Continuum 2.0 uses a self-learning algorithm and patented calculations to ensure it’s easy-to-navigate and affordable.

Software developer Cancalia has announced that the next version of their wind-flow modeling software is now available. Continuum 2.0 provides wind-flow developers with quick and accurate modeling and affordable licensing.

“In Continuum 2.0, the wind-flow model was extended to include an innovative surface roughness model, which significantly improves the model’s accuracy at sites with variable land cover,” explained Cancalia Co-Founder and Engineer Liz Walls. “Also, with wake-loss modeling now implemented in version 2.0, users can estimate the net energy and thereby eliminate the need for additional calculations or software outside of Continuum.”

The wake-loss modeling tool lets users select from two different wake loss options and creates high-resolution maps of the wakes. Moreover, Continuum 2.0 estimates the effect of surface roughness on the wind flow, improving model accuracy and decreasing met cross-prediction error by as much as 35%.

Developers can now also create wind-flow models using pre-construction met data and then import that site-calibrated model to use with the wind farm’s permanent tower data to estimate the power production. By comparing the modeled estimates with actual production values, poor performing turbines can easily be identified and the overall wind-farm performance can be tracked over time.

Continuum’s easy-to-use interface makes navigating the software simple. The accurate wind-speed estimates and fast computing time will benefit wind-farm developers and consultants who need quick and timely answers.

“It is our main goal to simplify and streamline the resource assessment process without sacrificing quality or accuracy and, with Continuum 2.0, we took another large step in that direction,” said Walls.

Cancalia Engineering & Consulting, LLC
www.cancalia.com

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Liz Walls, the developer of Continuum software.

Welcome to this WindTalk podcast, a series of discussions with wind-industry leaders. In this edition, we talk with Liz Walls, the Co-founder of software-development company Cancalia Engineering & Consulting.

Here she discusses the importance of wind modeling and the development of Continuum, a new wind-flow modeling software that provides a range of services, including met cross-validation studies, turbine performance evaluation, and more.

This WindTalk podcast is brought to you by ExxonMobil.

The post A new approach to wind-flow modeling appeared first on Windpower Engineering & Development.

“Wind-flow modeling software used to be a world of trade-offs where speed, accuracy, and affordability could not coexist,” said Continuum co-founder and CEO Liz Walls. “Continuum 2.0 uses a self-learning algorithm and patented calculations to remove those barriers. We are empowering wind resource analysts to create the types of accurate models that will ultimately gain the wind-power industry the credibility it needs in order to gain advantage over non-renewable sources of energy production.”

Designed to help wind flow model developers eliminate guesswork and quickly see consistent, accurate results, Continuum 2.0 contains several important new features.

1. Surface roughness calculations
   Varying surface roughness can have a strong effect on wind speed—and the accuracy of wind flow calculations. Continuum 2.0 estimates the effect of surface roughness on the wind flow, significantly improving model accuracy and decreasing met cross-prediction error by as much as 35%.
   

2. Wake modeling and loss factor estimates
   Continuum now factors in production losses caused by wake effects of upwind turbines, as well as loss factors such as turbine availability, electrical power and environmental losses. Developers can now choose from two wake loss models and receive a net energy estimate without any additional steps needed in the resource assessment.
   

3. Turbine performance analysis
   Developers can now create wind flow models using pre-construction met data and then import that site-calibrated model to use with the wind farm’s permanent tower data to estimate the power production at the turbine sites. By comparing the modeled estimates with actual production values, any poor performers or turbines that are not operating as they should are easily identified and the overall wind farm performance can be assessed and tracked over time.

Continuum 2.0 will be available for demo and download on September 16, 2015. It is priced to be affordable for wind developers, turbine manufacturers, and wind consultants of all sizes, and is available either as a full perpetual license or a monthly subscription.

Cancalia Engineering & Consulting, LLC
www.cancalia.com

The post Continuum to unveil new wind-flow modeling software at AWEA seminar appeared first on Windpower Engineering & Development.