Running a simulation

Open simulation setup

1. Navigate to Simulations via the main menu

2. Press “+ New Simulation”

Step 1: Name

Please provide a name for your simulation that is easily identifiable for future reference. Choose a clear and descriptive identifier to facilitate easy retrieval of the simulation later on.

Step 2: Met Mast

During the Met mast step, you have the option to add meteorological masts to the simulation. You can do this either by manually filling out the form or by uploading a CSV file.

The file should contain the following columns with these exact header names:

latitude	longitude	name
53.3	3.2	t1

• Latitude: in decimal degrees: between -90 and 90

• Longitude: in decimal degrees: between -180 and 180

• Name: unique identifier for each turbine / metmast

Upon entering a complete wind farm with locations, the turbines will be shown on the map. Whiffle automatically computes both LES (Large Eddy Simulation) and MESO (Mesoscale) domains.

Step 3: Wind Farm

During the Wind farm step, you can add turbines to the simulation. This can be done either by manually filling out the form or by uploading a CSV file.

The file should contain the following columns with these exact header names:

latitude	longitude	name
53.3	3.2	t1

• Latitude: in decimal degrees: between -90 and 90

• Longitude: in decimal degrees: between -180 and 180

• Name: unique identifier for each turbine / metmast

After uploading a CSV the desired turbine should be selected. Only one turbine model can be set per wind farm.

Whiffle offers a basic NREL 5MW turbine as a default option, and you can also add custom turbines if needed. The heights for the meteorological mast will be specified in the following Outputs step.

Upon entering a complete wind farm with locations, the turbines will be shown on the map. Whiffle automatically computes both LES (Large Eddy Simulation) and MESO (Mesoscale) domains.

Step 4: Period

In the Period step you have the ability to select the date range of interest, ranging from 1 day mimimum to 1 year maximum.

Due to the Whiffle LES model starting and ending at local astronomical midnight, the first and last timestamp of your output data, which is in UTC+0, depends on the geographical location of your site.

The Whiffle LES model performs best when initialized at astronomical midnight due to the atmosphere being in its most stable contition and the fact that a complete day/night cycle is captured every simulation day.

Here are the steps for setting a simulation period:

• Specify a start date either by typing it in or utilizing the date picker.

• Similarly, specify an end date.

• The total number of simulation days will then be presented for your reference.

You have the option to run a simulation from January 1, 2010, up to ten days ago. Presently, the maximum duration for a simulation run is one year. Should you wish to run a simulation for a longer period, please reach out to Whiffle for assistance.

Step 5: Outputs

In the output step, you have the option to specify heights for the output data.

5.1 Wind Resource Grid (WRG)

To define an output height in meters, click on "Add height." Currently, a maximum of three heights is allowed due to restricted resources. If additional heights are needed, please don't hesitate to contact Whiffle for assistance.

See additional information on the purpose and functionality of the Wind Resource Grid (WRG)

Wind Resource Grid

5.2 Fields

To define an output height in meters, click on "Add height." Currently, due to restricted resources, a maximum of three heights is allowed. If you require additional heights, please feel free to contact Whiffle for further assistance.

See additional information on the how, what and why of fields

Fields

5.2 Metmasts

You can only add heights to a meteorological mast when one or more have been added on the Layout page. Click on “Add height” to define an output height in meters.

See additional information on meteorological mast time series data.

Timeseries

5.3 Turbines

For turbines, the heights are set during the addition of a custom turbine. Please refer to the instructions on how to add a custom turbine for further details.

See additional information on turbine time series data.

Timeseries

Step 6: Overview

Congratulations 🥳! You've reached the final step.

Quickly review your settings and then click "Start simulation." This action will return you to the Simulation overview page, where information about the process will be displayed.

Running a simulation may require some time. Don't worry, we'll keep you updated on the progress via email. In the meantime, you can learn more about what’s under the hood!