selection of data

Figure 66 Selection of data in Meteo Analyser

Figure 67 "Show time lines" gives a nice temporal overview of selected data

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 54

Figure 68 The view allows to filter the visible datasets by the Purpose given in the relevant Meteo Object

12.5.2 Graphics: Compare time series

Figure 69 Graphic comparison of more Meteo Object data.

In the Graphics tab you will see the same graphs as in a Meteo Object, but coming from multiple Meteo Objects.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 55

12.5.3 Substitute: Perform data substitutions

We never overwrite the original data. Thus, first of all, a new data series will be created – or selected, if one or

more substituted series have been created. The name of this new dataset will get the extension “Subst.” as the

last part of the name.

Figure 70 Substitution of data

Then, choose the time series that needs substitutions/repair in the field Base new substitution data series on.

Then click Create.

Now, there are two ways to perform the substitution:

• Manual: based on a time series graphic view, where intervals for substitution are marked manually:

select "start" and "end" of interval by right clicking.

• Auto: where the entire time series is checked for gaps to be filled.

In both cases, the final window you’ll get is the following. Here, you can decide which signal(s) are to be

substituted and the source and transfer function (scale and offset).

Typically, only disabled and missing data records will be substituted (while disabling of “bad data” is performed

first), and only enabled data are used for the substitution.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 56

Figure 71 After choosing between Manual and Auto, this screen will let you decide what data from the Source

instruments should be used to patch missing or disabled data in the Target.

12.5.4 Cross predict: WAsP vertical and horizontal extrapolation

Cross prediction from one mast or height to another by a model based on concurrent data is the best way to find

how well the model performs on a site. The model’s ability to horizontally and vertically extrapolate is tested in

one process on concurrent data.

Four different models can be currently tested. The selection is done by choosing in the field Use the type of link

between windPRO and WAsP:

• a Site Data Object, for a WAsP calculation

• a WAsP-CFD result file

• the Scaler, to run the calculation in the time domain (again, choose with WAsP or WAsP-CFD)

Next, choose the link itself in the sixth column of the table, which will change name according to your choice

above. For example, in the case of a classic WAsP-based calculation, we select the Site Data Object used for

STATGEN:

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 57

Then, select between which signals/heights the calculation should be done. Typically, between different heights

at one mast, and between same heights at different masts.

Finally, click Calculate.

The results will be shown by default as the relative error made by the model, but you can switch to the absolute

error, or simply the calculated wind speed, which can be compared with the measurements, already shown:

Figure 72 Results of cross predictions

If cross predictions are poor, there can be several reasons:

1. Measurement equipment is poorly calibrated

2. Masts are wrongly positioned in the terrain

3. Terrain is not described well enough (roughness, height contours, summit detail, local obstacles)

4. The wind climate is not the same at the different masts (and thereby the model is not able to cross-

predict accurately)

5. The steepness in the terrain is high and a well-know modelling problem, related to flow separation,

results in poor model handling of the wind flow transformation.

For the last one a “fix” is available: the RIX correction. If steepness seems to be the problem, the tab RIX

correction/evaluation can be used to find the best RIX correction parameters (and to evaluate if the RIX method

seems to fix the cross prediction issue). It can only be used if at least two masts are available on site!

The RIX correction/evaluation tool shows the logarithmic wind speed deviation versus the Delta RIX. From the

site-specific trend line obtained from the cross prediction errors, the slope (Alfa) is extracted, and can then be

used in the RIX correction, either in PARK or in LOSS & UNCERTAINTY. In the figure below, the value for Alpha

of 0.5 would be the choice in the RIX correction tool.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 58

Figure 73 The RIX correction/evaluation tool

Only the cross predictions calculated on the previous tab can be used in the Rix evaluation. See further

documentation on RIX calculation in 3.4.11 RIX calculation or in the PARK or LOSS & UNCERTAINTY manual

sections.

In complex terrain, however, the real solution is to abandon a linear model such as WAsP, and upgrade to a

CFD calculation!

Finally, the prediction versus measurement can be inspected with the Profile viewer. But note that only one

measurement point is shown - the one from the selection “Predicted at”. However, more profiles can be shown

based on the different predictors (if more exist). For analyses of how well the vertical profile is predicted, use

the Meteo Object.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 59

Figure 74 Prediction versus measurement inspected in the Profile viewer

NOTE: The profiles are ONLY shown if you have checked the “Calculate profiles for graphic display” BEFORE

running the cross prediction calculation:

Figure 75 Check for profile calculation

12.5.5 Time variation: complete 1 year of data

WTI (WindTImevariation) is the extension given to the file generated with this tool. Therefore, the tool is simply

named the WTI Generator.

