SOURCE: WindSim; 3TIER
May 23, 2010 15:30 ET
WindSim and 3TIER Advance Wind Resource Assessment Modeling
Results Show Improved Accuracy by Combining Advanced Wind Modeling Technologies
BOSTON, MA and SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - May 23, 2010) - WindSim and 3TIER today announced the completion a
joint wind
resource assessment initiative that successfully demonstrates the
feasibility of combining WindSim's computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
modeling with 3TIER's mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP) modeling
in early-stage wind resource mapping and assessment efforts. This approach
provides valuable insight prior to the deployment of an on-site
observational measurement campaign. The companies have now formed a
strategic partnership and will begin joint marketing initiatives.
"Meteorological models continue to advance and add value in wind resource
assessment efforts. We'll continue to proactively make those benefits
easily accessible to WindSim users," noted Robert D. Buckley, president of
WindSim AMERICAS. "The results of this joint effort prove that building a
WindSim model with high-resolution wind data like 3TIER's is a wise
investment that delivers sophisticated and valuable analysis that
complements on-site measurement campaigns."
Together, the researchers used 3TIER's high-resolution FullView Wind Spatial Mapping
technology to provide input data for wind flow simulations in WindSim's CFD-based wind
farm design tool (WFDT). They validated their findings with actual data
confidentially provided by a wind farm developer in North America. They
chose sites with different types of terrain, from moderate to complex and
very challenging, to examine and compare model results. The combined
approach delivered highly accurate results with significant error
reduction, on the order of 50% for a site with complex terrain.
"3TIER uses high-resolution NWP simulations to provide the best possible
spatial distribution of winds as an input to WindSim models," commented Dr.
Jim McCaa, director of advanced applications at 3TIER. "Plus, our data
provides a long-term time series that enables WindSim users to produce an
accurate wind climatology for their simulations. We blended two best-of-
breed modeling approaches, got positive results, and look forward to
strengthening our partnership with WindSim."
3TIER also announced they will output their data in WindSim's native .tws
file format for tighter integration and a streamlined import method for
WindSim's CFD simulations.
About WindSim
WindSim develops and delivers advanced software solutions and professional
services that help worldwide wind energy industry leaders design more
profitable wind farms. WindSim, its flagship product, is a world-class
software solution based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that combines
advanced numeric processing with compelling 3D visualization in a user-
friendly interface. Wind resource & energy assessors, meteorologists, and
researchers at wind turbine manufacturers, project developers, government
agencies, and academic institutions use WindSim for wind resource
assessment efforts worldwide.
Founded in 1993, WindSim is privately-held and venture-backed with offices
in Norway and the United States. WindSim complements its direct operations
with a worldwide partner network.
For more information, visit www.windsim.com
About 3TIER
Founded in 1999, Seattle-based 3TIER is one of the largest independent
providers of wind, solar and hydro energy assessment and power forecasting
worldwide. People around the world turn to 3TIER when they want the best
scientific information to make decisions about renewable energy projects --
from the prospecting stage to operations.
For more information, visit www.3TIER.com
WindSim and the WindSim logo are trademarks of WindSim. All other
trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.