PLANT DESIGN AND ENERGY PRODUCTION ESTIMATION - Wind Resource Assessment: A Practical Guide to Developing a Wind Project - page 232

The programs also offer a variety of optional capabilities, which vary to some
degree with the software. These capabilities permit the user to

• calculate noise levels and constrain the layout to meet noise limits at specified
boundaries or points;
• map viewsheds (zones of visual impact) and constrain the layout to minimize
turbine visibility from specified points;
• model turbine shutdown strategies designed to reduce wear and tear caused
by wakes from nearby turbines (called sector management or directional
curtailment );

blend wind flow modeling from multiple monitoring masts;

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perform uncertainty analyses;

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design access road and electrical collection systems and estimate their costs.

Before choosing a program, the resource analyst should investigate its features, design
limits (such as the maximum number of turbines that can be modeled), user interface,
required operating system and computer platform, compatibility with other file types,
and, of course, price and technical support options. Beginners should choose software
that is relatively easy to use and has a strong support package. It is a good idea to
try out a free demonstration copy (or, in the case of openWind, the free, open-source
version) before purchasing.

16.2 SETTING UP THE PROJECT

The initial project setup usually involves importing into the software a variety of
graphical image backdrops, raster layers, and vector layers describing the important
geographical and geophysical features of the project area. Among the features to
consider at the outset are the following:

terrain elevations;

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land cover types;

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rivers and water bodies;

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roads and trails;

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transmission and distribution lines;

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administrative boundaries (towns, counties, provinces, and so forth);

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property and other land parcel boundaries;

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locations of residences;

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parks, military reservations, and other potentially excluded areas;

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locations of large structures such as buildings and communications towers;

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locations of significant cultural, religious, touristic, or other landmarks that may
affect siting decisions.

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