The basic idea is that, for some purposes like calculation of the expected AEP variation in time (as, for example,

12-24 tables for PPA negotiation), often some data are missing, e.g. 15 days. Therefore, no production will be

calculated for that half month. Leaving out half a month is, of course, not realistic, but it might not need to be a

very accurate calculation for that half month. In this case, the WTI generator is convenient since it can fill in the

gaps in reasonably smart ways and make sure that every 10’ or 1 h record has a reasonable value for wind

speed and direction (and other parameters like temperature, if selected).

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 60

Figure 76 Generation of complete time series with no gaps. The setup for generation of a complete wind data

series. It can then be used for calculating a “complete” time varying AEP and/or detailed loss calculation.

Another use is in loss calculation. If, for example, the loss due to shut down below -20

o

C shall be calculated, a

time series with both wind and temperature can be used, where the loss module finds how much energy is

calculated to be produced in the time steps where temperature is below 20

o

C. If the temperature sensor was

not working all the time (1 year), or simply not present, data can be substituted from a nearby met station or

mesoscale data into the basic measurement so that all relevant variables are available after the processing by

the WTI generator.

Basically, three methods are available for filling gaps:

• Take from other measurement (other height, other mast or a dataset like NCAR)

• Fill the gap by linear interpolation (if the gap is smaller than X hours)

• Fill by patching (copying nearest period of same length into the gap)

The three methods can be used in combination. Data will be “resampled” to any user-defined time resolution,

but, typically, a 10’ or 60’ resolution should be used. NOTE: taking data from another mast does not include any

scaling options! Eventually, scaling is needed to bring the two masts to the same level. This must be done

upfront with the Substitute function in the Meteo Analyser.

The .WTI file is, by default, saved in the project folder and can be selected from PARK Time Varying calculation

or from the LOSS & UNCERTAINTY module. The wind speed data is automatically scaled to the calculated

mean wind speed for the actual site in order to have as correct of a distribution of the calculated AEP on time

stamps as possible. It is possible to re-use the WTI file in another project

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 61

12.5.6 Scaling – create a new scaled time series using the Scaler

The scaling can be used on measurements as well as model data. The most obvious use is to scale mesoscale

data to a mast position for comparison. This approach is described here.

The procedure is to compare mesoscale data downscaled to a measurement station (cleaned using mesoscale

terrain and applied with local microscale terrain) to the actual measurements. If the match is not perfect, the

downscaled data can then be forced to match an iterative procedure using scaling factors on directional, diurnal

and monthly wind speeds. The following is a demonstration of the procedure.

Figure 77 List of data sets (Meteo Objects) in Meteo Analyser

The Meteo Objects in the project are shown above. You only need to check the datasets used for the operation

– the Meteo Object representing the measuring station where the mesoscale data shall be “scaled to” - in this

case, the East Mast. Then proceed to the Scaling tab:

Figure 78 Scaling setup in meteo analyser

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 62

The only Meteo Object that appears in the “Scale to Meteo Object” field is indeed the one selected above.

“Scale from” is where the Scaler is chosen and set up, and the source Meteo Object(s) is selected. In this

scenario, the EMD Default Meso Scaler is chosen, together with the EMD-WRF mesoscale data near the mast.

Click Create scaled data series and the transfer function created by the Scaler generates a time series based

on the mesoscale data, at the mast position.

Now, let’s Switch to the Graphics tab to start the comparisons:

Figure 79 Compare scaled to measured time series (10’ vs 1h values, of course!)

If the match looks reasonable at a time series level, the real evaluation will be on the aggregated presentations

of concurrent data.

Figure 80 Monthly comparison scaled and measured

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 63

Looking at the monthly wind speeds, it is seen the monthly variations match reasonably well, although there is

clearly a seasonal bias (overestimation in winter months and viceversa in summer – the site is in the Southern

emisphere!).

Another interesting comparison is by direction:

Figure 81 Directional comparison, scaled (green) and measured (red)

If we want a perfect match, the post-calibration can be used. The number of sectors can be increased for a more

detailed work.

Click the Excel button on the graph, and copy the data that constitute it.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 64

Figure 82 Extracting data from the graph

Figure 83 Calculating the ratios in Excel. Note the huge correction required in Sectors 8 and 9.

The data are copied to Excel, and the ratio measured/scaled (sic!) is calculated.

Now, return to the Scaler tab and open its Setup. Here, the ratios are inserted by pasting them in the Post

calibration tab, sector-wise approach.

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 65

Figure 84 Enter the post calibration factors in the Scaler. Note how the very large corrections required in Sectors

8 and 9 have been trimmed by windPRO to the default limit of ±25%, a value that can be changed above, if

really needed.

Click Ok to return to the main window, where you re-run the model; and the result is:

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 66

Figure 85 Compare calibrated scaled data to measured. The two sectors where the calibration was not sufficient

are the only ones not perfectly matching the measurements.

Now, other aggregated results can be evaluated, and further corrected with the same procedure.

