Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about OpenFAST

Who are OpenFAST?

OpenFAST is an open-source wind turbine simulation platform developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States. It is designed to facilitate the modelling and simulation of wind turbine dynamics and performance.

What are OpenFASTs products?

OpenFAST offers a comprehensive simulation tool that integrates various modules to model the dynamics of wind turbines. These modules include aerodynamics, structural dynamics, control systems, and hydrodynamics, enabling detailed analysis of wind turbine performance.

What services do OpenFAST offer?

OpenFAST primarily provides a simulation software platform. Additionally, the NREL offers support through documentation, user guides, and community forums to assist users in implementing and using the software effectively.

What type of companies do OpenFASTs products suit?

OpenFASTs products are suitable for a wide range of organisations, including research institutions, universities, and companies involved in wind energy development, design, and research. It caters to both academic and industrial sectors focusing on wind turbine technology.

How much does OpenFASTs product cost?

OpenFAST is available as an open-source software, which means it is free to download and use. There are no associated costs for accessing the software itself.

Does OpenFAST offer a free trial?

As an open-source platform, OpenFAST does not offer a free trial because the software is freely available to all users without any cost or subscription model.

What discounts does OpenFAST offer on their products?

There are no discounts available for OpenFAST as it is an open-source software and is provided free of charge.

Are there any hidden fees or additional costs with OpenFAST?

There are no hidden fees or additional costs associated with OpenFAST. Users can access and use the software without any financial obligations.

Who uses OpenFASTs products?

Users of OpenFAST include researchers, engineers, and students within the wind energy field. It is utilised by professionals involved in the design and analysis of wind turbines, as well as by academic institutions for educational purposes.

What are the main features of OpenFASTs products/services?

Main features of OpenFAST include:

• Modular architecture for flexible simulations
• Integrated aerodynamic, structural, and control system modelling
• Support for various wind turbine designs, including onshore and offshore systems
• Open-source code for customisation and collaboration
• Extensive documentation and community support

How does OpenFAST compare to its competitors?

OpenFAST is considered a leading tool in the wind turbine simulation domain due to its open-source nature, allowing for collaborative improvements and custom development. Compared to proprietary software, OpenFAST offers greater flexibility and accessibility, although it may lack some features available in paid solutions.

Is OpenFASTs platform easy to use?

The ease of use of OpenFAST can vary depending on the users familiarity with wind turbine modelling and simulation. While the platform provides extensive documentation, new users may require some time to navigate its features effectively.

How easy is it to set up OpenFASTs product or service?

Setting up OpenFAST involves downloading the software from the official repository and following the installation instructions provided in the documentation. Users with basic programming and simulation knowledge will find the setup straightforward.

Is OpenFAST reliable?

OpenFAST is generally regarded as a reliable simulation tool, having undergone extensive testing and validation within the research community. Its open-source nature allows for ongoing improvements and updates.

Does OpenFAST offer customer support?

OpenFAST does not provide traditional customer support; however, users can access community support through forums, user groups, and the official documentation for assistance with issues or questions.

How secure is OpenFASTs platform?

As an open-source software, OpenFASTs security largely depends on the users implementation and usage. Regular updates and community scrutiny help to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Does OpenFAST integrate with other tools or platforms?

OpenFAST can be integrated with various other tools and platforms, especially those used for data analysis and visualisation, such as MATLAB or Python. Users can also create custom scripts to enhance functionality.

Can I use OpenFAST on mobile devices?

OpenFAST is primarily designed for desktop and server environments and is not optimised for mobile devices. Users are advised to run the software on compatible operating systems for best performance.

What do users say about OpenFAST?

User feedback on OpenFAST generally highlights its versatility and detailed modelling capabilities. However, users also mention a learning curve associated with its use, particularly for those new to wind turbine simulations.

What are the pros and cons of OpenFAST?

Pros:

• Free and open-source access
• Comprehensive modelling capabilities
• Active community support

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for new users
• Lack of official customer support

How can I purchase OpenFASTs services?

OpenFAST is free to download and does not require a purchase. Users can access the software directly from the official website or GitHub repository.

What is the cancellation or refund policy for OpenFAST?

As OpenFAST is a free open-source software, there is no cancellation or refund policy applicable.

Who uses OpenFAST?

OpenFAST is used by a diverse group of individuals and organisations, including researchers, academic institutions, engineers, and companies in the wind energy sector.

What are the common use cases for OpenFAST?

Common use cases for OpenFAST include:

• Design and optimisation of wind turbine systems
• Performance analysis of existing wind turbines
• Research on wind turbine dynamics and control strategies

Why choose OpenFAST over other options?

OpenFASTs open-source nature allows for customisation, collaboration, and no financial barriers to entry, making it an attractive option compared to many proprietary simulation tools.

How easy is it to set up OpenFAST?

Setting up OpenFAST is manageable for users with some technical background, as it involves following installation guidelines provided in the documentation. Basic programming knowledge may also be beneficial.

Does OpenFAST offer training or tutorials?

OpenFAST provides documentation and user guides, which serve as a form of training. Additionally, community forums may offer insights and shared knowledge from experienced users.

What languages does OpenFAST support?

OpenFAST primarily supports English, as the main documentation and user interface are in English. Users can contribute translations or adaptations as part of the open-source community.

What problems does OpenFAST solve?

OpenFAST addresses challenges in the wind energy sector by providing a robust tool for simulating wind turbine dynamics, facilitating performance assessment, and aiding in design optimisation.

Is OpenFAST worth the investment?

OpenFAST is free to use, so there is no financial investment required. For users needing advanced wind turbine simulation capabilities, OpenFAST is a valuable tool that offers significant benefits without cost.