Basic Workflow

This example demonstrates a complete workflow using Remote OpenFAST Plotter to analyze wind turbine simulation data.

Step 1: Loading OpenFAST Files

Start by loading one or more OpenFAST output files:

  1. Navigate to the Files tab

  2. Enter file paths in the text area (one per line):

    /path/to/simulation1.outb
/path/to/simulation2.outb

  3. Click the “Load Files” button

  4. Wait for the green status indicators showing files are loaded successfully

Tip

You can download test files using the included utility: python utils/download_test_files.py

Step 2: Creating Time Domain Plots

After loading files, visualize time series data:

  1. Navigate to the Time Domain tab

  2. Select signals for visualization:

    • Select Y-axis signals (e.g., “RootMycX1”, “TwrBsMxt”)

    • Select X-axis signal (typically “Time”)

    • Choose display option (Overlay Files or Separate Files)

  3. Click “Update Plot” to generate visualizations

  4. Interact with the plot:

    • Zoom: Click and drag to select a region

    • Pan: Click and drag in the plot area

    • Reset view: Double-click in the plot area

    • Hover: See exact values for any point

Step 3: Performing FFT Analysis

For frequency domain analysis:

  1. Navigate to the FFT tab

  2. Configure FFT parameters:

    • Averaging Method: Choose between None, Welch, or Bartlett

    • Window Function: Select Hanning, Hamming, or None

    • Segment Size: Adjust based on desired frequency resolution

    • Overlap: Set percentage for overlapping segments

  3. Click “Calculate FFT” to generate frequency plots

  4. Add annotations for important frequencies:

    • Enter frequency value and description

    • Click “Add” to mark it on the plot

    • Save annotations for future reference

Step 4: Exporting Results

To share your analysis with others:

  1. From any tab with plots, click “Export Plot as HTML”

  2. Save the HTML file to your computer

  3. The exported file includes:

    • The interactive plot with all data points

    • Metadata about the analysis

    • Any annotations or markers you’ve added

The HTML files can be opened in any web browser without requiring additional software.

Complete Example: Analyzing Tower Response

Here’s a complete workflow analyzing tower response:

  1. Load OpenFAST files containing tower data:

    test_files/5MW_Land_DLL_WTurb.outb

  2. In Time Domain tab:

    • Select “TwrBsMxt” and “TwrBsMyt” as Y-axis signals

    • Keep default “Time” as X-axis

    • Set “Overlay Files” display option

    • Click “Update Plot”

    • Observe the tower base moment time series

  3. In FFT tab:

    • Keep default Welch averaging and Hanning window

    • Set segment size exponent to 11 for adequate resolution

    • Click “Calculate FFT”

    • Add annotations at key frequencies: * 0.2 Hz: “1P” (assuming a 12 RPM rotor speed) * 0.6 Hz: “3P” * 0.33 Hz: “Tower FA” (assumed first fore-aft mode)

  4. Export the FFT plot as HTML for documentation

    • Click “Export FFT as HTML”

    • Save to your preferred location

This example demonstrates the core functionality of Remote OpenFAST Plotter for a basic wind turbine analysis workflow.