Figure 86 Monthly and diurnal comparison of measured and scaled data

Meteo analyser: tab by tab 67

What is important to notice is that the scaling can sometimes be a compensation for how well the calculation

model handles the terrain. If the hill speed-up is over/under estimated, this can be compensated with the scaling.

This compensation would not then work for all the site, only at the parts of the site that have similar speed-up

errors. Therefore, the scaling must be handled very carefully, especially in complex terrain. Having more masts

to test the Scaler settings will, of course, be the best method since it gives a more detailed feedback.

When the Meteo Analyser session is finalized, the Apply button writes the modifications to the Meteo Objects.

For example, the series to the mast Object will be written there, and the data can be used in calculations as a

long-term (!) virtual mast.

12.5.7 RSD verification

Remote Sensing Devices (RSD) will often be installed next to a traditional measurement mast to evaluate the

quality of the device. An expert group has established recommendations:

These recommendations have been transferred onto the RSD Verification tool in windPRO, which will reproduce

exactly the same tables and graphs required in the IEA text. A link to the document is available in windPRO:

please refer to it for knowledge.

Flagging and data screening 68

Figure 87 Example graph from RSD verification tool

12.6 Flagging and data screening

windPRO lets you visually highlight data which meet a set of logical expressions, with the purpose to assist in

screening and cleaning data without having to scroll through multiple signals simultaneously to spot problematic

data.

For information about how to use flags, see: Quick guide – Cleaning Data with flagging in meteo. The following

section goes into details about the flagging system.

12.6.1 What is a flag?

A flag is a set of logical expressions which can be used to define certain phenomena such as icing, spiking and

faulty sensors (or any other trigger). A simple example could be the one below:

If (“Wind speed” is less than 0.2 m/s AND “Temperature” is less than 0°)

OR (“Wind direction” changes less than 2° AND “Temperature” is less than 0°)

THEN Show a blue flag at the time where the above conditions are met.

Such a set a of conditions will result in a flag being displayed in the background of the time series graph, XY

graph or wind speed relations graph:

Flagging and data screening 69

Flags do not directly influence or change the data in any way but are stored as metadata. Flagging can however

be used to disable some or all the highlighted data. Any changes to the original data only occur when you actively

decide to disable data.

A flag consists of a name and color. A flag can contain multiple cases, which group conditions together. The

properties of a flag can be seen below:

Notice the “Action” property. This allows you to create a flag which looks at the temperature but applies the flag

to the wind speed signal. The signals used in a condition may thus not be the same as the signals being flagged.

12.6.2 Building conditions

To add a new flag, open your Meteo Object (also from the Meteo Analyser). Select the “Graphics” tab and click

on the “Edit flags” button. This will open the Setup window. windPRO comes with four pre-defined categories of

flag: Icing, Bad signal, Mast shadow and Other. Since they are all site-specific, they are still empty. You can edit

these flag categories or create your own.

When you Add a new case under a certain category, and the Add a condition, the following window appears,

consisting of five parts:

Flagging and data screening 70

Type of data to evaluate

Signals to evaluate

Operator and threshold to

evaluate data against

Duration for which the

condition should stay true

Special considerations

In the following section the properties of the different parts are explained

Type of data to evaluate

The first property to define is the type of data to evaluate. The choice of data type influences the options available

further on. The formulas of the types of data to evaluate can be found below:

Type of Data

Example

Mathematical expression

Value

A is equal to 0.5

If

Difference

Difference between A and B is equal to 0.5

If

Absolute difference

Absolute difference between A and B is equal to 0.5

If

Ratio

Ratio between A and B is equal to 0.5

If

You can decide if data should be

flagged when B=0 using the

“Condition met if second signal is

zero”

Shear

Shear between A and B is equal to 0.5

if

You can decide if data should be

flagged when B=0 using the

“Condition met if second signal is

zero”

Change in time

Change in time of A is equal to 0.5

If

Signals to evaluate

Next step in the condition building process is to select which signal(s) to evaluate. You can decide to evaluate

a specific signal with a name (e.g. the wind speed at 60 m), or all signals of a certain type (e.g. the mean wind

speed from any sensor):

Flagging and data screening 71

In the above example, the conditions will be tested against all the signals categorized in the Data setup as “Mean

wind speed”. If just one of the mean wind speed signals meets the conditions, then the condition will be true.

Bear in mind, that you can flag another signal than the one used in the condition. For instance, you can use the

Turbulence Intensity signal in a condition, and then display a flag only on a wind speed signal.

When you chose a type of data involving the evaluation of two signals, you can use the “signal type” to evaluate

against any other signal of the same type, but at lower, same or higher height. This can for instance be used for

identifying wind speed inversions.

Operator and threshold to evaluate data against

A number of operators are available to compare the signal to a threshold. For example, consider a wind speed

signal with the following values: 0,5,10,15,20 m/s. The conditions will then be true for the data below: