Energy and weather forecast for renewable operators

Weather and energy forecast service through the training of artificial intelligence algorithms.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Through the use of an extensive NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction) database and forecast corrections using artificial intelligence algorithms, various energy and weather forecast services are offered. Likewise, at SOLUTE we develop training plans for our customers to ensure they can properly interpret the forecast, thus maximising the performance that can be achieved by the users. </p><p>Within the framework of its R&D&I initiatives, SOLUTE has designed and optimised an energy and weather forecast service adapted to the needs of renewable plant operators. Among the tools that are implemented, energy load forecast algorithms for intraday, day-ahead and balancing markets are worth mentioning, as they provide valuable information for optimising energy sales strategies. </p><p>Likewise, to complete the service, SOLUTE has weather models and post-processed information available so that operators can programme their routine O&M tasks at the wind park. With the aim of improving accessibility, we have maximised the number of formats in which this information is available: email, FTP and via web interface and App.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>Since 2015, SOLUTE uses artificial intelligence systems to provide energy forecasts to different wind park operators. These customers normally request hourly forecasts for the intraday and day-ahead markets as well as potential scenarios +7 days ahead. Two levels of forecast are possible; at the park level (available production, wind forecast, etc.) and at the turbine level (for a greater level of detail). In order to adapt to the needs of each operator, the forecast team carries out an optimisation of the algorithms based on the main KPIs (NMAE, R2, RMSE, BIAS and IEV). </p><blockquote><em>Each forecast tool is built to maximise the ability of the forecast, carefully selecting the data that is used during its configuration (NWP, satellite imagery, Met Mast, SCADA, WRF Aphelion…), its scope is defined by the customer's request and entails, in addition to training on the forecast models, its automation and final frontend design of the tool.</em></blockquote> <blockquote><em style=""></em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>Regarding the structuring of the works, the tasks are organised by tools. Each forecast tool is built to maximise the ability of the forecast, carefully selecting the data that is used during its configuration (NWP, satellite imagery, Met Mast, SCADA, WRF Aphelion…), its scope is defined by the customer's request and entails, in addition to training on the forecast models, its automation and final frontend design of the tool. </p><p>The main features of the system are: </p><p><strong>Availability. </strong>Customer independence is one of our greatest strengths. Thanks to the Aphelion Wind forecast tool we can include a new forecast asset (Wind Park, photovoltaic plant, etc.) at any time of the day, being able to choose between different energy and weather forecast products. </p><p><strong>Adaptability. </strong>The specific technical capabilities of the team in charge of the forecast services enable us to meet the particular needs of different types of customers. Forecast for the control of the plant or the detection of ramp events are carefully handled at independent projects. </p><p><strong>Transparency.</strong> SOLUTE is committed to continuously communicate to its customers, the ability of its forecast models. Periodic validation reports recover the critical KPIs of each forecast service and present them in a simple and useful manner. </p><p><strong>Continuous growth. </strong>Including algorithms, strategies and new weather models ensures the ability of the models is continuously improved. </p><p><strong>Conservative system. </strong>The inclusion of a new forecast model requires the algorithm pass a series of quality controls (ability, scalability, reproducibility) in order to form part of the set of available models within the automatic forecast issuance system. </p><p><strong>Technical team.</strong> SOLUTE has a structured technical team of weather forecasters and data scientists as well as software developers and web platforms. This concept effectively combines techniques called Dynamical Downscaling and Statistical Downscaling, which, in the long term, are used to achieve improvements in both worlds: better weather inputs and local corrections of the forecasts using artificial intelligence (IA) models. </p><p><strong>A type of project. </strong>The first step to carry out is to understand the customer's needs; all models are not used for the same purpose nor are they built in the same way. Then, the data supplied by the customer is cleaned and filtered for the purpose of obtaining an accurate picture of the weather conditions in the area. At the same time, an inventory is made of all sensitive data in order to optimise the models. Then, the automatic training phase begins of the five IA model architectures that are used by SOLUTE, evaluating the ability of each of them for the target location and composing the uncertainty of each one of the models based on percentiles (P90, P75, P50, P25 and P10). Once the model with the best KPIs is selected, we proceed with setting it up. </p><p>The delivery of the forecasts is made in accordance with the customer's specifications.</p><p><br></p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The weather forecasts services that are built have two main features: on the one hand, the ability to forecast, which is competitive compared to other solutions, and, on the other hand, the stability of the service, which guarantees availability above 97%. </p><p>Likewise, a technical advice service is offered for a proper interpretation of the forecasts.</p><h4>OTHER USES AND APPLICATIONS</h4><p>The service is designed to optimise decisions during the service life of the renewable plant. On the other hand, its worthiness is analysed during the construction phase in order to programme tasks and for hypothetical production exercises.</p>

Design, optimisation and certification of turbine components

Structural analysis of the components of a wind turbine to verify its integrity and survival to the historical performance of the intended operation.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND </span></h4><p>Wind turbine components must be structurally analysed to verify their integrity and survival to the predicted operating history. The analysis methodology requires an advanced level of mathematical modelling and a high degree of detail to provide valid results. SOLUTE performs these analyses, ensuring the structural life of the wind turbine components, from the blade to the foundation structure. </p><p>The wind industry is continually designing and developing new machines in the quest for greater energy and economic efficiency to drive growth in the share of this type of energy. It is of vital importance in the development of a new wind turbine to ensure its structural integrity, both whole and of each of its parts and mechanical joints, as it is a rotating machine subjected to loads of considerable magnitude. The certification process before accredited entities to which each new machine must be submitted ensures that this is the case and establishes precise guidelines for the analysis prior to the execution of the experimentation with prototypes to verify the results.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>SOLUTE frequently collaborates and is directly involved with the leading OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the international market on new developments. It also works with wind farm owners who, without owning the technology, wish to access the knowledge of structural behaviour in order to manage O&M and life extension actions. </p><blockquote><em>The FEM models must be fed by the mechanical loads for the various scenarios contemplated by the standard and which are previously obtained by calculation with aeroelastic models of the wind turbine.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>The analysis is carried out using CAE (computer aided calculation) tools using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and complemented with analytical calculations. To carry out these calculations, commercial FEM codes (ANSYS, OPTISTRUCT, PAMCRASH) are used, over which, even with differences due to their origin, the standards of good practice in modelling, the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience prevail. </p><p>Models of different magnitude must be created depending on the structural role played by the component under analysis: the scale varies from very large global models, containing the entire Nacelle and even the tower, but with less discretisation for computational economy, to detailed sub-models for sections of a part that allow greater precision of the value and location. </p><p>The FEM models must be fed by the mechanical loads for the various scenarios contemplated by the standard, and which are previously obtained by calculation with aeroelastic models of the wind turbine. The FEM calculations make it possible to extract the stress state for extreme and fatigue cases, with the aim of ensuring not only survival in the face of such extreme events, but also what is even more important: ensuring the structural fatigue life of each component and joint for the expected duration. This is possible due to the deterministic nature of the calculation of mechanical loads, which provides information on the evolution over time. </p><p>Thus, the fatigue post-processing combines the stress state with its historical variation to contrast it with the material properties and determine by means of Miner's rule the accumulated damage in the considered time interval. </p><p>The models usually include advanced aspects such as the non-linearity in load transmission due to the frictional contacts present (bearings, bolted joints), and the preload or assembly pretension of high-capacity bolted joints (bushing to blade, bushing to shaft, yaw system, etc.). This analysis rigorously follows exhaustive procedures with high standards required by the certification bodies (DNV-GL, TÜV) for the certification of the new machine. This ensures the reliability and accuracy of the results, which is a sign of the rigour of the method and process. In the structural analysis process, in addition to the specific wind power standards (IEC-61400), structural analysis standards (VDI-2230, Eurocode 3), and specific guides from the certifying bodies (DNVGL-ST-0361...) are applied.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p>CAE tasks performed during the development phase allow to adopt, in a very dynamic way, design or conceptual alternatives in case of unsatisfactory results, or on the other hand the cost optimisation of the parts that already achieve the expected structural performance. In addition, FEM models allow to know beyond the ultimate result of the structural objectives, contributing to a general understanding of the structural behaviour, the role of each part in the whole structure, the knowledge of the load path and its distribution, as well as the sensitivity to changes. In short, to a better and deeper knowledge of the machine, its structures and components as a solid basis for making decisions that effectively guide the development phase.</p>

Life extension evaluation of towers and foundations

This competency allows extending the functional duration of turbine components and thus obtains a greater performance from the installed wind turbines.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND </span></h4><p>The life extension evaluation of certain wind turbine components is very much demanded at the moment as many of the existing turbines are nearing the service life expiration date they were designed for. </p><p>SOLUTE has a team of structural engineers that carry out an evaluation of the conditions under which the turbine is operating and applies them to finite elements models for conducting a subsequent fatigue analysis. </p><p>During the design phase of a wind turbine, the components are designed for a specific service life. In the case of foundations and towers, this service life is normally around 20 years. The owners of large parks are interested in extending the service life of these turbines as much as possible in order to obtain a greater performance from the installed wind turbines. In this sector, SOLUTE presents itself as a solution for conducting life extension evaluations.</p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE </span></h4><p>The main customers that are interested in these types of evaluations are component manufacturers, wind park developers, public administrations and private companies. </p><p>Since 2017 SOLUTE has been conducting life extension evaluations of towers and foundations for different interest groups, such as park owners and builders.</p><blockquote><em>Finite elements models (FEMs) are used that resemble reality, such as ANSYS or SAP2000, which allow inserting equivalent damage loads originating from the inputs in order to obtain the stresses to which each element being evaluated is subjected to.</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY </span></h4><p>The aim of a life extension evaluation is to evaluate the remaining life with fatigue of each component in accordance with current regulation. </p><p>The methodology that is used is focused on evaluating the inputs available on the wind turbine, which entails analysing the equivalent fatigue loads of the turbine according to the winds it has been subjected to during its service life, existing conditions on the ground, condition of the materials of each component, etc. </p><p>For this, finite elements models (FEMs) are used that resemble reality, such as ANSYS or SAP2000, which allow inserting equivalent damage loads originating from the inputs in order to obtain the stresses to which each element being evaluated is subjected to. </p><p>Finally, we evaluate the fatigue damage of each component by analysing the stresses that are produced and draft a final report with the customer’s requirements and propose solutions via drawings and other necessary documentation. </p><p>The regulation that is used for fatigue analysis will follow the material and load requirements set out in IEC61400-1 and IEC61400-6, Eurocodes, Structural Code, DNVGL-ST-0126, DNVGL-ST-0262, and Model 2010 Code.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS </strong></p><p>Via the conducted fatigue analysis, we will determine if the wind turbine components are able to withstand the loads obtained for a specific additional service life. Based on the scope of the evaluation, it could simply be focused on the validity of the structure or on checking the validity and the proposal of solutions in case of failure. In any case, after the analysis, a report of results will be drafted with the applicable conclusions.</p>

BIM Building Information Modeling

The implementation of the BIM methodology in wind parks and wind turbines allows creating a digital twin that provides us with very useful information, not only about cost, but also about the drafting of construction and maintenance plans.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4> <p>The implementation of the BIM methodology in wind parks and wind turbines allows creating a digital twin that provides us with very useful information, not only about cost, but also about the drafting of construction and maintenance plans. This new collaborative methodology simultaneously involves several teams that simultaneously feed the models that are going to be created, which entails having all the useful information about the park at one location. </p><p>SOLUTE has focused its efforts in applying the BIM methodology in construction, where it has been gaining experience in industrial and domestic environments since 2020. </p><p>Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative work methodology that intends to cover all the phases of a construction project, from the initial layout, to the design, development and construction, as well as its maintenance and disassembling. </p><p>This comprehensive task may be applied to the definition of the parks, both photovoltaic as well as wind, to create the so called digital twins, which can be of great use for the construction of the park, as it allows carrying out the planning and budgeting in real time as well as develop a maintenance plan. </p><p><br></p> <blockquote><em>Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a collaborative work methodology to create and manage a construction project whose objective is to centralise all the project information in a model called digital twin that contains information created by all its agents.</em></blockquote> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4> <p>Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative work methodology for creating and managing a construction project with the aim of focusing all the information about the project in a model called digital twin, containing information created by all agents. </p><p>This method allows designing a structure, planning its construction and maintenance as well as view subsequent tasks once its service life has reached its end. </p><p>Although BIM is designed for construction, it may be applied to the designing of parks taking small parts of the main diagram, in a manner that the comprehensive designs of the park can be made considering the design of the roads, substations and other infrastructures, giving way to construction planning and maintenance as well as a viewing of the costs. </p><p>The tools that are used are the most common in the industry, primarily Autodesk Software such as Infraworks for preliminary designs, Revit for architectural development, Robot Structural Analysis for structural calculations, Civil3D for building roads or Navisworks for planning and taking measurements. </p><p>The BIM manager or BIM coordinator is one of the key positions in the development, for the deadlines as well as the quality of the projects; therefore, they must possess the necessary experience and knowledge about processes and methodologies so they can focus their daily work on an efficient management. </p><p>To carry out the analysis using software, we must be familiar with the elements to be analysed, whether they are architectural, structural or services; in other words, a wall with a certain type of finish, insulation and also specific materials must be defined by a knowledgeable person, without necessarily using the default options provided by the programmes. </p><p>As a result of this need to know the nature and concept of the different elements, different experts in elements and/or structures will also get involved such as architects, engineers specialised in structures or engineers specialised in installations (electricity, water supply, ventilation, gas, etc.). </p><p>Likewise, BIM Modelling technicians are available, who will generate all the information that is to be transmitted to the next person in the organisational chart and who are responsible for ensuring all prior requirements provided by the agents are included in the model. </p><p>The work team is responsible for determining the timely schedule of the project and its implementation based on the wind resource assessment that allows determining where to install the turbines, to subsequently determine where to locate the roads, auxiliary buildings and other elements in a sequential manner. </p><p>Then, additional tasks shall be defined for maintaining the site.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>With this capability we are able to create a "digital twin of the site with all kinds of information" (cost, deadlines, etc.). </p><p>From this model we can extract/generate data in the form of drawings, budgets, schedules, action plans, etc., according to the customer's needs.</p> <p> </p>

Aerodynamic in wind turbines

Design and optimisation of the aerodynamic components of a turbine from the blade to the tower or nacelle

<p><strong></strong></p><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p>Analysis and functional design of components subjected to aerodynamic forces, primarily two-dimensional profiles and three-dimensional blades. </p><p>Based on the regulation applied to wind turbine design, models of interest are built and solved using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) techniques. Then they are post-processed, and modifications are proposed of the design to meet the objectives.</p><p>The design and optimisation of aerodynamic components, primarily a wind turbine blade. Even though blades are the most important components and the most sensitive to aerodynamic behaviour, there are others such as the tower or the nacelle that can also be analysed from this perspective. </p><p>With a focus on the blades, we try to find shapes that allow taking as much advantage as possible of the wind's kinetic energy. At the same time, other requirements are met, like reducing the noise generated by the turbine or the excessive aerodynamic loads they are subjected to. </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"=""><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span><br></style="background-color:></h4><p>SOLUTE has conducted several tests and studies at an internal level, which could be applied to any customer in the wind energy sector. </p><blockquote><em>The first step is to model the geometry, provided in drawings or 3D files, through CAD software - such as CATIA or SolidWorks. Then the simulation parameters are defined.</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY </span></h4><p>The established objectives are used as a basis, taking into account the limitations, both constructive as well as assembling or weight. Then, the current legislation is reviewed such as IEC 61400 as well as the state of the art of similar machines and then we begin working on the model and the load cases. </p><p>The first step is to modernise the geometry, supplied in drawings or 3D files, using CAD software such as CATIA or SolidWorks. Then, the simulation parameters are defined: type of mesh, fluid flow domain, turbulence model, if it is transitory or stationary, simulation time, fluid properties, etc. </p><p>Once the model has been pre-processed, we move forward with the simulation, which requires a great calculation capacity and possibly renting external servers to reach the required computational power. There are a large number of CFD solvers available and we will choose the one that best adapts to the type of simulation: OpenFOAM, Ansys Fluent, Star CCM+ or AcuSolve. </p><p>Once the simulation is complete, we must process the results, analysing the parameters of interest such as the profile lift, its strength or other derived values such as the power or moment coefficients. Using software such as META or EnSight we can visually analyse the results in order to more easily understand the model's behaviour. </p><p>If the initially obtained results do not satisfy the set objectives, modifications of the model are proposed, and the prior steps are iteratively repeated until the requested objectives are met.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>What is supplied is a definition of the geometry of the components studied (normally blades or profiles) that respond to their demands. This is normally accompanied by a report that includes the aerodynamic behaviour of the analysed components.</p>

Hybrid plants development

Combination of different renewable and storage technologies to optimise the design and size to obtain the best technical and economic performance.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>The development of hybrid plants is a capability that SOLUTE has been heavily involved in recently due to the worldwide need to reduce carbon footprints and promote the use of renewable energy, through wind turbine and photovoltaic projects the company has been carrying out since it was established.</p> <p>This hybridisation capability consists of combining different renewable energy technologies in a manner that optimises the design and size of each one of these technologies so that their joint operation achieves the best technical and economic performance of the renewable plant.</p> <p>The capability consists of determining the size and designing renewable plants that combine two or more technologies; solar PV, wind turbines and battery storage systems, with the aim of optimising power generation and improving the performance and capacity of the supply, for newly built as well as existing plants.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>SOLUTE has more than 15 years of experience in the Renewable Energy sector and hybridisation is increasingly being developed in recent years as a result of the carbon footprint reduction process and the need to increase the supply capacity of the plants.</p> <p>SOLUTE participates in all phases of the process, from the preliminary sizing to the final construction, supporting developers, operators and manufacturers.</p> <blockquote><em>Comprehensive analysis of the operation of the batteries, wind and solar production and energy market prices.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Technical / economic analyses are carried out based on the combination of the energy production of each one of the technologies, allowing to optimise the size and design of the plants as well as their operation, by carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the operation of the batteries, wind and solar power generation and the energy market prices.</p> <p>The final output is a technical report with the optimum solution and the most suitable design for the plant, describing all the steps that are carried out along with the modelling and the final results, including time series if applicable.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The desired result is the optimum design and sizing of the plant along with the expected results in terms of the production and economic viability of the system.</p>

Wind Resource Assessment (WRA)

Definition of a wind project at any stage of its development to reduce uncertainty and provide the client with the necessary technical and financial data.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>SOLUTE has extensive experience and technical capacity with WRAs (Wind Resource Assesment), which help properly define a project at every stage of its development, based on the available information. This reduces uncertainty at every stage and provides the client with the necessary technical and financial data. </p><p>Observing every relevant parameter, we make the most of the energy in specific locations. Based on the available wind and orographic data, we develop detailed lineal and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) wind resource models used to optimally configure the best solution possible.</p><p>Wind resource analysis aims to define the wind conditions in a wind farm in an optimal way, minimising uncertainty, in order to study the energy production in the wind farm, evaluate the loads and ensure the useful life of the site, thus avoiding a non-optimal design or an inadequate layout of the wind turbines, as well as a possible erroneous selection of the turbines according to the calculated wind and other environmental conditions. </p><p>Overall objectives include optimising the site's energy resources through appropriate selection and placement of available technology to maximise the LCOE (Levelize Cost of Energy). </p><p>The processes to consider in achieving this goal are measuring the wind conditions at the site, estimating the wind resource at the farm, defining and optimising the layout, performing the energy calculation and assessing the wind conditions at the turbines for the load study.</p> <p>The wind resource analysis aims for an optimal definition of the wind conditions at a wind farm, minimising uncertainty, to study the farm's energy production, evaluate loads and ensure the working life of the site.</p><p>This resolves any gaps in the understanding of the wind resource in a specific area. We identify an area's potential for energy production, avoiding sub-optimal site designs or inadequate turbine layouts in the space to be occupied. We can also avoid incorrect turbine selection based on the wind calculations and other environmental conditions. </p><p>General objectives include optimising the site's energy resources by the appropriate selection and placement of the available technology to maximise the levelised cost of energy or the energy units for the investment in the project in question. This means producing more for less by placing the equipment where it is most profitable. </p><p>The processes to consider in achieving this goal are measuring the wind conditions at the site, estimating the wind resource at the farm, defining and optimising the layout, performing the energy calculation and assessing the wind conditions at the turbines for the load study. </p><p><br></p> <blockquote><em>The wind resource analysis aims for an optimal definition of the wind conditions at a wind farm, minimising uncertainty, to study the farm's energy production, evaluate loads and ensure the working life of the site.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>There are multiple alternatives, from preliminary wind potential studies to the design and management of campaigns, including estimates of the wind resource and energy production, uncertainty and wind conditions at the farm. </p><p>Our main tool is FUROW – comprehensive software for developing wind projects. It covers everything from wind data processing to micrositing and financial analysis, including lineal and CFD wind resource calculations. </p><p>SOLUTE develops its projects in accordance with industry standards, principally the MEASNET and IEC61400 regulations. It runs WRA studies based on measured data, generally drawn from met masts over the course of at least one year, although it is capable of preparing potential wind studies without requiring met masts in the area. </p><p>The reference period is then selected, using the maximum number of years with good data availability, to capture trends and temporary variations in the wind at the site. Data taken from measurement points at hub height is extrapolated throughout the site to determine the wind at the desired height using lineal or CFD models. This enables calculation of the farm's long-term energy production, along with the wind conditions at the turbine positions to conduct class studies of the equipment. </p><p>Finally, the reference period is selected to provide a long-term study with data representative of the site for development. </p><p>The characteristics and technical requirements of the methodologies used for wind energy are highly varied. That's why we adapt knowledge and skills depending on the project to be carried out, to always offer the best study possible based on each need.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>The potential clients we focus on include developers, operators and manufacturers (technologists). SOLUTE has been focusing on this project phase for around 15 years. We have a hand in developing an average of 1.5 GW/year, working from the wind potential initiative phase through to the final stages of due diligence, including exploring for new sites. </p><p>Using FUROW, our proprietary wind farm design software, we conduct everything from potentiality studies to final evaluations of public offers for both Spanish and international clients. We participate in every phase of the project: pre-feasibility to select the best met mast positions; wind measurement campaigns with met masts; SODARs (sonic detection and ranging) and LIDARs (light detection and ranging); and wind resource calculations. </p><p>SOLUTE not only works on European projects but also in many other countries around the world. We work with a wide variety of client types. These include both small and large developers, from pre-feasibility studies through to large tenders; original equipment manufacturers, supporting the sale of their equipment and conducting site condition assessments and mechanical load analyses; and farm owners and operators, providing a range of services such as analysis of special meteorological conditions, meteorological and energy production forecasts, repowering and root cause analysis. We use various computer programs to analyse wind data, including in-house tools and commercial programs.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>Thanks to this capacity, the optimal definition of the wind energy is obtained so that the client can be provided with the necessary indicators to analyse and enhance the technical and financial feasibility of the initiative, thereby maximising earnings.</p>

Energy management systems and installation of renewable resources on the demand side

Strategic solutions for optimising energy consumption and save costs by part of the end user.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The daily increase in the demand for energy and its price causes users to consider new strategies for reducing consumption and consequently, lowering the electric bill. To achieve this goal, the development of energy management systems and self-consumption installations are two possible alternatives. The use of consumption optimisation algorithms is not known by a large part of the target audience, even though they are easy to implement. On the other hand, the existence of self-consumption installations enables to significantly lower the electric bill. </p><p>SOLUTE has extensive experience developing renewable energy installations as well as designing and developing electric grid diagrams for possible buildings or factories that wish to house these types of sustainable constructions. Additionally, SOLUTE has extensive experience developing consumption optimisation algorithms thanks to the use of tools such as RStudio and MATLAB, which are capable of creating effective and efficient electric power management solutions.</p> <p>One of the biggest challenges for improving the efficiency of the consumption and lower the electric bill is a lack of knowledge about the existence of simple solutions that are easy to implement and which SOLUTE is capable of developing such as renewable energy installations or intelligent energy management systems. </p><p>SOLUTE has extensive experience designing renewable energy installations such as wind, solar or hydroelectric, large scale projects for large industries or power plants as well as smaller scale projects for family homes and residential or commercial buildings. Also, the use of these self-consumption installations, along with energy optimisation algorithms, form part of a series of strategies aimed at reducing the demand for energy. </p><p>To carry out these projects, a series of tools are applied such as EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical, which are used to design and develop the electrical diagrams and the electrical connections that may be required for the self-consumption installations. Tools like RStudio and MATLAB are also used for developing the energy optimisation algorithms.</p> <blockquote><em>The obtained result is a lower electric bill as a result of the self-consumption installation, given that the users themselves consume energy they create themselves.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>To carry out his project, depending on the size of the installation, regardless if it is a self-consumption or intelligent energy management type installation, a list and quantities of all the necessary components is provided, ensuring they meet applicable regulations such as IEC 62548, for photovoltaic installations, or 61131 for the PLCs the installation may include. </p><p>With the help of EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical, the electrical diagrams and schematics are designed, which will include the location of the different components of the installation and must be ratified by the customer, who is provided with the entire project comprised of the different installations drawings, the number of components that comprise it and a detailed time line with the steps to carry out the implementation phase, commissioning, calibration, if applicable, and the fault diagnostics. </p><p>The obtained result is a lower electric bill as a result of the self-consumption installation, given that the users themselves consume energy they create themselves. Also, in the event intelligent energy management systems are used, the improved energy consumption will also contribute to lowering the electric bill.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>A system is proposed that will reduce consumption from the grid, by installing a self-consumption installation or by integrating intelligent energy management systems in a manner that will lower the electric bill.</p>

Root cause analysis (RCAs) of wind turbine components

Root cause analysis of a breakdown or failure of wind turbine components such as blades, bearings or multipliers.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>By performing a root cause analysis of defects in turbine components, which SOLUTE has been carrying out since 2017, the cause of the defect is identified, thus reducing the risk of repeat failures by evaluating different aspects of the machine such as its construction, loads, operability, maintenance or weather conditions the turbine is going to be subjected to.</p> <p>By performing a SCADA data analysis, material inspections, repairs or testing (destructive as well as non destructive) we are able to identify the cause of the failure of specific components such as blades, bearings or multipliers. This identification contributes to determining if the errors are pervasive or specific and if they can be corrected through the implementation of active measures. Additionally, we are able to determine who must pay the costs derived from the component failure, which could be the manufacturer, maintainer or insurance company. </p><p>The aim of this capability is to prevent, as much as possible, repeat failures of components to minimise the operating and maintenance costs of the park by implementing recommended actions to correct the problem.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>Since 2017, SOLUTE has been working with customers in the evaluation of the failures of different components such as blades or multipliers. Additionally, the company has acquired extensive know-how in the wind sector, including the physics of wind turbines, its structural behaviour, operation and maintenance, control system, load cases, manufacturing, etc; concepts upon which the root cause analysis capability specific to this sector is based. </p><p>By extension, this know-how is applicable to industries with machinery equipped with rotary, metal or composite material components, such as in the paper, automotive or aeronautical industries, where root cause analysis of components, similar to what our engineers apply at wind farms, can be performed.</p> <blockquote><em>Taking SCADA data into account, the operational behaviour of the machine as well as the environmental conditions at the time of the failure are evaluated in accordance with standard IEC 61400-1.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>The customer is asked for information about the failure in question as well as what conditions were present at the time of the failure such as SCADA data during and after the failure, alarms, inspection and repair reports. With this information, a visit is made to the park or location where the failure occurred to carry out an initial visual analysis, including the taking of photographs and to possibly extract samples using a radial saw, in order to conduct tests (mechanical, using a sweep electron microscope, glass transition, etc.) to evaluate the condition and strength of the different materials. </p><p>Also, taking SCADA data into account, the operational behaviour of the machine as well as the environmental conditions at the time of the failure are assessed in accordance with standard IEC 61400-1. </p><p>Based on the extensive experience SOLUTE has acquired in the wind energy field regarding the properties of materials, manufacturing methods, wind resource, calculation of loads or operation of the machines, defects in the construction, design or operation can be identified in different parts of the turbine and a report can be drafted listing the root cause of the failure with the aim of minimising its recurrence.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>The aim of this solution is to identify the cause of the component failure and provide a proposal with mitigating measures to eliminate or reduce the effects of these errors and prevent them from occurring in the future as well as identify who is responsible for the costs of repairing the wind turbine.</p>

Design and certification of wind turbines foundations

It includes shallow slab foundations with bolt cage or steel ferrule, rib foundations, as well as prefabricated and piled solutions.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p>For the construction of a wind park as well as for the selling of new foundation technologies, a design is required and on certain occasions, the design of the foundation to be used must be certified. In recent years, SOLUTE has carried out many foundation projects; an experience that has given us a reputation for creating solid designs as well as credibility in terms of the certification process. </p><p>The method for calculating foundations has been actively developed, which allows conducting a stability and structural analysis of the basic as well as special elements, within the deadlines prescribed by the industry. </p><p>SOLUTE has a civil engineering team specialised in structural calculation with extensive experience in the designing of wind turbine foundations. The portfolio of jobs carried out by SOLUTE includes surface slab type foundations with bolted cage or steel shell, rib foundations and also prefabricated and piloted solutions. </p><p>In terms of the certification of foundations, SOLUTE has developed a method for obtaining certifications that has been agreed to in each case, with both the customer as well as the certifying body. This way, a wide range of processes and standard documents are available, that may serve useful for streamlining the certification process, allowing us to complete the process within the established deadlines. </p><p>This way we are able to satisfy the two requests that are made by the customer. On the one hand, a foundation design that is valid and efficient, and on the other hand, the obtaining of a certification that is a guarantee when it comes time to offer the designs to third parties. </p><p><br></p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>The main customers interested in these types of studies are construction companies that have purchased wind turbine technology and need support in terms of defining the foundations, or small engineering firms that have developed new types of foundations and need to obtain a certification that will give them more visibility on the market.</p><p>In both cases, SOLUTE has recently carried out projects in which the foundation for the construction of wind turbines or its certification has been defined in due time and meeting the deadline.</p><blockquote><em>The work tools that are used will primarily be FEM software calculation models such as SAP2000 (CSI) as well as sectional calculation software FAGUS (CUBUS).</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p><span style="font-weight: normal;">The foundation analysis carried out by SOLUTE is based on the industry standard regulation for wind turbines and structural calculation, both national as well as international. The main standards used in the certification process are:</span></p><p>• GL Guideline for the Certification of Wind Turbines, Edition 2010 </p><p>• IEC 61400-1 Ed.3. Design requirements. </p><p>• IEC 61400-22. Conformity testing and certification </p><p>• Eurocodes: EN1990, EN1992 and EN 1997 </p><p>• DNVGL-ST-0126 </p><p>• EHE08 </p><p>• CEB-FIP Model Code 1990 </p><p>• Guidelines for foundations in road constructions. General Directorate of Highways attached to the Ministry of Development. Government of Spain. </p><p>• Guidelines for Design of Wind Turbines. Second edition - DNV/Risø. </p><p>Regarding the post-processing of the results of the modelling and data processing, we have developed our own tools in Microsoft Excel. </p><p>The methodology followed in the foundation calculation process is focused on checking the overall operation of the structure and defining the specific elements to ensure this behaviour is real. </p><p>This methodology includes the stability assessment of the structure, taking into account the conditions of the ground and the loads generated by the wind turbine; ultimate limit state, service and fatigue analysis of the general elements of the structure as well as the definition and structural analysis of the special elements the foundation may have, including the connection to the wind turbine tower. </p><p>Likewise, the system entails drafting documentation based on the requirements set by the certifying body, mainly comprised of documents that back up the calculations that are made and drawings with the definition of the geometry, armature and other elements that may be present in the structure. </p><p>Regarding the study of existing foundations where some type of defect has been detected or which want to be modified (checking of bolts under new loads, concrete cracking analysis, etc.), the procedure that is followed is focused on simulating the existing conditions (geometry, loads and geotechnics) using FEM models in order to subsequently post-process the results and carry out an assessment of the reinforcement, concrete sections and checks related with the connection (bolt cage, shell or post-tensioned tendons). </p><p>Based on the needs of the customer, support is provided after the drawings have been supplied, through adaptations of the solution and any possible modifications on site.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p>Optimum definition of all the foundation elements through the documentation and appropriate drawings, in a manner that allows obtaining the certification from the accredited body.</p><p><br></p>

Historical weather data for wind and solar resources

Developing of strategies inherent to Dynamic Downscaling with the aim of offering a wide range of different types of historical weather data.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Developing of strategies inherent to Dynamical Downscaling with the aim of offering a wide range of weather products that help carry out a climate characterisation of wind and solar sites. </p><p>From the so called "wind and solar atlas", normally with horizontal resolutions from 3 to 1 km, to tabular data and long-time series generated using LES (Large Eddy Simulation) models, SOLUTE's weather and numeric modelling team works to reduce the uncertainty that is associated with this data. </p><p>Our products can be used for very specific purposes such as forecasting extreme wind systems, specific data for wind and solar resource projects, average wind turbine icing conditions, etc. </p><p>Based on reanalysis data from global models (ERA5, MERRA2, CFSR) and thanks to the use and mass execution of the WRF (Weather Research and forecasting) model, after progressive calculation and validation cycles, we are able to reconstruct historical series of the different weather variables. Changing the spatial resolution and approximations made in each configuration of the WRF model, different products are devised, which assess and strictly guide the different phases of a wind resource project. This way we are able to offer quality historical weather information to customers through the use of different models, algorithms and tools.</p> <h4>FOCUS</h4><p>The potential customers of this capability are wind project engineering consulting firms, developers and producers or other companies that have completed different steps during the early phases of a wind/solar park project.</p><p>For nearly a decade now, SOLUTE has traditionally operated as a technical consulting firm for these types of companies. This data inventory completes our wind surveying services.</p><p><br><img src="/project/media/entries/projects/windenergy/datos-meteorologicos-para-recursos-eolicos-y-solares/grupo-2otro.png" alt="" style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity)); color: rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity)); font-size: var(--font-size);"></p> <img src="/project/media/entries/proyectos-individuales/eolica/datos-meteorologicos-para-recursos-eolicos-y-solares/grupo-2otro.png" alt=""> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>The tools that are used are the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) limited area numeric model, the Python programming language and georeferencing maps QGIS and ARCGIS. The team has specific technical qualifications and know-how in the use of numeric models such as WRF, mesoscale modelling, handling of global models in .grib2 format, in-depth knowledge of Python for data processing and in prediction validation techniques. </p><p>Weather modelling requires a complete know-how of different areas, from weather dynamics to the configuration of LES (Large Eddy Simulation) models as well as synoptic meteorology, mesoscale dynamics, numeric time modelling, validation of prediction models, uncertainty of the numeric models, Python or Meteorology for wind parks. </p><p>In terms of the technical requirements, storage is required, for downloading re-assessment data (ERA5, MERRA2 and CFSR) as well as for our own simulations. The amount of computation required for configuring these services, the sensitivity tests calculation, the generation of data and their systematic validation is enormous. </p><p>The final output is summarised in the following products/services developed by SOLUTE: </p><p>1. <strong>MWM (Mesoscale World Maps):</strong> maps of the average wind speed conditions, direction, temperature, humidity and density at different altitudes (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80, 100 and 120) in a grid with 9 km of resolution obtained from mesoscale models. </p><p>2. <strong>HMWM (High Resolution Mesoscale World Map)</strong>: this is a service to provide mesoscale data with 3 km of resolution for the initial phases of the wind resource assessment, available for on land as well as off shore. </p><p>3. <strong>WindPointTab</strong>: this is a product that contains historical weather information, obtained through high resolution models for each site in tabular format. There are two versions of this product based on the method that is used in each case. </p><p>4. <strong>GTSS (Global Time Series)</strong>: SOLUTE offers this product in time series format, which is part of the 3 km WRF modelling and includes the wind speed and direction, temperature and pressure; the time zone is selectable so that it matches the time stamp of the measurements; the atmospheric stability variables (RMOL and Richardson Number) and the base data can be selected from ERA5, MERRA2 and CFSR. </p><p>5. <strong>HMaps</strong>: result of the optimisation of a WRF-1km model of 20 years and the subsequent reduction of the data to a mesh of 100 metres containing key meteorological (and non-meteorological) variables for assessing any wind resource. </p><p>6. <strong>IcingLab</strong>: contains essential information about the historical conditions of ice formation on wind turbines for a specific region. Icing conditions may be caused by different factors such as freezing rain (liquid hydrometeor that freezes when it comes in contact with a solid surface) or icing conditions, temperatures below 0º with high humidity. </p><p>7. <strong>Wind-LES</strong>: SOLUTE's atmospheric modelling team has implemented different strategies for developing specific LES (Large Eddy Simulations) models for specified locations based on the implementation of free WRF software. The data obtained thanks to this modelling is especially useful during advanced phases of a wind resource project. In different parts of these types of projects, it is essential to have LES data, where the quality of this data intervenes in different processes: MCP (Measure Correlate Predict) methodologies to fill voids in the measured data series, for projects in which there is no measured data as well as for long term corrections of the calculated raw energy.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>With this set of products, SOLUTE become a supplier of meso and micro-scaling data, taking advantage of our meteorological modelling capabilities and our good standing as a wind energy consultant. To achieve this goal, we had to configure a scalable and flexible calculation system, thanks to commercial agreements with suppliers on the cloud.</p> <h4>OTHERS USES AND APPLICATIONS</h4> <p>Weather characterisation processes requires having extensive historical databases of the local weather conditions (average temperature, rainfall, etc.). On many occasions we are not able to access observations from automatic weather stations or these are not sufficiently representative at the local level. Long-range mesoscale series are the natural alternative in these situations. SOLUTE, through its meso and micro scale products and the accessibility achieved with the new API REST, guarantees it can provide a reliable source of local weather data to its customers. Other sectors such as the agricultural sector can also benefit from this data.</p>

Gear sizing and analysis

Essential competency in the development of machinery with a methodology that allows selecting the proper gear for the application as well as appropriately defining parameters, materials and loads.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Strength analysis and design of gears is essential in the development of machinery in different productive sectors. To carry this out properly we must apply a methodology that includes selecting the right type of gear for the application, define its geometric parameters, the appropriate material and the applied loads.</p><p>In the process, standard ISO 6336 is applied, which covers calculating the mechanical strength and CAD and FEM software as tools for drafting manufacture drawings and configuring design validation simulations. This involves new components as well as others that have already been manufactured.</p><p>In the wind sector, SOLUTE has specific experience in strength analysis of manufactured gears by applying reverse engineering skills. This know-how can be applied in other sectors to determine the useful service life of used gears in other machines or devices.</p><p>Gears are an essential part of the operation of machines in many industrial sectors since they are used to transmit power in a wide variety of applications without allowing any play between the coupled shafts, making them highly efficient and widely used.</p><p>By using gears we are able to set the required torque and speed of the transmission shafts (parallel or crossed) of different devices and machines in a manner that is continuous and reliable.</p><p>Through the design and strength analysis of gears, the aim is to comply with all the design requirements of the desired application, which includes the use of the proper type of gear (straight, spiral or tapered teeth), the geometric parameters (sizes, transmission ratios) as well as the optimum strength for the operating conditions (material, loads, pitch speed). We are also able to evaluate an existing design through reverse engineering to obtain its parameters and evaluate its mechanical strength.</p><p> </p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>Within the interest groups, companies in the industrial, automotive and wind sector are worth mentioning since in their productive processes, they use machinery like gearboxes (parallel shaft or planetary gear type), rack and pinion systems, slewing rings, differentials, among other applications.</p><p>SOLUTE has developed this capability especially in the wind sector, applying reverse engineering on blade bearing rings and being able to determine the strength of the gears under new operating conditions and thus predict their useful service life.</p><blockquote><em>The designing of bearings is based on standard ISO 6336 and in cases that require it, on regulations from the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA).</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>The designing of bearings is based on standard ISO 6336 and in cases that require it, on regulations from the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA). For the 3D design and kinematic analysis, SOLIDWORKS is used and to evaluate the mechanical strength, finite elements software is used such as OPISTRUCT (ALTAIR) or ANSYS.</p><p>A first step is to define the type of gear (or pair of gears) and its geometric parameters (module, number of teeth) based on the application. Also to be considered in the process, among other factors, is the type of tooth profile that is required (angle of contact), the minimum number of teeth to prevent interference, the available space and the speed of operation. This is followed by the mechanical strength analysis, where the contact forces of the gear teeth is obtained under the operating conditions (input power) and proper material is selected along with its properties. The contact stresses and the stresses on the root of the tooth are obtained by applying calculation factors from ISO 6336, which are compared with the admissible limit of the material applying a failure criteria theory (Von Mises). Finally, the result is validated through a finite elements simulation.</p><p>Technical type characteristics and requirements in the design and the validation of gears may vary depending on the application, henceforth, we adapt our know-how and capabilities to the project in order to offer the best possible assessment tailored to each need.</p><p> </p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p>The result of the analysis is provided in a calculation report with all the information about the gear or set of gears, required for the manufacture (manufacture drawings) and/or validation of its use for a specific application (calculations, simulations).</p>

Aeroelastic model generation by reverse engineering

We combine experience with specific reverse engineering know-how to generate an aeroelastic model without the data provided by the constructor.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4> <p>SOLUTE combines their experience in creating aeroelastic models of wind turbines for manufacturers with knowledge of the specific techniques used for reverse engineering an aeroelastic model without any data being provided by the manufacturer. We part from a situation in which there are no drawings, technical specifications, material properties or the wind turbine control logic. </p><p>In these cases we draw on scans, research of the technical specifications of the components, measurements and observation of SCADA data to infer the behaviour of the machine and its mechanical properties. All of this is focused on obtaining the aerodynamic loads of the turbine with the aim of extending its service life or conducting an analysis of components requiring design modifications as a result of recurrent defects.</p> <p>The generation of aeroelastic models using reverse engineering arises from the need to define this type of highly reliable physical/mathematical model at a probably more competitive price compared to the price quoted by the manufacturer, who, for strategic reasons, is normally not willing to provide aeroelastic models to their customers. </p><p>The problem that is solved is that load information about the wind turbine is normally not available to their owners to be able to conduct any type of mechanical / structural calculation aimed at conducting studies that allow extending the operation of the farms beyond the years they were designed for, as well as develop specific maintenance strategies for each component, resulting in higher operating and maintenance costs savings.</p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4> <p>Since approximately 2010-2011, SOLUTE creates and works with aeroelastic models for wind turbine manufacturers. </p><p>A reverse engineering process has been developed and internally applied for an R&D project that has allowed establishing and developing the techniques to be applied.</p> <blockquote><em>High precision scanners are used such as the BLK360 from Leica, to define the shapes of the main components and structures as well as the blade or the frame, using Cyclon software to process the scans. </em></blockquote> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4> <p>The aeroelastic software that is most commonly used is GH Bladed and Gencas, a tool developed by SOLUTE that quickly defines the load cases based on standard IEC61400-1. High precision scanners are used such as the BLK360 from Leica, to define the shapes of the main components and structures as well as the blade or the frame, using Cyclon software to process the scans. </p><p>Using manual measurement tools such as the ultrasound thickness meter and the laser distance meter, we obtain the geometric characteristics of the tower. Additionally, with SOLIDWORKS, a 3D reconstruction is created of the nacelle to obtain the weights and centres of gravity of the different components. </p><p>Likewise, based on the FEM of the blade, previously scanned, we obtain the distribution of mass and rigidities using BECAS (Beam Cross section Analysis Software), developed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Based on the geometry of the blade, the aerodynamic profiles are obtained and using OpenFOAM, we obtain its aerodynamic coefficients. </p><p>Using Simulink, the wind turbine control system is established in the SCADA database and if greater accuracy of the control system is required, operational data may be monitored. </p><p>All the compiled information is used as the basis for attaining the parameters that will define the turbine in an aeroelastic model in GH Bladed.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p> <p>The expected results are an aeroelastic model of the wind turbine in GH Bladed, as well as the parameters report used for generating this model and the report of a load loop in accordance with standard IEC64100-1.</p>

Measurement campaigns management

Design and management of weather measurements for renewable energy plants; wind as well as solar.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>The technical capability is the design and management of weather measurement campaigns for renewable energy plants. </p><p>Based on potential studies of renewable resources, SOLUTE helps its customers through the entire measurements campaign process, from the design and selection of weather stations, to tower management and reporting, providing a solid starting point in plant financing processes. </p><p>Since its establishment in 2006, SOLUTE has acquired extensive experience internationally in this area. We have our own campaigns management tool, allowing the customer to know the state of its projects in real time.</p> <p>A measurement campaign is designed and managed that is representative of the location, with the aim of reducing costs and uncertainties in the development of the renewable energy project. </p><p>During the development of renewable energy plants, there is a preliminary process involving an assessment of the potential and search for suitable locations where to construct the project. Once the ideal locations for implementation have been selected, we design a suitable measurement campaign to obtain the necessary financing as well as to reduce the level of uncertainty. </p><p>The aim is to define and design the measurement points at the location, to ensure the best representation based on certain quality standards, the MEASNET regulation and IEC61400-12.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>Since its establishment in 2006, SOLUTE helps promoters and operators with park towers already installed, add various success stories to their track record. Currently we are managing more than 20 weather towers for wind parks as well as weather stations for five photovoltaic plants. </p><p>On the other hand, we are developing a campaign management application to carry out the work automatically</p> <blockquote><em>SOLUTE monitors the state of the towers and continuously verifies the received data. Also, SOLUTE regularly issues detailed reports about the campaign operation.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>At first, SOLUTE conducted a preliminary study of the wind resource at the locations based on available data in the area (weather stations, airports, reanalysis, mesoscale, etc.). </p><p>From this study, the potential of the location is determined and a wind campaign is designed, where SOLUTE uses its internal tools to, based on the future uncertainty and representativeness, define all the relevant parameters of the campaign. Some of these variables are the number, height, location and configuration of the weather towers as well as the viability of their accesses and installations. </p><p>Additionally, at locations where a weather mast cannot be installed or were additional measurements (in horizontal or vertical), or a mobile measurement campaign are required, the use of remote sensors such as SODARs and LiDARs, among others, are included in the project. </p><p>SOLUTE supports its customers throughout the entire process, carrying out many tasks such as providing specific recommendations for the location (ice, katabatic winds, vertical winds or different stability regimes), site visits during any project phase or milestone or third party consultations and checks during the campaign design processes, installation of masts and management of its data based on industry standards; primarily MEASNET and IEC. </p><p>Once the campaign is under way, the measured weather data is managed and processed in such a manner that SOLUTE will monitor the state of the towers and continuously verify the data that is received, as well as regularly issue detailed reports about the progress of the campaign with an in-depth analysis of the measured data. </p><p>Additionally during the process, MCP (Measure, Correct and Predict) or similar technology will be used in an attempt to recover any period where a malfunction has occurred or data is missing, thus increasing data availability. The aim of the entire process is to make weather data a solid starting point in renewable plant financing processes. </p><p>As tools, specialised wind resource and weather data management software such as FUROW or Windographer is used as well as GIS (Geographic Information System) programmes such as QGIS, ArcGIs and GlobalMapper. Additionally, SOLUTE has their own campaign software accessible to their customers, allowing them to view the state of the project in real time, as long as it is allowed by the connection with the dataloggers.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>The expected results, depending on the campaign phase, consist of the wind potential assessment reports that help the customer to technically decide whether or not to move forward with the project. If the decision is made to move forward, SOLUTE will design a suitable measurement campaign, attempting to be representative and minimise uncertainty. </p><p>During the campaign, the customer will obtain all the data collected by its towers, both raw data as well as data that has been filtered by expert qualified technicians from SOLUTE, receiving reports and periodic assessments.</p> <h4>OTHER USES AND APPLICATIONS</h4> <p>These measurement campaigns are applicable to any installation requiring weather measurements: ports, airports, agrometeorology, automatic stations, etc., with the aim of improving the logistics of its processes, and preventing adverse events such as storms, icing or hail conditions. </p><p>The recipients of these other uses will be the owners of the plots, the public sector and logistics centre managers. </p>

Structural components´ fatigue analysis

Evaluation of elements subjected to cyclic loads of varying magnitudes to assess whether they can survive without collapse for a specified time.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Fatigue analysis of structural elements consists of conducting an assessment of said elements subjected to cyclic loads of variable magnitudes, but always lower than the extremes, to assess whether or not they can survive without failing during the set time said loads are applied.</p><p>This study is frequently decisive in the designing and development of components. SOLUTE contributes their vast experience conducting these types of analyses applied in different sectors and components, using different methodologies, always adapted to the specifics of each case. This way, the accuracy of the analysis ranges from multiaxial fatigue calculations with historical series of up to one year of load data, as occurs in wind components, to uniaxial fatigue cases for infinite service life requirements, and determining the service life of welds and adjacent areas.</p> <p>The mechanical or structural components of machines and structures are frequently subjected to loads of a cyclic and dynamic nature that eventually cause them to fail from fatigue. This type of mechanical failure may be much more frequent than what occurs as a result of extreme or final loads, and therefore, are decisive in the designing of the component. </p><p>Any new product or machine designed for a specified service life.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>Industrial sectors such as the wind, railway or automotive sectors, among others, require developing new products by conducting a detailed fatigue analysis. From its beginnings, SOLUTE has participated in the development of new products for these sectors, involved in the design and conception from the start, to the final certification and correlation. We have provided our customers with these calculations in a reliable and efficient manner to achieve designs capable of successfully exceeding their expected service life. For more than 15 years now, SOLUTE has been carrying out these types of analyses in these sectors, and applying their know-how to other specific cases.</p> <blockquote><em>The most effective cases applicable to the wind sector employ a multiaxial fatigue analysis using the critical plane method for highly accurate historical series, using rainflow techniques to determine the damage caused during an entire life of service, which allows extrapolating the damage due to fatigue for the estimated 20 to 25 years.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>The applicable method for carrying out the fatigue analysis must be adapted to the information supplied in each specific case. The more information is available, the more accurate the analysis can be and the less conservative the design. </p><p>This way we build an advanced finite elements modelling that allows determining the stress state of the static response of the load case. Models are created using commercial codes such as ANSYS, OPTISTRUCT, NASTRAN, etc. The finite elements modelling criteria is common to the advanced methodologies used for static cases. </p><p>With this stress state we have the basis to be able to combine it with the historical load data that is available. This is carried out using a specific post processing in some of the available tools, both commercial (HYPERLIFE, FE-SAFE, nCODE) as well as developed by SOLUTE. </p><p>The applicable regulation varies. The most common is to use Eurocode EC3 1-9 in the more generic cases, and specifically for the wind sector, follow DNV guidelines (DNVGL-ST-0361, DNVGL RP-C203,) and IEC 61400., plus one specific for the railway sector (for example, DVS 1612). The most effective cases applicable to the wind sector employ a multiaxial fatigue analysis using the critical plane method for highly accurate historical series, using rainflow techniques to determine the damage caused during an entire life of service, which allows extrapolating the damage due to fatigue for the estimated 20 to 25 years. </p><p>A particular application is determining the experimental fatigue, where instead of FEM modelling, we have experimental data to determine the damage based on these readings. </p><p>In the case of joints, we must specify the special attention that is worth giving to selecting the detail categories for welded joints in the interpretation of the Eurocode or categories of the IIW. And for bolted joints, we must even consider the discretization of the bolt to obtain information of its entire perimeter and verify the damage following the instructions provided in VDI2230. </p><p>The information obtained at the end of the analysis is always the estimated damage, which is accompanied with supplementary information of the structural cases upon which it is based for obtaining an understanding the cause that originated this localised damage.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>Fatigue analysis consists of creating a damage map or a unique damage value in the case of discrete elements, which indicates whether or not the component will survive the estimated historical load. Since this is a map, it provides us with the location or the worst point where fatigue may occur and guides us in terms of the operation and maintenance of the potential locations where a crack may appear during an inspection. </p><p>On the other hand, in cases where the fatigue exceeds the analysis threshold, it is supplemented with the traceability of the preliminary finite element analyses to determine the reason why this value is above the threshold. With this determination of the root cause we can approach a redesign or develop modifications aimed at obtaining favourable results.</p>

Study of welded and bolted joints

Study of all the types of mechanical joints between wind turbine components, covering from the blade to the foundation, with the aim of ensuring the strength and durability of the turbine assembly.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>For more than 15 years now we have been gaining extensive experience in the study of all types of mechanical joints between wind turbine components, covering those that are on the blade to those on the foundation. These analyses require an advanced and accurate approach that combines different techniques, from mathematical modelling using finite elements techniques to analytical calculations using different codes, with the aim of ensuring the strength and durability of the wind turbine assembly.</p><p>The analysis of welded and bolted joints is a skill that can be used in any sector and device that is included in the wind energy sector because of the large number of joints that are used. A wind turbine is simply a machine with a number of joined components where the fatigue and useful strength of these must be certified by certain private entities to guarantee their durability. </p><p>It is very common for the joints between components of a structure or machine to be the weakest points in the path mechanical loads generated by the turbine travel on their way to the tower anchoring assembly. With this capability for analysing the joints between components, the technician can properly size them to guarantee the joints carry out their function of joining components with the proper strength and thus maximise and guarantee the service life of the machine. </p><p><br></p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>This type of calculation for large customers is a common task that we have been carrying out from our beginnings, in wind energy as well as other areas of activity and for different interest groups. Specifically on wind turbines, the most common bolted joints are: 1) between the blade root and bushing 2) between the bushing and rotor shaft 3) between the nacelle and the tip of the tower 4) all the flange joints along the tower 5) at the union between the bottom part of the tower and the corresponding section of the foundation. The welded joints are also analysed, which, although fewer in number proportionally on a wind turbine, are also found on the rear frame as well as on other specific areas where there are welds. </p><p>The stakeholders or interest groups are varied and include from developers and/or manufacturers of machines and towers, to operation and maintenance (O&M) departments or wind park owners, and in all cases the process is just as rigorous. </p><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>Because of the accuracy required when calculating bolted and welded joints, the use of finite elements modelling (FEM) is a common practice. These are high precision models with a high degree of refinement and detail. SOLUTE has extensive experience in FEM modelling, which allows devising the best possible approach. For example, a common practice is the use of modelling techniques where the information originating from large models with greater scope are applied to refine in a specific area where the welded or bolted joint is located. </p><p>Different commercial codes may be used for creating the FEM models, although in all cases the modelling includes a first case of pretension loading of the bolts, a definition of frictional contacts between surfaces and a defined refinement in a way that allows obtaining information from the area of interest to carry out the subsequent analytical calculation. </p><p>In the case of circular bolted joints, specific approaches are made that allow conducting a highly accurate discretization of several points on the circular perimeter of each bolt, because this way we can reflect the variability of the loads as a result of their direction. This is of special interest for the fatigue analysis where we have a historical series available with a lot of information about the module and direction, which can and must be used in the analysis. </p><p>Codes, standards and design guides (DNV, Eurocode, VDI2230, etc.), are normally used, in addition to other approaches internally designed by us. For extreme calculations, normally the obtained value is the usage margin, and in the case of fatigue, the damage accumulated during the estimated period, which is normally 20 or 25 years. The methodology that is applied allows a traceability such that when the value does not meet requirements, we can analyse the cause and propose changes in the joint design or parameters and check them to see if they are compliant.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The analysis enables to obtain an assessment of the joints in their original definition and also to propose, in the event that the minimum requirements are not met, countermeasures or changes to the parameters in order to iteratively re-check until the objectives are met. In conclusion, this analysis allows designing and optimising the joint by accurately determining the factors that affect its design. </p><p>A common practice is to include the methodology and results of these calculations in the reports that are sent to the customer as well as submitted to the pertinent agency in charge of certifying the machine.</p>

Tools for handling and transport in the wind sector

Engineering of elements and assemblies to guarantee a proper installation and transport in the many demanding scenarios that occur in the wind sector

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The wind industry requires appropriately designing different types of tools to be used for handling components and assemblies. These are elements and assemblies conceived to guarantee a proper installation and transport in the many demanding scenarios that occur in the wind sector. </p><p>Through the initial conception, we define the design and the calculation prior to developing each tool, accompanied of a structural verification via a finite elements simulation, analytical approaches and other supplementary tasks as applicable. </p><p>For half a decade now, at SOLUTE we have been engaged in this area of knowledge for important clients.</p><p>In the wind industry, we are required to handle structural components as well as heavy machinery and also, these structures are required to be installed in remote areas. In scenarios where their path can be discretized, multiple and very diverse cases appear and where important demands take place in the operability, logistics, costs and other additional factors that have a strong influence and must all be taken into consideration. In summary, the development of tools has two parts: one where the design is conceived and another with the structural calculation and detailed sizing to the complete definition for the manufacture and assembling. The ultimate goal is to achieve a proper transport and ideal handling in order to not damage the components and facilitate the tasks.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>SOLUTE has been involved in different tool development projects for different customers in the wind sector, primarily focused on transport and handling. Since 2016 we have been applying our skills in these types of projects, involved in different degrees: from collaboration providing only design and calculation, to comprehensive services with a complete definition.</p><blockquote><em>Using commercial design tools (CATIA, NX, SOLIDWORKS) we can tackle a design process from the initial conceptions to the documentation for the manufacture and assembling. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>The development of tools entails conducting a thorough compiling of the boundary conditions in which the operation or scenarios to be considered are defined. Using commercial design tools (CATIA, NX, SOLIDWORKS) we can tackle a design process from the initial conceptions to the documentation for the manufacture and assembling. When carrying out these tasks, it is important to sometimes maintain a constant flow of information with the other professionals involved to provide feedback about the work along with their contributions. </p><p>In a parallel phase, and normally somewhat lagging behind, the structure of the tool is verified. This is done applying the most suitable methodology depending on the case: the simplest situations could be approached with analytical calculations, while if deemed necessary in the more complex cases, non-linear FEM models can be built to quickly provide results that are sufficiently accurate. In the design as well as the calculation, we should expect to have to iterate in order to optimise the numerous parameters that are being defined, both in terms of the costs as well as the operability. </p><p>For the structural check, we always follow the most appropriate regulation for the analysis. In general we follow wind machine regulation IEC-61400, but it is common to end up following another more specific regulation.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p>The customer normally receives a complete design along with the calculation report that verifies it, with manufacture and assembling drawings.</p>

Design and development of electric grid plans

Design and implementation of electrical drawings for low, medium and high voltage grids as well as collector substations and high voltage aerial lines for onshore wind parks

<h4><strong>BACKGROUND</strong></h4><p>Each electrical system requires drafting a set of drawings of all its components, including the design of electrical drawings for all sectors of the industry, from low voltage to high voltage electric systems. To accomplish this, we must identify the technical characteristics of the system, the requirements and components that may be required to design and develop the maps and connection diagrams.</p><p>For the implementation of an electrical grids project in any sector, SOLUTE focuses on the design of electrical drawings for low, medium and high voltage grids as well as collector substations and high voltage aerial lines for onshore wind parks Also, SOLUTE has experience in the design of electrical drawings and integration of renewable energy in industrial, commercial, domestic and agricultural sectors, and DC electric grids for solar parks. </p><p>Given the need to develop and implement any new electric system, we must have drawings, technical diagrams and the connections of components (structural and mechanical) so that, in the event modifications are required, the electrical drawings can be redesigned. </p><p>With the aim of developing electrical drawings, tools such as AutoCAD Electrical are used, for new drawings as well as to adapt electrical schematics and connections, which shall be reviewed prior to their implementation. </p><p> Para la implementación de un proyecto de redes eléctricas en cualquier sector, SOLUTE se enfoca en el diseño de planos eléctricos para la red de baja, media, y alta tensión, así como en subestaciones colectores y líneas aéreas de alta tensión para parques eólicos <em>onshore</em>. Además, SOLUTE cuenta con experiencia en el diseño de planos eléctricos e integración de energía renovable en los sectores industriales, comercial, doméstica y agricultura, y de red eléctrica de corrientes continuas para parques de solares. </p><p>Ante la necesidad de desarrollar e implementar cualquier nuevo sistema eléctrico, es preciso tener planos, diagramas técnicos y conexiones de componentes, estructurales y mecánicos, que, en el caso de requerir modificaciones, conllevan un diseño nuevo en los planos eléctricos. </p><p>Con el fin de desarrollar planos eléctricos, se emplean herramientas como AutoCAD Electrical, tanto para planos nuevos como para la adaptación de esquemas eléctricos y conexiones, que se revisarán previamente antes de su implementación.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>SOLUTE's experience in this area is very recent. In 2021 we began designing and developing electric grids and we have successfully completed a high voltage aerial lines design project for the power transmission of five wind parks.</p><blockquote><em>First the technical characteristics of the system must be identified as well as create a list of requirements and components that could be compatible with said system.</em></blockquote><p><strong></strong></p><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>To carry out this type of task, first the technical characteristics of the system must be identified as well as create a list of requirements and components that could be compatible with said system. Then, an initial drawing is designed using different tools such as AutoCAD or EPLAN, and delivered to the customer for them to review and finalise the drawings. Once the proposal is validated, the final design is drafted. </p><p>The expected result is that electrical drawings are drafted (in AutoCAD or other software) along with an official report, that are then sent to the customer proposing technical characteristics to be used in executing the plan. </p><p> </p><p> </p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity)); color: rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity)); font-size: var(--font-size);">The aim is to offer a design and development of electric grid plans that are guaranteed in terms of quality for a proper operation of the installations.</span></p>

Wind turbine tower and foundation design Peer review & RCA

Detailed data evaluations to ensure components are compliant with current regulations and the quality standards that are currently defined.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND </span></h4><p>SOLUTE has extensive experience in conducting a peer review of the design and pre-design of wind turbine towers and foundations as well as in root cause analysis of existing structural components. </p><p>For this, we must carefully evaluate the data facilitated by the client and check that the component has been designed based on current regulations, and that it is also compliant with the quality standards that are currently defined. </p><p>With this, the intent is to evaluate the exact or estimated measurements of the built installation, review the drawings and provide suggestions or areas for improvement to optimise the solution, carrying out modifications to the construction if necessary. </p><p>SOLUTE is qualified to carry out a peer review of the design and pre-design of wind turbine towers and foundations as well as in carrying out root cause analysis of existing structural components. </p><p>To carry out both tasks, SOLUTE conducts a thorough study of the information supplied by the customer and verifies, on the one hand, that the structural element has been designed according to the current regulation and on the other hand, that the component operates in compliance with current quality standards. </p><p>Therefore, these skills require a multidisciplinary team with an in-depth knowledge to verify that the proposal put forward by the customer is suitable in terms of the current regulation.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE </span></h4><p>Since 2017, SOLUTE has completed several peer review projects for external customers as well as root cause analysis of different components framed in wind turbine towers and foundations. </p><p>This capability is of special interest to engineering consulting firms engaged in the design of wind turbine foundations and towers, construction companies that require a review of said design, operators that have detected discrepancies during the process of operating and maintaining wind parks and any other professional profile involved in these tasks.</p><blockquote><em>SOLUTE has a team of engineers with a strong knowledge in the calculation of concrete sections, in geotechnics, in the creation of Finite Elements models (FEM), automatic post-processing of results and with experience in foundation calculation and in the preparation of construction drawings. </em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY </span></h4><p>To apply these skills, first we must analyse the information sent by the customer such as geotechnic data, the loads, or the geometric requirements of the structural elements. Then we carry out a preliminary study of the size and if possible, the measurements are optimised. Also required to carry out are geotechnic checks, Finite Elements Models (FEM) approaches, an evaluation of the reinforcement and the concrete sections, and checks related with the connections such as the bolt cage, ferrule or post-tensioning strand tendons. </p><p>Then, the pertinent plans are drawn up as well as the results report to be sent to the customer. The deliverables are diverse and meet the requirements in each case. </p><p>According to regulations and design guides such as IEC61400, Eurocodes, DNV and others, we carry out the peer review and root cause analysis of wind turbine towers and foundations. The tools we normally use for developing these projects are Excel, Visual Basic, Ansys, Sap2000 and Fagus. </p><p>SOLUTE has a team of engineers with a strong knowledge in the calculation of concrete sections, in geotechnics, in the creation of Finite Elements models (FEM), automatic post-processing of results and with experience in foundation calculation and in the preparation of construction drawings.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <p><strong>RESULTS </strong></p><p>With the application of these capabilities by part of SOLUTE, the exact or approximate measurements of the structure are checked and once the drawings are delivered, the customer is advised in terms of adapting the solution and/or making modifications to the construction.</p><p><br></p><p> </p>

Aeroelastic loads calculation

Fundamental to both wind farm feasibility studies and the development of new wind turbines for onshore and offshore use.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4> <p>The large number of wind turbines currently installed, and countries' strong commitment to wind power, means that suitable locations for installing wind turbines are becoming both scarcer and more necessary. </p><p>Therefore, every new design involves significant financial outlay and human effort in the redesign, analysis and testing aimed at finding the best solution, through a process that encompasses a wide range of disciplines and specialists from different areas. </p><p>Wind turbine manufacturers seek to answer wind farm developers on the feasibility of installing a wind turbine model on their site as quickly and as safely as possible. </p><p>Very often, wind turbines passed for installation on a wind farm do not work as expected and may have problems such as cracked components, high vibrations or numerous shutdowns that come at a high cost to the developer, either in replacing components damaged before the end of their working lives or through considerable production losses. </p><p>Bearing in mind the major investment involved in setting up a wind farm, and the enormous competition between manufacturers, it is extremely important to ensure not only the viability of the wind turbines to be installed but also market-leading performance. That's why projects that have already been sold are re-evaluated in an effort to increase production and/or extend their lives. </p><p>SOLUTE works with its engineering teams to develop new configurations that can be adapted to new, different and increasingly more demanding operating scenarios. These engineering teams also work on the feasibility studies needed before a wind farm can be set up under the specific conditions of the onshore or offshore site, as well as conducting reanalysis in the operating and maintenance phases to improve wind turbine performance.</p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4> <p>SOLUTE has extensive experience in simulating aeroelastic loads, both for the development of new wind turbine models and for testing existing models under specific onshore and offshore site conditions. </p><p>Wind turbines are exposed to the action of the wind, or the wind and the sea, on their structures, which causes a sum of forces and moments on them. This set of forces and moments is called the aeroelastic load. </p><p>Using aeroelastic models that define the wind turbine from a structural and aerodynamic point of view, load calculation consists of quantifying the forces and moments to which the structure is subject during its exposure to all wind, sea and operating conditions throughout the working life of the turbine. </p><p><br></p> <p><img src="/project/media/entries/projects/windenergy/calculationofaerolasticloads/asset-1.png" alt=""></p> <img src="/project/media/entries/proyectos-individuales/eolica/calculo-de-cargas/asset-1.png" alt=""> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Bladed, Flex5, HAWC2 and FAST are calculation codes for creating aeroelastic models that simulate the behaviour of a wind turbine and show its response in the time domain. The theory underpinning all of these codes is blade element momentum theory. Based on the commercial requirements of some manufacturers, SOLUTE has contributed to the translation of models between different codes. This requires a detailed understanding of the formulation and definition with which each code works. With this information, the results obtained with each code can be compared and used to validate the different approaches being studied. </p><p>The definition of load cases to be simulated to cover every operating scenario that may occur during the operating life of a wind turbine is established by the IEC 61400-1 and IEC 61400-3 standards. </p><p>Creating an aeroelastic model of a wind turbine involves working with the various components that define the turbine, such as the foundations or substructure, the tower, the nacelle and power train, the rotor and the blades. The parameters considered include: the geometric dimensions of each section of the tower and substructure, as well as its mass distribution; characteristic modules of the materials used; the geometric dimensions of the hub and nacelle; the distribution of masses and rigidities; inertia; aerodynamic coefficients; the geometric definition of the blade and the polars of the aerodynamic profiles. </p><p>In addition, certain control adjustments are necessary for the development of new wind turbine configurations. This requires verification of the nominal and maximum permitted operating parameters under which the machine must work. Certain global statistical analyses, along with detailed evaluations of specific time series, enable us to determine whether the operation of the control and the machine are adequate or, otherwise, to insist on certain adjustments to achieve these ends. </p><p>Along the same lines, natural frequencies are analysed using Campbell diagrams. The existing margins between natural frequencies and excitation frequencies are verified, considering the results as part of the control adjustment in accordance with the modes analysed and the contribution of decoupled modes. </p><p>For commercial, manufacturing or logistics reasons, certain redesigns of specific components may be required without the need for a new design of the entire model. For this reason, complete load studies are conducted using the previous base model and these new redesigned components. The ultimate aim is to compare the previous results with the current ones and verify that any newly designed and original components that could be affected by the change continue to fall within the acceptable parameters. Likewise, sensitivity analyses are very often required in reference to certain parameters of the machine. </p><p>One of the main aspects to consider as part of the manufacturer’s commercial relationships with its clients is related to the supplied power curve. This requires a large volume of simulations that cover all possible operating scenarios of the machine. </p><p>In addition, the load calculation is often required to evaluate whether the product analysed meets the specifications of a specific site. In this case, all the specific characteristics that define the location being studied must be considered. These characteristics include a definition of the wind, a description of the sea conditions if the site is offshore, a description of the terrain for onshore sites, and the layout of the wind turbines within the wind farm to be analysed. </p><p>The motivation for these studies is very often related to the wind levels and the characteristics of the air, which define the class for which the machine has been designed. Because the mechanical and structural components that constitute the wind turbine may have higher operating, envelope or acceptance parameters than those considered in the design, numerous analyses are conducted to verify whether there is a certain margin in the components that permits the wind turbine to be installed in the desired location, despite the parameters being outside the range of the design conditions. </p><p>Wind files and load cases are prepared and created as part of these types of studies. Wind files primarily contain information about wind speed and turbulence. The load cases or simulations are generated under IEC regulations and take into account the wind, sea and operating conditions. These simulations represent every possible situation that the wind turbine will face in its working life. </p><p>Once the load cases have been prepared and simulated, the time series are obtained as a result, i.e. the representation of the loads and operating variables over time. On one hand, the processing of these results consists of counting cycles using the rainflow method to obtain the fatigue results (damage to the structure). On the other hand, it involves calculating the maximum/minimum loads in relation to the latest results. </p><p>These post-processes are also carried out under the relevant regulations and quantify the forces and moments that the structure is subjected to during its exposure to all wind, sea and operating conditions throughout the working life of the wind turbine. Immediately after the results are extracted they are evaluated and compared against the reference values with the aim of ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the turbine's components, and its correct operation. </p><p>The results are obtained at different points or sensors of the model and end up as a representation of the component that occupies that position. This leads to conclusions about the life span of bolts, bearings, gears etc. as well as the extreme load that the different components will experience. The SOLUTE engineers daily encounter various post-processing tools, as well as calculation and component analysis tools, which require an in-depth understanding of the roles played by equivalent loads, load duration distribution, Markov matrices, utilisation factors and limit loads. </p><p>Additionally, trying to extend the working life of the wind turbine further than the time initially planned may be an object of study. It is usual to implement strategies that, on the one hand, allow the wind farm to be built with a certain penalty that can be assumed in the annual energy production and, on the other, enable the working life to be extended with a series of maintenance tasks additional to those planned from the outset. Likewise, the impact on loads that involve changes in control strategy is frequently analysed.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>The final result of the process is the aeroelastic model itself, which will be used as a basis for certification of the new wind turbines, and for wind farm validation. </p><p>The project feasibility can then be determined, based on all the tables and comparisons, the results reports and the validation documents.</p>

Smart Grid, micro-networks and transactive energy systems

Study to provide intelligent paradigms to electric market analysis in real time and thus obtain an ideal management of the electrical power distribution grid.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The increase in the number of self-consumption installations has created the need to improve the handling of the electrical distribution grid due to the increase in local production as a result of the excess energy produced by self-consumption installations. By conducting a suitable study, we can provide intelligent paradigms to electric market analysis in real time with the aim of obtaining an ideal management of the electrical power distribution grid.</p><p>The great boom in renewable energy sources experienced in recent years has created the need to develop intelligent and modern paradigms for electrical power distribution grids. This is due to the massive adding of these sources to the power distribution grid. However, due to the intermittent nature of these sources, managing the power distribution grid has become more complicated as the hierarchical focus and central control of the grids transition towards an intelligent grids approach for properly managing peaks in local power generation, improving the flexibility, reliability, sustainability and efficiency of the electrical power distribution grid. Through an analysis of the electrical markets in real time as well as the local markets, we are able to integrate information and communication technologies and carry out an intelligent and remote monitoring of the electric grid, making it possible to implement P2P transactive energy thanks to blockchain technology. To implement this type of technology, we work with tools like Simulink, RStudio as well as several automation systems.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <blockquote><em>It works with different tools, such as Simulink, RStudio and various automation systems</em>.</blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>These R&D&i projects are focused on an in-depth study of the potential solutions, for which problems are broken down into other more simple and smaller ones, enabling them to be easily analysed for the purpose of conducting a logical planning of the initiative, prioritising problems that require more time to fix and providing conclusions on the drawings or the model we are working in. </p><p>The concept of intelligent grid and the integration of renewable energy sources as part of the current power distribution grid paradigm.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The final result of the project, based on the scope and requirements set by the developer, is the optimisation of electrical power distribution grids to improve the energy systems and minimise excessive consumption.</p>

Design and implementation of SCADA and Condition Monitoring Systems

Web-based monitorization and control systems for real-time management of production process

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The implementation of SCADA and Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) in the industry allows us to monitor the different production processes and determine their critical parameters to operate in optimum safety conditions. The implementation of these systems strengthens the data collection for creating drawings as well as an intelligent and efficient resource management. </p><p>SOLUTE is able to install SCADA and CMS systems in wind turbines, solar plants, factories or commercial buildings, by selecting equipment, designing drawings, time lines, calibration or starting up these processes, drawing on its know-how and experience in this area. The purpose of these types of installations is to monitor and control production processes, making them efficient and thus solving the greatest problems facing industries, such as down periods caused by machine malfunctions.</p><p>In a highly competitive industry it is essential to promote the automation of all productive processes as well as monitor and control all the machines involved in these processes. SOLUTE has extensive experience designing and developing SCADA systems, which it has applied at many onshore as well as offshore wind farms, solar plants, collection substations and the agricultural sector, as well as in designing and developing CMS systems, using different tools such as EPLAN, for designing electrical connections or assembling electrical panels and Ladder Programming for programming the different PLCs in accordance with standard IEC 61131. </p><p>With this extensive knowledge of the industry 4.0, the ability to successfully implement new and advanced solutions in SCADA and CMS for long and short distance communications based on the internet of things (IoT), data storage on the cloud and an intelligent management in SCADA systems is promoted.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>SOLUTE's experience in this area is characterised by the installation of a CMS System for monitoring the vibrations produced by the gearbox in different wind turbines. This is added to the in depth knowledge of wind engineering, an area they have been working in since the company was established in 2006.</p> <blockquote><em style="">The expected result is an efficient and non intrusive CMS system that will allow the operator to better know the equipment and maintain productivity in the long term.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>After analysing the needs and requirements demanded by the customer, we identify the different elements involved in the project, including control and monitoring components, through the selection of essential parts for a CMS or SCADA system, the PLCs of different types and programming languages that are chosen based on standard IEC 61131. </p><p>Once this data is defined, we proceed to designing the electrical connections using EPLAN, which is an essential phase that will determine the connection and length of the different cables of the system and their arrangement inside the installation. Having reached this point, a proposal is drafted together with the different electrical drawings, a list of the different system components, and a detailed time line with all the steps required for the implementation phase. Once the proposed solution is validated, the final design, installation, commissioning, calibration and fault diagnostic, if required, are carried out. </p><p>The expected result is an efficient and non intrusive CMS system that will allow the operator to better know the equipment and maintain productivity in the long term. Also, in the case of SCADA systems, it aim is to be able to control and monitor the automated systems remotely, regardless of their location.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The definition of a complete control and monitoring system comprised of different detailed connection drawings as well as a list of components comprising the installation and the project execution schedule with all the necessary steps for installing the proposed system/s.</p><p> </p>

Aerodynamic simulation for WRA

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools applied to the wind resource assessment (WRA) provides us with more detailed information about the wind potential in a specific area.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p>The CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation applied to the wind resource assessment allows obtaining much more detailed results than with the linear calculation, although at an increased cost, especially when working with large surface areas. This way, CFD is an additional tool for carrying out a more complete and accurate assessment, especially for complex surface areas such as ridges or valleys. </p><p>The greatest challenge faced by SOLUTE when it comes to developing a CFD tool for calculating the wind resource is reaching a balance between accuracy and calculation time at a competitive price. To achieve this, we must use varied techniques that are applied to the pre-processing of the model as well as to the simulation methods.</p><p>CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools applied to the wind resource assessment (WRA) provides us with more detailed information about the wind potential in a specific area. Based on the statistical results, a simulation of the area being studied is carried out, which provides greater accuracy in terms of locating the towers and determining their capacity for generating electrical power. </p><p>This way we are able to better determine the available wind at the wind farm's location for the purpose of positioning the wind turbines in a manner that optimises power generation</p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>Develop our own CFD tool for the wind resource, FUROW-CFD, which has been under development since 2012 for customers from different sectors, wind park developers and operators.</p><blockquote><em>The user provides the geometry and geographical location of the site whose wind resource is to be studied and, based on this, the linear wind resource is calculated, information that will be used to start the CFD simulation.</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>Initially, the user supplies the geometry and geographic location of the place where they wish to study the wind resource and based on this, we calculate the linear wind resource, which is used to start the CFD simulation. Then, the factors required for the simulation are generated such as the coordinates and land elevation, roughness, atmospheric stability, the points of interest where to measure the fluid figures and the result of the linear resource. </p><p>Once this is completed, the geometry of the domain that is going to be calculated is prepared, for which we resort to what is known as edging the terrain, a task consisting of creating a region around the area of interest where the surface is slightly modified. This way we can avoid locations where numerical convergence is difficult, without falsifying the results, since the area being studied is not affected. </p><p>The simulation, as explained above, is repeated for several sectors; in other words, for different incident wind directions, up to a maximum of 36. For each one of the sectors, a different edging is carried out and then we proceed with the meshing. First, the domain is roughly meshed, using the result of the linear resource as boundary condition and obtaining a first simulation that can be easily solved. In the second step, the mesh is refined in the XY plane and another simulation is carried out, using the results of the first one as the basis, to obtain a result that is more accurate and of easy convergence. </p><p>Several mechanisms are responsible for providing the convergence of the model, without losing accuracy in the results. The main one is a low pass filter that eliminates the highest frequencies of the transient phenomenons, which are negligible in a stationary simulation such as the wind resource.</p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>A report with the wind resource detailed in the user's area of interest is provided. The information is divided into a number of orientation sectors as requested by the user, up to a maximum of 36.</p><p> </p>

Weather forecast services

Quality weather information available on a mobile app and web platform for the purpose of optimising the effectiveness of the forecast and the user experience.

<h4>CONTEXT </h4><h4></h4><p> </p><p>General weather forecast services require meteorologists do their jobs correctly in order for the information to be useful for the general public. Therefore, a proper filtering of critical information is key to maximise the usefulness of the forecast. Having a set of audiovisual tools that are easy to use improves the end user's experience. </p><p>Given the weather disinformation the general public is exposed to, we must have an accurate and local source available that minimises confusion in some applications and the media, grouping the large amount of weather information that is available in a visual tool (forecast, dissemination, bulletins, etc.). </p><p>SOLUTE develops operational weather forecast tools for the general public, which serve as the nexus between the main weather agencies worldwide (NOAA, ECMWF, etc.) and the end user. This weather information is available through the mobile App and web platform, which have been implemented to optimise the quality of the forecast and the end user experience.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>SOLUTE is able to issue internal weather forecasts for its employees and has technicians specialised in weather forecasting as part of their staff, who have worked for different media outlets (RTVE, eltiempo.es).</p><p><br><img src="/project/media/entries/projects/windenergy/servicios-de-pronostico-meteorologico/grupo-16.svg" alt="" width="20%"></p> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Through the use of different web applications, we are able to query data and maps from the weather models (GFS, HRES, AROME, ICON, etc.). Subsequently, using audiovisual generation tools, a suitable format is obtained for disseminating weather data and information that is reliable and current. </p><p>To achieve these objectives, certain technical skills are required such as know-how of the atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, numeric time modelling, analysis and interpretation of weather models, inter-comparison of weather models, knowledge of mesoscale or local phenomena which effects could be hidden in mathematical models, freedom in terms of the use of official sources and querying of databases or monitoring and understanding the state of the atmosphere in real time based on different types of observations (satellite, radar, weather stations, METAR, etc.). </p><p>The theories and procedures are based on the practical guide of public weather services of the OMM, which includes the steps to follow for generating an effective and quality forecasting service for creating the contents of the audiovisual weather information. </p><p>In terms of the technical capabilities, we have tools available such as our own general forecasting display system (https://aphelion.com.es/), great computational capability, mass storage and automation and monitoring systems that provide support during the execution and post-processing of our own WRF-Aphelion operating model and the Aphelion Weather Forecasting Web Platform. </p><p>Also relevant is the fact we have a vast database of weather observations and quick access to updated weather models. The technical support team for this display must be comprised of a Full Stack Developer and a Back-end engineer. </p><p>With all of this, from SOLUTE we evaluate and verify our forecasts by comparing them to observations of different origins, cross-checking between the different sources of information. Then, we establish the current state of the atmosphere based on monitoring data in real time and the analysis done to devise the initial operating conditions, also using numeric weather models analysis and short term forecasts. </p><p>Based on the initial conditions defined in the previous section and by querying the weather models and cross-comparing them (taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of each one in representing the different atmospheric scales and their characteristics, such as resolution, physical parameterisation, time step, dynamic of the model, etc.), we generate the short term weather forecast (1-3 days). </p><p>Afterwards, we check the mid and long term models that consider other factors such as remote-connection mechanisms for creating the midterm forecast (3 - 10 days) and seasonal (1 - 4 months). With the information previously collected, based on the different tools, such as croma for creating videos, Aphelion Weather for generating maps and animation, we proceed to generate the audiovisual material as well as creating and developing dissemination content of any subject related with the weather that is capable of providing up-to-date information about subjects of interest such as climate change, or which may be used as teaching material for the general public, such as the explanation of atmospheric optical phenomena, quality of the air, pollen, how storms evolve, fog, etc. </p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><h4></h4><p>Area of operational weather forecasting services using different audiovisual tools aimed at bringing meteorology closer to the general public. </p><p>The objective achieved is the broadcasting of weather information in different audiovisual formats. Short, medium and long term weather forecasts, alerting of possible adverse weather events as well as disseminating current news, climate change and meteorological phenomena in a concise and clear manner. </p><h4>OTHER USES AND APPLICATIONS </h4><p>The output or final result is weather information that is clear and accessible to a large number of general and specialised users. In turn, the experience gained allows designing audiovisual material (maps, videos, etc.) that help meteorology communicators in their daily work.</p>

Road and access design

A capacity that defines and resolves access for the assembly and maintenance of the different components that constitute a wind farm.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Preliminary development of the alignment of internal roads is necessary for access to wind and solar farms, minimising earthworks. This means developing plans, longitudinal sections and cross-sections, defining platforms and measuring earthworks. </p><p>Simulating the movements of vehicles transporting blades, cranes and tower sections along the internal roads of the wind farm may also be required. </p><p>SOLUTE has worked on developing the preliminary designs for two hybrid farms at Amaltea and Collada in Extremadura, Spain.</p> <p>Wind and solar farms are often located in hard-to-access areas that need to link up with the general road network to enable transport of the elements that constitute these facilities. This is no ordinary transport. The various elements to be moved are large and it is often the size of the components that determines the characteristics of the general alignment. </p><p>Principally, the positions of the wind turbines must be available, generating an alignment of the access roads that connect the main roads with the wind turbines and the solar farm, following the specifications of the different manufacturers' teams. This will be associated with a series of limitations on road gradients and widths, curve radii etc., which must be taken into account, while paying special attention to earthworks to ensure that they are carried out in the most balanced way possible. </p><p>Once the alignment has been defined, the plans, profiles and cross-sections are drafted, along with other potential details such as platforms, possible foundations to be used etc. </p><p>Once the alignment meets the manufacturers' requirements, the vehicle movement study is done in case there is a need for special access studies for certain vehicles. </p><p>Along with the road planning, the different aerial or underground power lines will be located and entered onto the plans, after analysis by an electrical engineer. </p><p>All of this work defines and resolves access for the assembly and maintenance of the different components that constitute the farms.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>SOLUTE has been working on road planning projects for hybrid farms located in Spain and abroad since 2019.</p> <blockquote><em>An optimal road alignment design for a wind or solar farm requires advanced support software to minimise earthworks</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>The work involves situating the wind turbines based on the client's geographical, land availability and other restrictions. The section type to be used is also defined. The layout is shown in plan and elevation views of the centrelines of the road alignments, in accordance with the criteria established by the wind turbine manufacturers. The drainage, location and design of the related actions are also studied. </p><p>The process then moves on to the design and location of the platforms, as well as the location of trenches, overhead lines and communication networks, which are also defined in plan, elevation and cross-section views. Lastly, the project description, plans and measurements are prepared. </p><p>A working knowledge of Autodesk tools is required to run all of these steps. These tools include Infraworks, for situating the farm and pre-designing the alignments, and Civil 3D, for designing the roads and obtaining plans and measurements.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>SOLUTE provides a complete descriptive report of the work carried out, which contains plans, elevations, profiles etc. With the use of the appropriate tools, this allows the farm, and real measurements of earthworks and overhead lines, to be properly defined.</p>

Design and certification of wind turbine towers

Specialised civil engineering for structural calculations in the design of various types of wind turbine towers in order to speed up certification processes.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>The tower is a critical element of the wind turbine structure and defining it is a task that SOLUTE has worked on while carrying out different projects involving the design and certification of varied types of towers for different customers. </p><p>The method used for towers structural calculation is focused on structurally comparing the different elements of steel, concrete or hybrid type towers, either in the ultimate limit state, of service or fatigue, as well as the special elements the foundation may have.</p><p>The tower is one of the most critical elements of a wind turbine, since its main function consists of transmitting the loads generated by the rotor to the foundation. Towers are especially sensitive to fatigue, where the constant oscillations of the turbine are able to dynamically excite the first modes of this element, which could generate undesired phenomena. </p><p>SOLUTE is capable of tackling the specialised civil engineering for the structural calculation based on our experience in designing different types of wind turbine towers: concrete, steel or hybrid. The methodology developed by SOLUTE is focused on obtaining the certification, agreed to in each case, with both the customer as well as the certifying body. This way, processes and standard documents are available, that may serve useful for streamlining the certification process, allowing us to complete the process within the normally strict established deadlines.</p> <p><strong></strong></p><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE </span></h4><p>The main customers interested in these types of studies are wind turbine manufacturers as well as construction companies that have purchased wind turbine technology and need support in terms of defining the towers, or small engineering firms that have developed new types of towers and need to obtain a certification that will give them more visibility on the market. </p><p>In both cases, SOLUTE has recently carried out projects in which the foundation for the construction of wind turbines or its certification has been defined in due time and meeting the deadline. </p><h4><blockquote><em style="font-weight: normal;">The main standards used in the certification process primarily include IEC 61400 -1, Germanischer Lloyd (GL) Guidelines, Eurocode 2 (Design of concrete structures) and Eurocode 3 (Design of steel structures), and design codes such as CEB-FIP Model Code 1990 or 2010.</em></blockquote></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY </span></h4><p>The analysis of towers process is based on the industry standard regulation for wind turbines and structural calculation, both national as well as international. The main standards used in the certification process primarily include IEC 61400 -1, Germanischer Lloyd (GL) Guidelines, Eurocode 2 (Design of concrete structures) and Eurocode 3 (Design of steel structures), and design codes such as CEB-FIP Model Code 1990 or 2010. These regulations are complemented with numerous related publications, following the state of the art of the sector. </p><p>The work tools that are used for the calculation models include specialised FEM software such as SAP2000 (CSI) as well as sectional calculation software FAGUS (CUBUS). Regarding the analytical post-processing of the results of the modelling and data processing, we have developed our own tools in Microsoft Excel. </p><p>The methodology is focused on checking the overall operation of the structure and defining the specific elements to ensure this behaviour is real. The steps followed may be grouped in: </p><p>• Ultimate limit state, service and fatigue analysis of the general elements of the structure. </p><p>• Definition and structural analysis of special elements such as openings for cables or doors. </p><p>• Verification of the different connections between elements that make up the tower, using clamps or mortar. </p><p>The process entails drafting documentation based on the requirements set by the certifying body, mainly comprised of documents that back up the calculations that are made and drawings with the definition of the geometry, armature and other elements that may be present in the structure.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS </strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p>Optimum definition of all the tower elements through the documentation and appropriate drawings, in a manner that allows obtaining the certification from the accredited body.</p>

Intelligent building and smart control of energy consumption

Improvement in the efficiency of buildings to implement automation strategies with the aim of carrying out an intelligent and efficient energy demand management.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p> </p><p><br></p><p>The low energy efficiency of buildings has resulted in an increase in the demand for energy, which in turn increases the electric bill. By improving the efficiency of buildings through the installation of different types of sensors and actuators at different levels of the building, we are able to implement automation strategies for the purpose of carrying out an intelligent and efficient energy demand management. Ultimately, intelligent energy consumption strategies are applied through the use of linear and non-linear algorithms.</p><p>The high demand for energy in current buildings is in a large measure due to their low efficiency. This is a big problem since it results in higher electric bills. A solution to this situation as well as other similar ones is achieved through three different levels of action. In a first level, the installation of different types of environmental, electrical or structural sensors enable us to better monitor the building, and know how the consumed energy is distributed via the different systems such as lighting or air conditioning. The installation of these sensors, connected to the actuators, helps implement automation strategies, such as lighting or air conditioning control systems, among others, which results in important energy savings given that these will only turn on when required and will operate within preset parameters. Also, SOLUTE has the capability to carry out an intelligent control of the electrical consumption thanks to the use of linear and non-linear algorithms. </p><p>The main tools that are used are intelligent screens (tablets) for the integration of human-machine interfaces (HMI), controllers based on Arduino and Raspberry, or PLCs, the selection of sensors and actuators based on the needs of the project, always in accordance with standard IEC 63044-1:2017 on Home and Building Electronic Systems (HBES) and Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS).</p> <blockquote>The result is an automated energy demand management system with a central screen on which the user can see in real time the different parameters collected by the sensors, temperature, humidity, power consumption...</blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>After the customer has been briefed with all the details regarding the degree of automation, management and monitoring they demand, the sensors and actuators will be selected based on their experience and in accordance with standard IEC 63044-1-2017. Then, the electrical diagram is designed using EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical, detailing the connections of the different sensors and actuators as well as the routing of the wiring through the installation. A first installation proposal is made, including the different electrical drawings as well as a list of system components and their arrangement. Once the proposal is validated, we will proceed with the final design, installation and commissioning of the system. </p><p>The obtained result is an automated energy demand management system with a central screen where the user can see the different parameters that are detected by the sensors in real time: temperature, humidity, consumed power, etc. These parameters can be controlled by the user through the main screen and the human-machine interface.</p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p>The offer includes an intelligent energy demand management and control system, equipped with different sensors and actuators, along with a central screen from where the user can monitor and control the different parameters as well as view detailed information about the energy consumption and its distribution throughout the building.</p><p> </p>

Hydraulics: turbomachines

Turbomachinery is present in many engineering sectors, including electrical power generation, using gas or wind turbines, propulsion in air vehicles or different industrial processes with turbo-compressors and/or hydraulic pumps.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>A turbomachine is a device that establishes energy exchange with the flow of a working fluid via the combined action of a stator (fixed element) and a rotor (mobile elements). The process is dominated by an increase or decrease in pressure, which entails a work exchange, positive or negative, with the exterior. </p><p>To design and analyse these Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation techniques are an essential tool to tackle the physics of the machine itself. SOLUTE has experience in applying these techniques to the simulation of physical processes of the same or similar nature to other software on the market, better known as OpenFOAM ALTAIR-CFD or ANSYS. </p><p>Turbomachinery is present in many engineering sectors, especially in electrical power generation, using gas or wind turbines, propulsion in air vehicles or different industrial processes with turbo-compressors and/or hydraulic pumps. In all cases, a proper design and maintenance are essential to carry out the tasks, but the physics involved in the problem is not easy and experimental tests may be expensive or difficult to carry out. </p><p>CFD simulation uses numeric methods to simulate the mathematics of the laws of physics that are involved and thus allow analysing the movement of fluids and the transfer of heat. This know-how allows conducting a study in phases of the design, development and even in service maintenance in order to achieve performance improvement objectives, study the sensitivity and reduce weight and costs, among others.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>Since 2020, SOLUTE has been gaining specific experience in CFD simulation in the hydraulic turbo-machinery sector, based on a prior solid experience in the application of CFD analysis using different software in problems, mostly focused on the development of cars, inner and outer aerodynamics and engine cooling.</p><blockquote><em>Navier-Stokes equations are the guiding thread of the simulation, where the approach, more or less, will depend on the level of detail that is required. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>First of all, the methodology is determined by knowing the problem to be studied in order to determine the best simulation model, type, size and quality of the mesh, as well as the definition of the boundary conditions. </p><p>These types of machines involve external and internal fluids, which phenomena are highly complex: the geometries of compressors and turbines are three-dimensional, the flow is not stationary and turbulent, the viscous effects are noticeable, and the temporal and spatial scales are not easy, among other considerations. Also, compressibility issues may be present as well as interaction with other structures, which provides an additional complexity. </p><p>Navier-Stokes equations are the guiding thread of the simulation, where the approach, more or less, will depend on the level of detail that is required. For this, solvers allow selecting key aspects such as turbulence models, boundary layer theories, spatial/temporal discretizations or other simplifications. Currently, OpenFOAM is the most widely used software on the market among researchers as it is free, without setting aside other commercial software such as ALTAIR-CFD or ANSYS FLUENT/CFX, which are highly used because of the guarantees they offer. Likewise, other more specific software is available depending on the specific physics we wish to study, such as UNCLE-M, NUMECA or ADPAC. </p><p>In any case, a solid and experience based knowledge of the physics of the problem and a set of good practices provided by engineers with experience takes precedence. This allows creating models that simplify the aforementioned phenomena, choosing those that most affect the case of interest. A type of simulation, turbulent modelling, mesh refinement, boundary conditions and characteristics of the flow will be defined in order to collect relevant information about the machine being studied. </p><p>To help engineers efficiently and safely design turbo-machines, different guidelines and standards drafted by different institutions are followed such as ANSI-HI from the Hydraulic Institute (HI). The calculations provide a reliable forecast of the movement of a fluid inside a turbo-machine, which allows establishing different design points based on the application we wish to give or study the operating limits in order to maximise the power or the cost. Clearly, internal phenomena are complex and therefore, their modelling is also complex. This entails providing a very clear description of the calculation models to be used and with this, results that closely mirror reality.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p>The results of the calculations include many parameters that allow evaluating the behaviour of the machine and judge if they meet the objectives or if there is margin for improving the optimisation. This analysis can be used at the end of the project as well as during the development phases and for this, calculation reports must be drafted that include the entire process that has been followed, the definition of the developed models and the results with their evaluation.</p>

Air conditioning for working safety in industrial environments

Study and optimisation of the air conditions in industrial environments to guarantee compliance with the current occupational risk prevention regulation.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Study and optimisation of the air conditions in industrial environments to guarantee compliance with the current occupational risk prevention regulation. </p><p>Using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools we are able to predict the behaviour of the air in working environments, especially focused on the removal of contaminants such as dust generated by the machining of metal parts. CFD calculations allow establishing certain working conditions in terms of the ideal temperature, pressure, humidity or suspended particles in the most efficient manner possible.</p><p>Working environments must meet very strict environmental requirements in order to provide healthy conditions for workers. In industrial environments, meeting requirements is more difficult for several reasons. First, work usually takes place in large spaces such as industrial buildings with machines that emit heat into the environment and therefore, controlling the temperature in these spaces is difficult. Industrial processes usually generate waste that remains suspended in the air and is harmful to human health. </p><p>Different measures are available to achieve an ideal air space in working environments and thanks to the use of CFD tools, we are able to calculate and predict the success of the implementation of these measures. This is how we can optimise the development of the measures and their cost.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>SOLUTE has carried out numerous HVAC simulations for different customers in the automotive sector. Numerous cab air conditioning development phases have been carried out in cars and this methodology has also been applied in buses. These phases have ranged from evaluating the comfort of occupants to de-icing and defogging systems to ensure visibility through the wind shields. </p><p>To carry out these types of studies, SOLUTE relies on their extensive experience and know-how in CFD fluid dynamics and simulation software, which it has been applying to problems of very different natures.</p><blockquote><em>After a first study of the state of the art and the set objectives during the development of the HVAC system, models are created based on the geometry and on the case study. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>The analysis is carried out with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools, using the Finite Volumes Method (FVM) or the Finite Elements Method (FEM), depending on the solver that is chosen. To carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience. </p><p>After a first study of the state of the art and the set objectives during the development of the HVAC system, models are created based on the geometry and on the case study. This way, the intent is to simplify and individualise the model, so that we can reach a compromise between the accuracy of the results and the computational load. In most situations, stationary simulations RANS (Raynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes) or their transitory variable URANS (unsteady RANS) will be used and sometimes, more expensive and accurate simulations may need to be used such as LES (Large Eddy Simulation). </p><p>Based on a scenario that contemplates all the physics and all the constraints inherent to the analysis that is to be addressed (for which we will need to properly define the properties of the fluid, its domain and contour conditions), we can calculate and determine the desired aspects of the model such as distributions of pressure or speeds, the air flow or temperature. </p><p>Based on the results that are obtained, the validation of the original HVAC system is studied in accordance with the current regulation. In the case of Spain, the Occupational Risk Prevention Law of 1995 and subsequent updates in the form of royal decrees is applicable, or ISO 45001 on Safety and Health at the workplace. </p><p>In addition to a quantitative result, the tools that are used allow analysing the qualitative behaviour of the evaluated systems, detecting the areas that cause undesired operations and the regions that have potential for improvement. This way, once the first series of simulations are completed, proposals for improvement are made and the process is repeated until the optimum solution is reached. To accomplish this it is essential that we have the skills and know-how of engineers who are experts in aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, since a proper interpretation of the results and identification of possible solutions requires knowing the behaviour of the fluid described by the Navier-Stokes equations, as well as the nature of all its components.</p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p>For results, a report is generated with all the data obtained in the original HVAC system and in the different proposals, and the most suitable option between them is selected based on the defined criteria. </p><p>The tasks of simulation and analysis of your results allow, in a very dynamic way, adopting alternatives to the design or concept when the results are unsatisfactory, as well as the optimisation of the geometries. This way, studies are provided with great added value in terms of the thermal and kinematic behaviour of the air flow in working environments, thus guaranteeing the established requirements are met. </p><p><br></p>

Artificial Intelligence

Discipline based on the construction of computational artefacts that learn from experience through data use and that is applied to a variety of problems.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p>Artificial Intelligence is a discipline based on the construction of computational artefacts that learn from experience through data use and is applied to a variety of problems: structured information in tables, time series prediction, computer vision, natural language processing, recommendation systems and cluster analysis. </p><p>Broadly speaking, it aims to provide a solution to the following needs: automating a procedure performed by a human, performing a task more accurately than a human, replacing a computationally expensive process, and extracting knowledge from data.</p><p>A key point is that learning takes place thanks to the use of data; therefore, this data becomes a crucial and essential part of any project. Consequently, various sub-fields are usually identified within Artificial Intelligence in terms of the type of data that is used. </p><p>First, and possibly the most common in the industry, we have <strong>tabular data</strong>. As indicated by its name, it is supported on data that is structured in table form, where the main objective is to predict the value of a column based on the values of the other columns. Some examples of use cases would be predicting the quality of air, risk assessment or fraud detection. </p><p>Within tabular data we can differentiate another subset: <strong>time series</strong>. A time series is nothing more than a data sequence that has been collected over time. Therefore, the aim in these types of problems is usually to predict the value of a variable in the future. Some specific examples of its use can be predicting traffic, loss of customers or predicting the demand for certain products. </p><p>Currently, the tip of the spear of Deep Learning is <strong>artificial vision</strong>, a branch that is responsible for teaching computers to "see" and understand the contents of digital images. This is why it includes all those tasks that are based on data in image format and which aim is to predict different variables related with the image, like the detection of objects. There are many use cases of artificial vision based on Deep Learning, but some are worth noting such as the detection of radiological anomalies, facial recognition systems or the interpretation of images from satellites and drones. </p><p>If there is another field of Artificial Intelligence that has benefited from the emergence of Deep Learning like artificial vision has, it is <strong>Natural Language Processing (NLP)</strong>, which deals with the interaction between humans and computers through the use of natural languages. Some of the most widely used NLP applications in Artificial Intelligence are those involving texts, such as text generation, the analysis of feelings or the popular chatbots. </p><p>Another field that is widely used by some companies is that of<strong> recommendation systems</strong> based on Artificial Intelligence. Examples of this would be multimedia content platforms or e-commerce portals, whose primary purpose would be that the suggestions they make to their customers, match each user profile as much as possible. In general, the use of recommendation systems can be extended to all those systems that require tips for providing a personalised service to its users, such as designing a personalised lesson. </p><p>Lastly, due to its impact on different businesses, <strong>cluster analysis</strong> is worth mentioning. Broadly speaking, the aim of cluster analysis is to acquire knowledge about data through the identification of groups or patterns. Among its applications, one could note the segmentation of customers with the aim of carrying out adapted campaigns, analysis of biological data or the extraction of topics in sets of documents.</p><p> </p> <p> </p><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE </span></h4><p>Since 2012, SOLUTE has acquired extensive experience developing projects that use Artificial Intelligence to solve different types of problems though a team of data scientists, who are apprised of the latest advancement in this field. They have collaborated with different universities and technological centres, whose lines of research are at the cutting edge of this discipline.</p><p>Within SOLUTE's brand of weather forecasting services (APHELION), it is complex Deep Learning models that allow offering customers an accurate forecast of a wind park's energy production. </p><p>On the other hand, in collaboration with the University of Salamanca, SOLUTE has actively participated in the EOLIAN project, where a predictive maintenance system has been created that is capable of detecting the anomalous operation of a wind turbine and anticipate a failure of its components. This facilitates the repair of these wind turbines before breakdowns occur, which translates to important savings in terms of costs and time. </p><p>Lastly, in the VIRTUAL AERO project, we have worked jointly with the Air Institute in creating a missions recommendation system for training wind turbine operators in a virtual 3D environment.</p><blockquote><em>The correct design of the data collection campaign is vital, as the AI system performance will be subject to the quality of these data.</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>Based on the customer's needs, the problem that wants to be solved is specifically and accurately formulated. This allows properly evaluating if it makes sense and is viable to address it using Artificial Intelligence. </p><p>If the answer is yes, and the necessary data is not yet available, a collection campaign must then be carried out. A proper design of this campaign is essential, since system performance is dependent on the quality of the data that is collected. Once the data has been collected, it is processed, labelled, versioned and saved in the servers. </p><p>Then, a first exploratory data analysis (EDA) is carried out and different aspects are studied with the aim of gaining a better understanding by, among other actions, drawing the distribution of the variables or the analysis of its correlation. With the help of EDA, the type of validation of the models that is going to be carried out is also structured. </p><p>Subsequently, an iterative loop process takes place: training of the model, evaluation of its performance, analysis of the results and another data exploration in search of new clues that give rise to the designing of better models. This is an improvement procedure that ends once it is considered that the accuracy of the system is good enough. </p><p>Once the proper performance is achieved, it is deployed, it is placed in production and the model is monitored, also including all those MLOPs actions that guarantee the generated system is efficient, maintainable, robust and scalable. </p><p>Finally, the model must be periodically retrained as new data becomes available.</p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>At SOLUTE the customer is provided with a 360º solution using Artificial Intelligence that meets its forecasting needs in a wide variety of fields such as weather, agriculture or medicine.</p>

Solar resource

Realistic definition, with the minimum uncertainty, of the solar resource available in an area, to calculate the photovoltaic production of a plant.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND </span></h4><p> </p><p>Based on SOLUTE's solid experience in wind energy and considering the current trend that is moving towards the hybridisation of renewable plants, our capability in terms of photovoltaic energy has been strengthened in recent years, carrying out international projects with more than 3 GW calculated since 2020. </p><p>The methodology focuses on the estimation of expected energy production in a photovoltaic plant through a correct definition and sizing of the installed equipment to reduce uncertainty and provide the client with the necessary technical and economic aspects, allowing a realistic definition, with the minimum possible uncertainty, of the solar resource available in an area, in order to be able to calculate the photovoltaic production of a plant. </p><p>This way, the location is assessed in order to quantify the potential photovoltaic energy and thus achieve its maximum performance by properly selecting and sizing the equipment and properly arranging it at the location in order to optimise the LCOE of the plant. </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE </span></h4><p>SOLUTE has spent more than 15 years focused on Renewable Wind Energy; however, since 2020, after the pandemic, it has been highly involved in carrying out photovoltaic projects for plant developers and operators.</p><blockquote><em>With the layout of a plant defined and the solar radiation data of the site, a detailed energy calculation is carried out using specialised software such as PVSYST or PVCase.</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY </span></h4><p> </p><p>In case of absence of location measured radiation data, such information is obtained from satellite sources or meteorological models, such as Solargis, Meteonor or PVGIS.</p><p>This data is processed and adjusted to ground stations, if available, to be used with specialised energy software (PVSYST, PVCase, Helioscope or SAM). Based on the resource that is available, the most suitable equipment for the location is selected and sized, considering all available technologies: two-sided or one-sided, fixed panels, one or two axis trackers, electrical wiring, connectors, boxes, inverters, transformers, etc. </p><p>While the equipment is defined, their arrangement at the location is laid out using Autocad software or its tool PVcase, which allows accurately determining the location of the different arrays and strings along with their electrical systems in order to accurately calculate and optimise the energy loss at the plant. </p><p>With the layout of the plant defined and the solar radiation data of the site, a detailed energy calculation is carried out using specialised software such as PVSYST or SAM, considering all relevant aspects of the plant such as the degradation or the different shadows that are cast in each zone.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>EXPECTED RESULTS </h4><p>Objectively define the photovoltaic project, supplying the customer with representative parameters for conducting the different technical and economic viability assessments. </p><h4>OTHER USES AND APPLICATIONS </h4><p>Energy forecast of newly constructed plants for which a historical production is not available. </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Design of solar installation for self-consumption

Estimation of energy production in a self-consumption photovoltaic plant through a correct definition and sizing of the installed equipment to reduce uncertainty and maximise savings.

<h4>BACKGROUND </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>Based on SOLUTE's solid experience in wind energy and considering the current energy situation, which is benefited for self-consumptions, in addition to the rescinding of the sun tax in Spain with Royal Decree-law 15/2018, of 5 October, we have seen an increase in the demand for self-consumption designs. SOLUTE has carried out several industrial self-consumption projects for large installations in the national tertiary or industrial sector. </p><p>The methodology is focused on estimating the expected energy production of a self-consumption photovoltaic plant by correctly defining and sizing the installed equipment to reduce uncertainty, maximise savings and help the customer with the necessary technical and economic aspects. The aim is, therefore, to realistically define, with the minimum possible uncertainty, the solar resource available in an area, to be able to calculate the photovoltaic production of a self-consumption plant, as well as the economic impact of the installation in terms of savings and amortisation of the investment. </p><p>This way, the location is assessed to quantify the potential photovoltaic energy and thus achieve its maximum performance by properly selecting and sizing the equipment as well as maximising the use of the available surface.</p> <p><strong></strong></p><h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>For more than 15 years, since its establishment, SOLUTE's activity has been focused on Renewable Energies and since 2020, after the pandemic, it has been highly involved in the solar industry, carrying out photovoltaic projects for plant developers and operators. Additionally, we have experience in specific self-consumption projects focused on supplying this service to customers in the services or industrial sector (large consumers).</p><blockquote><em>With the layout of a plant defined and the solar radiation data of the site, a detailed energy calculation is carried out using specialised software such as PVSYST or Helioscope, with all relevant aspects being considered. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>In case measured solar radiation data is not available at the location, this information is obtained from satellite sources or weather models such as Solargis, Meteonor or PVGIS. </p><p>This data is processed and adjusted to ground stations, if available, to be used with specialised energy software (PVSYST or Helioscope). Based on the available resources and surface as well as the consumptions that are present at the installation, we select and size the most suitable equipment for the location, considering all available technologies: fixed panels, one or two axis trackers, electrical wiring, connectors, boxes, inverters, transformers, other equipment such as meters or protections, etc. For sizing the installation, in addition to the Customer's requirements, Royal Decree-law 15/2018, of 5 October and Royal Decree-law 244/2019, of 5 April, which regulate the maximum power a self-consumption solar installation can have, must be considered in order to qualify for the simplified compensation (this value is 100 kW). </p><p>Once the equipment has been defined, the spatial arrangement is laid out, considering if the roof is horizontal or sloped to define the supports. Once this has been carried out, the location of the different arrays and strings are accurately defined along with their electric systems to accurately calculate and optimise all the energy loss at the plant. </p><p>With the layout of the defined installation and the solar radiation data of the site, a detailed energy calculation is carried out using specialised software such as PVSYST or Helioscope, considering all relevant aspects of the plant such as the degradation or the different shadows that are cast in each zone. </p><p>Then, using in-house tools, the customer's generation and consumption curves are combined. At this point we must be familiar with and carry out the calculation based on the billing regulation that is applicable to the customer, as mentioned in Regulation 1/2021, of 20 January. With this we must consider different aspects such as the possible maximum power compensation and the hourly energy savings and billing period.</p><p> </p> <p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>RESULTS </strong></p><p>Objectively define the photovoltaic project, supplying the customer with the energy generation results and impact on the electric bill in terms of energy savings as well as cost savings. </p><p>In this type of service, clear information must be provided and the results, both energy and economic, must be graphically supported to facilitate their interpretation by the client, who may not be specialised in the technical development of self-consumption photovoltaic plants.</p><p> </p>

Structural systems design for PV plants

Structural systems design phase analysis for calculating the generation of solar energy using photovoltaic panels in demanding environments such as with winds or earthquakes.

<p><strong></strong></p><h4>BACKGROUND </h4><p>Solar power generation plants using PV panels require a structural calculation for the most demanding actions such as wind and earthquakes, depending on the case. Undertaking the design of these critical scenarios sometimes requires a multidisciplinary approach, as in the case of the interaction between wind and the structure. In these cases, computational fluid dynamics CFD and structural simulation using Finite Elements Modelling (FEM) must interact in terms of exchanging information, which requires determining a specific methodology. In these approaches, SOLUTE contributes their knowledge in these fields to carry out the analysis in the design phases of these systems. Other aspects that require a more conventional analysis are the analysis of the joints between components, support structures and anchoring to the ground, among others. </p><p>Photovoltaic plants, as renewable energy sources, are experiencing constant growth and require an engineering task that is highly focused on obtaining structural systems that meet requirements, are cost effective and with a maintenance that is optimal. </p><p>The aim is to fully define the mechanical support structure of the photovoltaic plants, the anchoring to the ground where they are installed as well as the joints between components, always in accordance with the applicable regulations of each country to guarantee a useful and extensive service life that minimises the costs associated with Operation and Maintenance (O&M).</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>Since its establishment in 2006, SOLUTE has gained extensive experience in structural calculations, which it has specifically applied to the structural systems of photovoltaic plants. To carry out these types of analyses, different tools, methodologies and approaches are used, which together with SOLUTE's mastery and know-how, allows us to propose and define the most suitable solution in each case.</p><blockquote><em>SOLUTE offers the ability to carry out a fluid dynamic analysis with 3D and 2D models, including the interaction with the structural response. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>The first step is to conduct an in-depth study of the regulation of pertinent actions and after evaluating the customer's constraints, carry out a first definition of the structure, using a combination of analytical calculation and finite elements modelling (FEM). Special attention is given to welded and bolted joints calculations or any other system used for fastening the panels to the structure. Likewise, if the scope covers the anchoring of the substructure to the ground, this aspect is addressed in the first phases. This process iteratively evolves in the next steps until an optimum solution is found. </p><p>In cases where the study references the actions of the wind and a simplification of the situations to be addressed is not available, SOLUTE offers the ability to carry out a fluid dynamic analysis with 3D and 2D models, including the interaction with the structural response. This approach is the most realistic approximation but due to the higher computational cost, we must decide on the optimal strategy according to the circumstance. </p><p>These methods of analysis can be adapted to different types of requirements, from pre-designs and review of existing designs to others that are completely new.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>The analysis is specified in a design that can be realised in 3D geometries or construction plans, if required, in addition to a detailed structural calculation report.</p>

Backend

Backend development is the part of an application that manages the information provided by the user and which controls the processes that manipulate this information to obtain the required results.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Software development is the discipline that studies the components required for the creation, management, maintenance and testing of IT software. Software can be defined as the logic programming that all IT systems need to operate properly and allow the user to enjoy the functions of an application through a practical and intuitive interface. </p><p>One of the facets of software development is the designing of the backend, which is the part of the software that is transparent to the user and is responsible for managing and processing the information that is provided by him/her. This information is obtained through the frontend in order to return the requested results. </p><p>The backend normally runs on one or more servers that are accessible through a communications network or the internet; however, in some cases, like in certain self-contained applications or for mobile devices that do not depend on external services, it may run as an application layer. </p><p>Many software developments do not properly separate the operations that must be executed on the client side from those that must be executed on the server side, executing data processing and security management operations on the frontend, when they should be executed on the backend. Likewise, often times, information post-processing operations (especially graphic types) are executed on the backend when they should be executed on the frontend, thus streamlining the communications and reducing the process load on the servers. Also a common occurrence is that the data format chosen for communications between the backend and the frontend is not efficient or does not have the proper security mechanisms. </p><p>Through an ideal design of the platform and a proper segmentation of the tasks to be carried out by the frontend and backend, a development is guaranteed that is efficient, quick for the user and light for the servers, while also guaranteeing the maximum security levels in the communications.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>Since 2013, SOLUTE has been managing many projects, for internal use as well as for customers in varied fields, such as the energy or automotive sector. </p><p>In the wind sector, SOLUTE has developed and commercially exploits the Furow software for a comprehensive implementation of wind projects, covering all its phases, from the processing of wind data, to micrositing and the financial analysis, to the wind resource calculation. </p><p>Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant to the energy, agricultural, industrial and naval sectors. </p><p><br></p> <blockquote><em>Backend development requires a range of skills related to application analysis and programming in languages such as Javascript, Python, PHP, Perl and Bash. Extensive knowledge of databases, their typologies and principles is also required.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Software development in general and backend specifically, require being familiar with a series of preceding concepts about programming theory and algorithm analysis. Also, an in-depth knowledge of data processes, communications networks and hardware is required. </p><p>Backend development requires a series of skills related with the analysis of applications and programming in languages such as Javascript, Python, PHP, Perl and Bash. Extensive knowledge of databases, their types and principles is also required. </p><p>To create the code itself, coding tools like Microsoft Visual Studio Code are used as well as compilers or interpreters of the applicable programming languages. To process the information, databases like MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL are used along with their different development environments. </p><p>Just like in any type of somewhat complex software development, the use of version control tools such as Gitlab becomes essential. </p><p>It is very important to strictly track the coding standards and style for the different languages, and in recent years, special importance has been given to following the data protection regulations of the different regions regarding confidentiality, the right to cancel and rectify the data. </p><p>Different software development methodologies are available that are chosen based on if the project to be carried out must meet a need at a specific moment or if the project has long life and commercial exploitation cycles. Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution time lines. </p><p>Then, the coding process and the application tests are initiated to finally continue with the implementation on the envisaged platform. The project is considered to be complete once it is validated by the client or the pertinent corrections are made. Often times, when requested by the client, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications can be made to the application as well as improvements. </p><p>In applications with long operating cycles, the possibility of creating new development iterations is studied, where new functionalities can be added to the project to extend its service life. Upon completion of the project, documentation is delivered of the source code and database, if applicable, in the format and manner agreed to in the contract.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>After a proper development process, efficient and fast software is obtained, with an optimum flow of procedures and efficient data storage, maintaining a low load on the servers; this results in a containment of the operating costs and increased customer satisfaction.</p><p> </p>

Databases

An efficient way to store information that allows recording and subsequently classifying products, users, profiles, accesses and any other type of valuable feature.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Nowadays, any productive process, electronic commerce system or advertising or recreational platform relies on an efficient storage of information that allows recording and subsequently classifying products, users, profiles, accesses and any other type of valuable feature. In some cases, the compiled details support the running of the business and in others, the information itself is what has value and therefore, the business is built around the storing, processing and selling of this information. For all of this, databases have become essential. </p><p>SOLUTE has experience as well as the technical capability for designing, implementing and deployment different types of databases, both relational as well as non-relational, which allow storing and analysing any type and volume of information. </p><p>Information adds value and, often times, the recorded volumes may be enormous, so when certain requirements need to be met using specific search and classification criteria, databases are used, as they are able to efficiently store the information and, using sophisticated indexing systems, receive quick and relevant results from a search and the cross-checking of different details originating from various sources. </p><p>When the amounts of information to be stored and processed grow exponentially, performance problems generally appear in databases that affect the ability to obtain results in a reasonable time, making certain types of searches impractical, or extending the response times to levels that are not acceptable for users. </p><p>Proper selection of a database, a good design of the information structure focused on the type of data to be contained and the use that is going to be made of it, as well as an intelligent drafting of the queries to be made, ensures searches get results in very short periods of time, optimising the storage space required for the information and generating a minimal load for the files.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">SOLUTE has been carrying out many projects, for internal use as well as for customers in varied fields, such as the energy or automotive sector. The immense majority of developments that are made support its backend in different databases.<br></style="background-color:></p><p>In the wind energy sector, SOLUTE has developed the Furow software for a comprehensive implementation of wind projects. The backend of the CFD module in Furow requires storing large amounts of information in databases that are used for tracking and carrying out the calculations requested by the customer. </p><p>Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant to the energy, agricultural, industrial and naval sectors. The main purpose of Aphelion is to store and process massive amounts of historical weather data originating from different sources, which is used to feed the Artificial Intelligence models. </p><blockquote><em>The design and development of databases requires an in-depth knowledge of information storage structures and indexing, linking and search systems as well as relational and non-relational database fundamentals.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">The design and development of databases requires an in-depth knowledge of information storage structures and indexing, linking and search systems as well as relational and non-relational database fundamentals.<br></style="background-color:></p><p>The required skills for this include synthesis and abstraction capacity of the types of data, the design of database architectures, SQL language, NoSQL database fundamentals and the management of clustering and version control systems. </p><p>As tools we use databases (MySQL / MariaDB / PostgreSQL / Oracle / MS SQL Server / MongoDB…), client applications to design its structure and manipulate its content (MySQL Workbench, HeidiSQL, PHPMyAdmin, Navicat, Oracle SQL Developer, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio…) and version control systems such as Gitlab. </p><p>The methodology for developing a database involves different phases: initially the development requirements are analysed, then the type to be used is planned, along with the optimum file for the task and the technical requirements required for the platform where it is going to be implemented (operating system, storage capacity, performance, etc.). Then, the detailed structure of the tables is designed as well as the relationship between them and their search indexes to subsequently carry out the implementation and deployment of said design and the validation process with a set of test data. </p><p>Often times, when requested by the customer, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications and improvements can be made to the database. Upon completion of the development, the documentation is delivered along with the migrations, containing the source design of the structure. As an option, the contents of the tests or the data provided by the customer are delivered so they can be initially entered into the database.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">After a proper design and development process, an efficient and quick database is obtained with a high performance and optimum use of resources. All of this leads to an improved response time for the applications and saving of resources for the customer.</style="background-color:></p>

Software tests automation

Automated tests to help programmers with their processes and carry out the necessary adjustments to apply the needed improvements and achieve the set objective.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><strong></strong></p><p> </p><p>SOLUTE automates the testing of the modifications applied to the software developments to check that no errors or changes are generated in the final product. These automatic tests are carried out on the code implemented in all its developments (TDD) and maintain the traceability thanks to the version control that is available in its repositories and the strict code structure and comments rules. With the aim of maintaining the integrity of the software developed for some customers, tests have been automated that will warn us if the results obtained after changes are different.</p><p>In the software development area, different automated tests are carried out to help programmers with their processes, since they do not have to do them by hand. When developing tools or software programmes, very important modifications are carried out that can entail a big change or even a small change that notable affects the desired result. These adjustments can produce errors, so it is essential to maintain control over the development so that in the case of an incident, we can detect it as soon as possible and also, know at what point the incident is occurring.</p><p> </p> <p><strong></strong></p><h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>The main stakeholder is SOLUTE, as this is a way to show customers for whom the software is being developed, that the resulting product is of a high quality. Our products are a showcase of the success of our software developments and, since 2018, we have been applying the same methodology to projects for customers in the public sector, as well as the consulting and wind industries. </p><blockquote><em>The aim of the automation of tests is to obtain a log showing the errors that have appeared after the latest changes and be able to take action to facilitate locating these errors and correcting them.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>At SOLUTE we have a server with GitLab installed, a versions control system to monitor the code that is being developed and we also keep a copy in case the local copy gets lost. Also, different tasks can be programmed, such as the automation of tests or the packaging of the code. Other tools are available such as Jenkins, which also allows for this automation with version control systems, however, at SOLUTE we are not currently using it. </p><p>To prepare automatic tests, the unit tests that will be passed are defined and are focused on specific points of the software, such as the output of certain functions, to continue with the integration tests that check the software as a whole. Once both types of tests are defined and programmed, GitLab is configured for these to be executed when new changes are uploaded; and other tests that could take longer, for example, are programmed to be executed at night time. </p><p>As mentioned above, a server with GitLab is required in order to access internally from the browser. Also, the certificates must be up to date, since otherwise, this could cause access problems and prevent the tests from launching. </p><p>The aim of the automation of tests is to obtain a log showing the errors that have appeared after the latest changes and be able to take action to facilitate locating these errors and correcting them.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>By automating software tests, two important objectives are achieved: save time for the programmer and locate errors before going to production. This way, the programmer can dedicate his time to preparing the tests and configuring the GitLab itself so that tests do not have to be carried out manually every time there are changes, and also to optimise the searching for possible errors at the end of the development. </p><p><br></p>

Continuous software integration and deployment

Software engineering branches focused on increasing the quality and frequency of the iteration in the developed solutions and on having greater control over all the stages that comprise the software's life cycle.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>The tasks of developing and operating software are candidates for analysis and automation, thus detecting and correcting errors quickly and reducing the complexity and costs associated with added modifications. The basis is a strategy focused on software version control, adding the development and execution environments required for implementing the processes that can be automated without human intervention. SOLUTE carries out these tasks, validating the solutions implemented in-house and verifying the requirements specified by the customer.</p><p>Continuous integration and deployment are branches of software engineering focused on increasing the quality and frequency of the iteration in the developed solutions and on having greater control over all the stages that comprise the software's life cycle. Keeping control of the methods applied in the agile methodologies is required in order to make sure that the implementations are in accordance with their specifications requirements and that these are placed in production under automated supervision. The aim of these CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) practices is to reduce the iteration times of versions, detect possible problems in the developed solutions before being delivered to the customer and make their unit tests more efficient.</p> <h4><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">EXPERIENCE</style="background-color:></h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">SOLUTE participates in the software development processes for several customers focused on data analytics, in its internal projects as well as in other contracts, thus getting involved directly with the development and supervision teams. Also, SOLUTE incorporates these tested procedures into their own developments, and thus offering these tasks to other customers.</style="background-color:></p><blockquote><em>The implementation of CI/CD systems begins with an analysis of the needs of the software project, determining what modules are critical to its operation and can be subjected to scrutiny by automated testing systems. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>Different automation platforms are available to implement the CI/CD processes in a standardised manner and with the application of the latest communication standards. Tools are available that integrate software and automation repositories (GitLab, Jira, Bitbucket) and dedicated to programming tasks (Jenkins, CircleCI, TeamCity). </p><p>The implementation of CI/CD systems begins with an analysis of the needs of the software project, determining what modules are critical to its operation and can be subjected to scrutiny by automated testing systems. The design of these latter ones is a task that must be done together with the software project stakeholders, prioritising the listed tests in a closer manner with the defined quality attributes and with the compatibility and/or performance restrictions. </p><p>The deployment requirements of the organisation itself must be taken into consideration, evaluating the problems that may appear in the integrations to production of the developments and the technical restrictions of the systems in operation. Pipelines must be created that allow conducting unit tests, collection and packaging processes and finally, ensure a controlled deployment of the applications. The versioning of these applications, along with their generated artifacts, must be made available to the work team as part of the delivery results along with the results of the tests that have been executed. </p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">The output of these automation processes will be adapted to the needs of the project, the available infrastructures, and the organisation, for example, generating artifacts for different platforms in use. These artifacts will be arranged in the software distribution platforms if all the workflow, from the addition of software changes to its packaging has been successful. This way, the development team is relieved from having to carry out manual procedures that lead to errors and use up time that could be spent on other more important tasks.<br></style="background-color:></p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">According to the agile development principles of Agile Manifesto, the aforementioned tasks must result in delivering value to the customer, delivering changes more efficiently, supporting the changes, collaborating and motivating the work teams, and giving them freedom to act independently.</style="background-color:></p><p><strong></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>The DevOps automation tasks allow the development team to focus their efforts on the implementation of critical software modules for the applications, detecting possible errors ahead of time and without needing to intervene, while allowing these errors to be corrected before the software delivery dates set by the organisation together with the customer. This results in more efficient workflows, prioritising the delivery of value and reducing uncertainty in the development cycle.</p>

Web/ App development

Web / app development is the interface that allows the user to interact with a platform by communicating with the backend, which is the part that manages and processes the provided information to return the requested results through the app.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Mobile devices have become ever-present in our daily lives. We are constantly using applications designed for a specific use on these devices, for personal as well as professional purposes, allowing us to be in constant communication. Often times these mobile applications (also called apps) are equivalent to the frontends of the web platforms but adapted and optimised for the peculiarities and new functionalities that are provided by mobile phones: multi-touch screens, geolocation, high resolution picture cameras and availability of different types of built-in sensors such as accelerometers and magnetometers. These capabilities promote user interactions with the platforms and favour the collection of data in a manner that was unthinkable on other devices until now. </p><p>Therefore, the aim of an app during its development is to ensure its use is attractive and intuitive, thus achieving the best user experience and the highest possible level of association with the brand. </p><p>To reach this desired association, it is essential that a proper analysis is carried out of the requirements, a proper planning and execution of the development as well as a careful design of the interface and user experience. </p><p>SOLUTE has gained extensive experience and has a great technical capacity for developing software of the most varied types, including the development of all types of mobile apps and the corresponding backends that feed them.</p> <p>Software development is the discipline that studies the components required for the creation, management, maintenance and testing of IT software. Software can be defined as the logic programming that all IT systems need to operate properly and allow the user to enjoy the functions of an application through a practical and intuitive interface. </p><p>One of the increasingly more popular facets of software development is the designing of mobile applications or apps, which are a frontend that has been especially adapted to the characteristics and new possibilities offered by mobile devices. Apps are the interface that is in contact with the user and is used by them to interact with a platform. This app in turn communicates with the backend, which is the part that manages and processes the information provided by the user and returns to them the results requested through the app. </p><p>The app is always executed locally on the user's mobile device, while the backend can be executed, in some cases, as a part of the app (self-contained application) itself or in one or more servers that are accessible through a communications network or the internet. </p><p>Often times the greatest problem of an application is the existence of a user interface that is not easy to use or intuitive, which lowers user productivity and involvement. For this reason, the most important part of frontend development is the designing of UI / UX (User Interface / User experience). While the design of the UI is focused on creating an attractive and practical interface, the design of the UX is focused on ensuring the actions to be carried out on the interface are logical and coherent with the processes that are to be carried out while the application is being used.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>SOLUTE has been carrying out many projects, for internal use as well as for customers in varied fields, such as the energy or automotive sector. </p><p>Some of these projects include the development of mobile applications, in some cases as the only frontend of the project, and in other cases, as an alternative to a frontend based on web technologies. </p><p>Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant for the energy, agricultural, industrial or naval sectors. The Aphelion ecosystem includes the development of mobile applications to facilitate easy access to weather forecasts while mobile.</p> <blockquote><em>App development requires a series of components that cover the purely artistic aspect of the graphic design and the use of tools, to the much more technical analysis and programming of languages such as Java, Kotlin, Objective-C and Swift.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Software development in general and an app in particular, require being familiar with a series of preceding concepts about programming theory and algorithm analysis, but, due to the great speed with which mobile devices and its interfaces are evolving on the market, it is very important that the evolution of these devices and their capabilities as well as the latest trends are also taken into account in the design world. </p><p>App development requires a series of components that cover the purely artistic aspect of the graphic design and the use of tools, to the much more technical analysis and programming of languages such as Java, Kotlin, Objective-C and Swift. Additionally, a thorough knowledge is required of the two dominant mobile platforms on the market. Android and iOS. Due to the increasingly social aspect of apps, certain knowledge of human psychology and the dynamics of social interaction between people are often required. </p><p>Given the highly multidisciplinary nature of app development, the tools that are used cover a very wide spectrum: for designing prototypes and visual elements, a graphic design software such as the suite of Adobe Creative Cloud applications are used, while for creating the code itself, coding tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code are used. Android Studio and Xcode. To streamline the development and subsequent maintenance of the apps, some multi-platform frameworks such as React Native, jQuery Mobile or Unity are often used. </p><p>Just like in any type of somewhat complex software development, the use of version control tools such as Gitlab becomes essential. </p><p>Strictly monitoring the coding standards and style for the different languages and platforms is very important, as well as adapting the interface and its usability to the visual and operating style of each platform, maintaining a coherent visual identity for all of them and also ensuring users feel comfortable in an environment that is familiar to them. </p><p>In recent years, following data protection regulations has become especially important in the different regions with respect to confidentiality, the right to cancel and correct the data and the use of tracking systems for statistical or advertising purposes. </p><p>Different methods are available for developing software, and often times they are dependent on whether or not the project to be carried out requires covering a need at a specific moment or if the project has long service life and commercial exploitation cycles. Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution time lines. </p><p>Then, the coding and application testing process is initiated. Once the project is validated by the customer or the pertinent corrections, if applicable, have been made, the app is uploaded to the stores of each platform (Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS), and the project is then considered completed. Often times, when requested by the client, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications can be made to the application as well as improvements. </p><p>In applications with long operating cycles, the possibility of creating new development iterations is studied, where new functionalities can be added to the project to extend its service life. </p><p>Upon completion of the project, documentation is delivered along with its source code and database, if applicable, in the format and manner agreed to in the contract. </p><p><br></p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>After a proper development process, an efficient and effective app is obtained with an attractive and easy to use interface and a logical and intuitive work flow. All of this leads to improved productivity and greater involvement by the user as well as a better perception of the brand by the user.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Data processing and analysis

Technical capacity to tackle data processing and analysis projects of the most varied types, from the processing of monitored signals to the automation of business reports and Business Intelligence or BI.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>The compiling of information is ever-present in our world and the greatest advancements in this area have been achieved with IT, essentially through the hardware and software that is running on it. Nowadays, practically any project entails obtaining and processing data and the productivity of these projects, in a large measure, depends on the analysis and extraction of information or data-mining. </p><p>SOLUTE has an extensive record and a great technical capacity for carrying out data processing analyses projects of the most varied types, from processing monitored signals to the automation of business reports and Business Intelligence or BI.</p><p>Software development is a discipline that studies the components required for the creation, management, maintenance and testing of IT software, which can be understood as the logic programming that all IT systems need to operate properly and allow the user to enjoy the functions of an application through a practical and intuitive interface. </p><p>One of the facets of software development is data processing, the part that deals with the analytical capacity and the interpretation and handling of information. The tools that are developed may be executed as a standalone programme or as a library of built-in functions in an existing tool chain. </p><p>Often times the greatest problem facing a project is the large amount of data that is hard to manage to extract information as well as the repetitive tasks of uploading, analysis and calculating results. In addition to all of this, the use of applications that are unsuitable, not very efficient or have limited functionality, results in inefficiency when it comes to designing reports and does not take advantage of resources for decision making. </p><p>Therefore, the most important part of developing data processing tools is a concern for determining the customer's needs, adapting to the platform upon which the development is going to be implemented, demonstrated analytical capability and the quick acquiring of knowledge about the data to be processed. </p><p><br></p> <h4><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity)); color: rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity)); font-size: var(--font-size);">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>Since 2013, SOLUTE has carried out many development projects, for internal use as well as for different customers in diverse fields such as the energy or automotive sector, automation of fatigue post-processes in monitoring projects, frequency analysis of vibrations and filtering and automatic identification of failures. Likewise, within these sectors we have also satisfactorily completed projects such as fleet overview, statistical analysis of operating and maintenance data and designing of scorecards focused on BI. </p><p>SOLUTE has a multidisciplinary team providing support in each one of the projects it is involved in, offering vision and solutions from the perspective of different knowledge areas such as physics, statistics, software architecture and business development. </p><p>In the wind sector, SOLUTE has developed and commercially exploits the Furow software for comprehensive project management, covering all its phases, from the processing of wind data, calculating wind resources, micrositing and financial analysis and automation of reports. </p><p>Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant for the energy, agricultural, industrial or naval sectors. </p><blockquote><em>A range of skills are required, from the technical aspect of programming, in languages such as Python, C++, Matlab or R, the diagnostic aspect of analytical vision and management of binary data sources, XML text and SQL databases, to the design aspect and visual representation of results in Power BI, Tableau and MS Excel.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>Software development in general requires knowing a series of preceding concepts about programming theory and algorithm analysis, but, due to the many different needs of customers, we must be capable of continuously collaborating and adapting to their requirements and input data formats throughout the development process. </p><p>Implementing data processing and analysis tools requires a series of skills ranging from the technical aspect of programming using languages such as Python, C++, Matlab or R, and the assessment provided by the analytical vision and the management of binary source data, XML texts and SQL databases, including the visual design and displaying of results in Power BI, Tableau and MS Excel. </p><p>Given the highly multidisciplinary nature of software development, the tools that are used cover a very wide spectrum: to create the code itself, code editing tools are used such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, PyCharm or integrated development environments (IDEs) that are specific for each language, while for data analysis, different mathematical calculation functions libraries, graphic representation and data import/export tools are used or developed. </p><p>Just like in any type of somewhat complex software development project, the use of version control tools such as Gitlab becomes essential as well as the tracking of code standards and style for the different languages. Likewise, continuous integration and continuous distribution (CI/CD) methods are established to frequently generate deliverables to customers through the automation of tool development phases. </p><p>Different methods are available for developing software that are chosen depending on if the project to be carried requires covering a need at a specific moment or if the project has long service life and commercial exploitation cycles. Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application, and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution timelines. </p><p>Subsequently, the coding process and the application tests are initiated to finally continue with the implementation on the envisaged platform. The project is complete once it is validated by the customer, or the pertinent corrections are made. Often, when requested by the customer, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications can be made to the calculations as well as improvements in how the results are presented.</p><p> </p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p>After a proper development process, a documented data processing procedure is obtained as well as the associated software that automates it and the reporting of results that provide general and detailed descriptions of the information that is worthy of being extracted.</p>

Frontend

Frontend is the study of the components for creating, managing, maintaining and testing IT software, which can be defined as the logic programming required by all information systems to operate properly and provide the user with a practical and intuitive interface that enables them to use an application.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Technology is ever-present in our world and the greatest advancements in this area have been achieved with IT, essentially through the hardware and software that is running on it. Nowadays, practically any production process or leisure activity involves the use of software applications, and the usability of these depends, in a large measure, on a proper frontend development capable of ensuring the use of these applications result in an easy and attractive user experience. For this, it is essential that a proper analysis is carried out of the requirements, a proper planning and execution of the development as well as a careful design of the interface and user experience. </p><p>SOLUTE has an extensive record and a great technical capacity for developing software of the most varied types, from industrial automation systems to applications designed for professional use in specific sectors, to mobile apps suitable for private use.</p> <p>Software development is a discipline that studies the components required for the creation, management, maintenance and testing of IT software, which can be understood as the logic programming that all IT systems need to operate properly and allow the user to enjoy the functions of an application through a practical and intuitive interface. </p><p>One of the facets of software development is frontend design, the part that is in contact with the user and is used by him/her to interact with the application. The frontend in turn communicates with the backend, which is the area that manages and processes the information provided by the user and returns the results requested through the frontend. </p><p>The frontend is always executed as an application on the user's device or within a browser in the case of web applications, while the backend, in some cases, is executed on the customer's machine (self-contained applications) or in one or more servers accessible through a communications network or the internet. </p><p>Often times the greatest problem of an application is the existence of a user interface that is not easy to use or intuitive, which lowers user productivity and involvement. For this reason, the most important part of frontend development is the designing of UI / UX (User Interface / User experience). While the design of the UI is focused on creating an attractive and practical interface, the design of the UX is focused on ensuring the actions to be carried out on the interface are logical and coherent with the processes that are to be carried out while the application is being used. </p><p><br></p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>Since 2013, SOLUTE has been managing many projects, for internal use as well as for customers in varied fields, such as the energy or automotive sector. </p><p>In the wind sector, SOLUTE has developed and commercially exploits the Furow software for comprehensive project management, covering all its phases, to include the processing of wind data, micrositing and economic analysis to the calculating of wind resources. </p><p>Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant for the energy, agricultural, industrial or naval sectors.</p> <blockquote><em>Frontend development requires a series of components that cover the purely artistic aspect of the graphic design and the use of tools, to the much more technical analysis and programming of languages.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Software development in general and frontend specifically, require being familiar with a series of preceding concepts about programming theory and algorithm analysis, but, due to the great speed with which interfaces are evolving on the market, it is very important that the latest trends are also taken into account in the design world. </p><p>Frontend development requires a series of components that cover the purely artistic aspect of the graphic design and the use of tools, to the much more technical analysis and programming of languages such as HTML, CSS or Javascript. Due to the increasingly social aspect of the projects, certain knowledge of human psychology and the dynamics of social interaction between people are often required. </p><p>Given the highly multidisciplinary nature of frontend development, the tools that are used cover a very wide spectrum: for designing prototypes and visual elements, a graphic design software such as the suite of Adobe Creative Cloud applications are used, while for creating the code itself, coding tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code are used. To streamline the development, of the code as well as the interface, some frameworks are uses such as jQuery, Laravel or Angular.js. In the case of web applications, tests can be carried out on different browsers and operating systems to ensure maximum compatibility of the final product with the largest possible number of configurations. </p><p>Just like in any type of somewhat complex software development, the use of version control tools such as Gitlab becomes essential. </p><p>Strictly monitoring the coding standards and style for the different languages is very important, and in the case of web based frontend development, monitoring the W3C standards that guarantee the compatibility of the development with the different customer environments. In recent years, following data protection regulations has become especially important in the different regions with respect to confidentiality, the right to cancel and correct the data and the use of tracking systems for statistical or advertising purposes such as the use of cookies. </p><p>Different methods are available for developing software, which is chosen depending on if the project to be carried out requires covering a need at a specific moment or if the project has long service life and commercial exploitation cycles. Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution time lines. </p><p>Then, the coding process and the application tests are initiated to finally continue with the implementation on the envisaged platform. The project is considered to be complete once it is validated by the client or the pertinent corrections are made. Often times, when requested by the client, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications can be made to the application as well as improvements. </p><p>In applications with long operating cycles, the possibility of creating new development iterations is studied, where new functionalities can be added to the project to extend its service life. Upon completion of the project, documentation is delivered of the source code and database, if applicable, in the format and manner agreed to in the contract.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>After a proper development process, efficient and effective software is obtained with an attractive and easy to use interface and a logical and intuitive work flow. All of this leads to improved productivity and greater involvement by the user as well as a better perception of the brand by the user. </p> <h4>OTHER APPLICATIONS</h4> <p>Software development is applicable to any industry and sector. Most software projects require a frontend, making them highly versatile for use by all types of potential buyers.</p>

Ad hoc tools for clients

Data processing system with proven analytical capability to effectively satisfy client's needs

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The compiling of information is ever-present in our world and the greatest advancements in this area have been achieved with IT, essentially through the hardware and software that is running on it. Nowadays, practically any project entails obtaining and processing data and the productivity of these projects, in a large measure, depends on the analysis and extraction of information or data-mining. </p><p>SOLUTE has an extensive record and a great technical capacity for carrying out data processing analyses projects of the most varied types, from processing monitored signals to the automation of business reports and Business Intelligence or BI.</p><p>Software development is a discipline that studies the components required for the creation, management, maintenance and testing of IT software, which can be understood as the logic programming that all IT systems need to operate properly and allow the user to enjoy the functions of an application through a practical and intuitive interface. </p><p>One of the facets of software development is data processing, the part that deals with the analytical capacity and the interpretation and handling of the information. The tools that are developed may be executed as a standalone programme or as a library of built-in functions in an existing tool chain. </p><p>Often times the greatest problem facing a project is the large amount of data that is hard to manage in order to extract information as well as the repetitive tasks of uploading, analysing and calculating results. In addition to all of this, the use of applications that are unsuitable, not very efficient or have limited functionality, results in inefficiency when it comes to designing reports and does not take advantage of resources for decision making. Therefore, the most important part of developing data processing tools is a concern for determining the customer's needs, adapting to the platform upon which the development is going to be implemented, demonstrated analytical capability and the quick acquiring of knowledge about the data to be processed. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>Since 2013, SOLUTE has carried out many development projects, for internal use as well as for different clients in diverse fields such as the energy or automotive sector, automation of fatigue post-processes in monitoring projects, frequency analysis of vibrations and filtering and automatic identification of failures. Likewise, within these sectors we have also satisfactorily completed projects such as fleet overview, statistical analysis of operating and maintenance data and designing of scorecards focused on BI. </p><p>SOLUTE has a multidisciplinary team offering support in each one of the projects it is involved in, offering vision and solutions from the perspective of different knowledge areas including physics, statistics, software architecture and business development. </p><p>In the wind sector, SOLUTE has developed and commercially exploits the Furow software for comprehensive project management, covering all its phases, to include the processing of wind data, calculating wind resources, micrositing and financial analysis and automation of reports. </p><p>Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant for the energy, agricultural, industrial or naval sectors.</p><blockquote><em>Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution timelines.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>Software development in general requires being familiar with a series of preceding concepts about programming theory and algorithm analysis, but, due to the many different clients´ needs, we must be capable of continuously collaborating and adapt to their requirements and input data formats throughout the development process. </p><p>Implementing data processing and analysis tools requires a series of skills ranging from the technical aspect of programming using languages such as Python, C++, Matlab or R, and the assessment provided by the analytical vision and the management of binary source data, XML texts and SQL databases, including the visual design and displaying of results in Power BI, Tableau and MS Excel. </p><p>Given the highly multidisciplinary nature of software development, the tools that are used cover a very wide spectrum: to create the code itself, code editing tools are used such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, PyCharm or integrated development environments (IDEs) that are specific for each language, while for data analysis, different mathematical calculation functions libraries, graphic representation and data import/export tools are used or developed. </p><p>Just like in any type of somewhat complex software development, the use of version control tools such as Gitlab becomes essential as well as the tracking of code standards and style for the different languages. Likewise, continuous integration and continuous distribution (CI/CD) methods are established to frequently generate deliverables to customers through the automation of tool development phases. </p><p>Different methods are available for developing software, that are chosen depending on if the project to be carried requires covering a need at a specific moment or if the project has long service life and commercial exploitation cycles. Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution timelines. </p><p>Then, the coding process and the application tests are initiated to finally continue with the implementation on the envisaged platform. The project is considered to be complete once it is validated by the customer or the pertinent corrections are made. Often times, when requested by the customer, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications can be made to the calculations as well as improvements in how the results are presented.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p>After a proper development process, a documented data processing procedure is obtained as well as the associated software that automates it and the reporting of results that provide general and detailed descriptions of the information that is worthy of being extracted.</p>

Topological optimization

Optimization is the capability that arises from the need to design components that improve vehicle performance.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Given the need to design components that improve vehicle performance and meet greater regulatory and cost restrictions, the need arises to use topology optimisation as a working tool. Using this methodology, the SOLUTE team has redesigned components for the automotive and railway sector, allowing significantly reducing their weight as well as withstanding more restrictive conditions for implementation in new vehicles with higher performance and more stringent design requirements.</p> <p>The automotive industry uses synergy strategies with the components between the different vehicles, with the aim of optimising costs in a highly competitive sector and the markets it serves. For this reason, reusing and sharing are common practices as well as adapting components between different models and even variants of the same vehicle. To adapt to the new objectives of new variants, we must carry out an optimisation process of the parts, affecting their shape and materials, with the same set of boundary conditions and with specified objectives or requirements. </p><p>One of the avenues for achieving this new improved variant is topology optimisation, a solution SOLUTE has been offering from the start of their integration in specific structural analysis software. The different challenges SOLUTE has had to face using this technique have had the purpose of reducing the weight, the valuation of materials, the adaptation to manufacturing techniques and the increase in structural performance.</p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>For more than 10 years now, SOLUTE has been collaborating very closely with the R&D departments of the leading companies in the automotive sector (vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers) in component design optimisation for different disciplines and through static, dynamic, thermal and aerodynamic structural analysis. For the departments in charge of developing new products, SOLUTE carries out a functional simulation of the products, providing solutions that will be included in the final product.</p><p>Through an iterative process in which a target weight, design/manufacturing restrictions and load scenarios are set, the structural analysis software for topology optimisation provides a set of organic concepts proposals that cannot be manufactured.</p> <blockquote><em>Through an iterative process, in which a target weight, design/manufacturing constraints and loading scenarios are established, the structural analysis software for topological optimisation makes proposals for non-manufacturable organic concepts.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>As a tool to achieve the project's objectives, the topology optimisation technique is used as the basis for redesign. With the use of this capability we can begin by defining the available space for determining design concepts that meet the objectives and restrictions as well as the functional requirements of the part. In this case, the requirements are defined using the mechanical loads scenario obtained from a preliminary study, specifically a multibody simulation of the vehicle. </p><p>The work flow begins with an analysis of the restrictive scenarios of the loads the part may be subjected to as part of a mechanical system. With the sizing scenarios established, restrictions are identified resulting from the manufacturing process, the joining of systems and other non-modifiable shapes, as well as the maximum work volume that allows the tool to widen the spectrum of proposals and start the optimisation. </p><p>Finally, through an iterative process in which a target weight, design/manufacturing restrictions and load scenarios are set, the structural analysis software for topology optimisation provides a set of organic concepts proposals that cannot be manufactured. Based on the experience of the specialist and feedback from the customer, the concepts are turned into a design that can be industrialised, and that is once again evaluated in real scenarios to verify all requirements are met.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>The optimisation process carried out by SOLUTE has allowed redesigning suspension components, test benches and railcar hitches, among other components, with 15-30% weight reductions and capable of substantially withstanding structural requirements that are much more severe than those of the original design.</p><p>The methodology and results of some cases have been presented at the DASSAULT SYSTEMES' annual user’s congress in Madrid, which generated interest in the audience, just like the success case of the TOSCA software in the optimisation for developing a component.</p>

Engine cooling

System responsible for dissipating heat produced during engine operation in any mode of transport for proper operation.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The engine cooling system is responsible for dissipating the heat produced during the operation of the engine in any mode of transport. During the generation of motive power, heat is always produced as a secondary product and is an undesired consequence in most cases. This occurs in internal combustion engines as well as in the increasingly more popular electric motors, so the use of a cooling system becomes essential in any mode of transport. </p><p>Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) help prevent and optimise the behaviour of the cooling system, as these always include an exchange of energy between the engine, the source of head and the surrounding environment, normally air or another fluid. Therefore, CFD simulation techniques are widely used during the design and development phase of these systems. </p><p>Since 2017, SOLUTE has gained an extensive and solid experience for customers in the automotive sector. </p><p>All transport vehicles use some type of engine to produce motive power. However, not all energy becomes movement, part of it becomes heat and this heat must be dissipated to ensure the integrity of the engine. The cooling system must transfer this excessive heat to the surrounding environment, which is normally air, and this transfer is done through fluids such as water or oil. </p><p>To tackle these types of thermal problems with associated fluid dynamics, the use of CFD techniques is extremely useful during the conception and design phase of cooling systems. Placing the focus on the automotive sector, the cooling function must combine a proper air flow with an attractive vehicle design for the customer. SOLUTE carries out advanced internal aerodynamic simulations (air flow going through a duct, the engine compartment in this case) to ensure the set requirements are met and using these techniques to direct the development towards an efficient design.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>Since 2017, SOLUTE has experience carrying our internal combustion engine cooling simulations for different customers in the automotive sector. </p><p>Likewise, SOLUTE has the necessary know-how and experience to work on similar problems in the automotive sector as well as extend this knowledge to vehicles such as buses, trains or jet engines.</p><blockquote><em>To carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>The analysis of the problem is carried out with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools, using the Finite Volumes Method (FVM) or the Finite Elements Method (FEM), depending on the solver that is chosen. To carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience </p><p>After a first study of the state of the art and the set objectives, models are created based on the geometry and on the case study. This way, the intent is to simplify and individualise the model, so that we can reach a compromise between the accuracy of the results and computational economics. In most situations, stationary simulations RANS (Raynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes) or their transitory variable URANS (unsteady RANS) will be used and sometimes, more expensive and accurate simulations may need to be used such as LES (Large Eddy Simulation). </p><p>Normally, CFD cooling calculations are supplemented with 1D simulations that represent the simplified operation of various components such as radiators, water pumps or cooling circuits within the overall system. CFD data is used to feed the 1D simulations, focused on the individual calculation of the different elements involved: calendars, radiators or fans. </p><p>Different scenarios need to be studied that contemplate all the physics and all the operating conditions, for which we will need to properly define the properties of the fluid, its domain and boundary conditions, in order to guarantee the system will operate properly at all times. This way, we can calculate and determine the parameters of interest in the model, such as distributions of pressure or speeds, the air flow that crosses the engine compartment or the system temperature. </p><p>Based on the results that are obtained, the validation of the original cooling system is studied and we participate in the optimisation process, considering other factors such as manufacturability, assembling or cost of the assembly, as well as the cooling requirement themselves. An aspect to be considered is that in most cases, engine cooling follows internal guidelines set by the manufacturer and are not governed by external regulations, however, an exception to this rule are the airworthiness directives required by the competent certifying body in aviation, such as Certification Specifications, CSs (published by the European Air Safety Agency, EASA, which is the European certifying authority) or the Federal Aviation Regulations, FARs, (published by the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, the aviation authority in the United States). </p><p>In addition to the quantitative result, the tools that are used allow analysing the qualitative behaviour of the evaluated systems, detecting the areas that cause undesired operations and the regions that have potential for improvement. This way, once the first series of simulations are completed, proposals for improvement are made and the process is repeated until the optimum solution is achieved. </p><p>SOLUTE Engineers, with expert skills and know-how in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics and the behaviour of the fluid described by Navier-Stokes equations, are able to successfully interpret the results and identify possible solutions.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>A report is generated with all the data obtained in the original cooling system and in the different proposals, and the most suitable option between them is selected based on the criteria defined by the customer. </p><p>The tasks of simulation and analysis of your results allow, in a very dynamic way, adopting alternatives to the design or concept when the results are unsatisfactory, as well as the optimisation of the geometries. This way, studies are provided with great added value in terms of the thermal and kinematic air flow inside the vehicle, with special emphasis on the temperature, pressure and distribution of current speeds.</p>

Low speed impacts

Using finite element modelling (FEM), and thanks to simulation, we can obtain the most suitable part designs to reduce potential damage and save development costs.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>Against low speed vehicle impacts (less than 20km/h), the main objective of manufacturers consists of developing systems that facilitate and lower the costs of repairs. Consumer associations rate these designs using a reparability index, which is directly related to the price of insuring the vehicle and may affect the success of the sale in certain countries or companies interested in purchasing a fleet of vehicles. </p><p>Using energy absorption systems or Crash Management Systems (CMS), the structural components of vehicles can be protected against damaged in low speed impacts and this way, avoid costly repairs or inoperability of the car as a result of non-repairable damage.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>Since 2013, SOLUTE has been deeply involved in this area, requiring an in-depth R&D&I development, for leading car manufacturers. </p><p>Throughout their history, CMS assemblies have been developed with proposals linked to the design of each part, depending on the type of vehicle to be developed (electric, compact, SUV...).</p> <blockquote><em>These models are subjected to different types of tests, which replicate the real tests that are carried out in a laboratory and which attempt to represent different situation drivers might face on a daily basis</em>.</blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>Based on some initial 3D designs facilitated by the design department, engineers from SOLUTE collaborate with the customer's calculations department to transform them into dynamic calculation models using the most popular codes on the market (PamCrash, ABAQUS, and ANSYS). </p><p>These models are subjected to different types of tests, which replicate the real tests that are carried out in a laboratory and which attempt to represent different situation drivers might face on a daily basis. </p><p>Such tests include impacts at 20 km/h, equivalent to a crash while in a traffic jam, or 2-5 km/h, replicating crashes that occur while parking. In the first case the aim is to prevent damage to functional parts as well as to expensive aesthetic parts and damage to the main structure. In the second, the aim is to not damage any part and reduce aesthetic impacts. </p><p>Once the scenarios of the study have been established, SOLUTE carries out continuous loop optimisations of the different energy absorption systems, proposing solutions that achieve the set objectives as well as any additional restrictions provided by the manufacturer due to the costs involved. </p><p>The result is valuations of the different proposals agreed with the design, manufacturing and calculation departments and a calculation with a comprehensive analysis of the affected components. SOLUTE presents these proposals in detailed reports showing the structural behaviour of each part, with visual content generated using advanced post-processing and analysis tools. </p><p>Also, during collaborations with the customer, SOLUTE contributes their experience in tool generation and in shortening the times required for analysing variants and producing reports with programming scripts that automate repetitive tasks. </p><p>Lastly, the SOLUTE team gets involved in the correlation phase; once the laboratory tests are completed, our engineers review the modelling of the systems and verify the reliability of these through a visual and analytical comparison of sensor signals.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>SOLUTE works to optimally develop a vehicle that is capable of withstanding low speed impacts as best as possible, to minimise any damage and associated costs. </p>

HVAC

Capability of guaranteeing a proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in vehicles used for transport, of both the cabs as well as the compartments where the payload is carried for different reasons, such as conservation or passenger comfort.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Vehicles used for transport need to control the temperature of both the cabs as well as the compartments where they carry their payload for different reasons, such as conservation or passenger comfort. To guarantee a proper air conditioning, an efficient HVAC system must be designed (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) that allows regulating different environmental parameters such as temperature and pressure and adjust these parameters as required for each situation. </p><p>The definition of an HVAC system is supported on fluid dynamic simulations, CFD, consisting of mathematical analyses of the geometry of the environment, including the modelling of the conditions and the parameters of the problem in different scenarios. With an evaluation of the results we can work to optimise the design from an operational perspective. </p><p>Since 2017, SOLUTE has gained an extensive and solid experience in these types of calculations for customers in the transport sector.</p><p>Transport vehicles such as cars, trains or aircraft, carry a payload (persons or goods) and proper environmental conditions must be provided for comfort, to prevent the goods from being damaged or in the case of the aviation sector, to guarantee certain levels of oxygen inside the cabin so the passengers can breathe. </p><p>A fluid dynamics simulation CFD is the most efficient option for conducting a study of the HVAC design. SOLUTE has the capability to carry out these analyses and study the problem to develop a system that meets the stated objectives.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>SOLUTE has carried out numerous HVAC simulations for different customers in the automotive sector. Numerous cab air conditioning development phases have been carried out in cars and this methodology has also been applied in buses. These phases have ranged from evaluating the comfort of occupants to de-icing and defogging systems to ensure visibility through the wind shields. </p><p>To carry out these types of studies, SOLUTE relies on their extensive experience and know-how in CFD fluid dynamics and simulation software, which it has been applying to problems of very different natures.</p><blockquote><em>To carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>The analysis is carried out with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools, using the Finite Volumes Method (FVM) or the Finite Elements Method (FEM), depending on the solver that is chosen. To carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience. </p><p>After a first study of the state of the art and the set objectives during the development of the HVAC system, models are created based on the geometry and on the case study. This way, the intent is to simplify and individualise the model, so that we can reach a compromise between the accuracy of the results and the computational load. In most situations, stationary simulations RANS (Raynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes) or their transitory variable URANS (unsteady RANS) will be used and sometimes, more expensive and accurate simulations may need to be used such as LES (Large Eddy Simulation). </p><p>Based on a scenario that contemplates all the physics and all the constraints inherent to the analysis that is to be addressed (for which we will need to properly define the properties of the fluid, its domain and contour conditions), we can calculate and determine the desired aspects of the model such as distributions of pressure or speeds, the air flow or temperature. </p><p>Based on the results that are obtained, the validation of the original HVAC system is studied. An aspect to be considered is that in most cases, air conditioning inside vehicles (cars, trains or aircraft) follow internal guidelines set by the manufacturer and are not governed by external regulations. An exception to this rule are the airworthiness directives required by the competent certifying body in aviation, such as Certification Specifications, CSs (published by the European Air Safety Agency, EASA, which is the European certifying authority) or the Federal Aviation Regulations, FARs, (published by the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, the aviation authority in the United States).</p><p>In addition to a quantitative result, the tools that are used allow analysing the qualitative behaviour of the evaluated systems, detecting the areas that cause undesired operations and the regions that have potential for improvement. This way, once the first series of simulations are completed, proposals for improvement are made and the process is repeated until the optimum solution is achieved. To accomplish this it is essential that we have the skills and know-how of engineers who are experts in aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, since a proper interpretation of the results and identification of possible solutions requires knowing the behaviour of the fluid described by the Navier-Stokes equations, as well as the nature of all its components.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The studies will allow concluding with a new definition of the parameters of the HVAC system, as well as the geometry that conditions the problem. The tasks of simulation and analysis of your results allow, in a very dynamic way, adopting alternatives to the design or concept when the previously obtained results are unsatisfactory, as well as the optimisation of the geometries. The results are recorded in a report with all the data obtained in the original HVAC system and in the different proposals, specifying the most suitable option between them based on the defined criteria. </p><p>On the one hand, studies provide great added value of the thermal and kinematic behaviour of the air flow inside the vehicle, with special emphasis on the temperature, pressure and distribution of air flow speeds.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Interior modules

This discipline ensures the stiffness, stability and durability of the elements to provide customer's a sense of high quality.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Since 2016, SOLUTE has been carrying out assessment projects of the interior of vehicles for manufacturers and OEMs. Using different advanced calculation disciplines (thermal, dynamic, fatigue, optimisation and frequency response), the finishes of components are analysed and proposals are designed with the aim of improving the quality that is perceived by the vehicle's end customer. </p><p></p><p>In the current market, manufacturers differentiate between premium and basic product lines by noticing an increase in the quality and complexity of the vehicle's interior elements. </p><p>The aim of this discipline of Finishes is to be able to insure the stiffness, stability and durability of the elements to provide customer's a sense of high quality. As we move closer to high end products, these require a larger number of tests and requirements that are studied for each part in order to obtain a premium finish.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>Since the year 2016, SOLUTE has been involved in simulating the interior finishes of vehicles for different customers, which include large vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.</p><p>The work is focused on the interior of vehicles, from the dashboard to the centre console, as well as the door panels, pillar trim and the entire boot assembly and the petrol cap. In other words, the focus is basically on practically all the plastic elements that are located inside the car.</p> <blockquote><em>With the input being the preliminary designs prior to the validation, SOLUTE transforms each system into advanced calculation models and determines the boundary conditions and different types of unions between all the parts.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>In coordination with the manufacturer's or parts supplier's technical department, SOLUTE covers the entire process of analysing parts before and after the tests. With the input being the preliminary designs prior to the validation, SOLUTE transforms each system into advanced calculation models and determines the boundary conditions and different types of unions between all the parts. The different analyses (thermal, dynamic, fatigue, optimisation and frequency response) that are carried out by SOLUTE in these types of disciplines are: the stiffness and misuse calculation of the different parts that comprise the model, impact of the head against the dashboard and console in accordance with standard ECE-R21, airbag test, rear crash and modal analysis. </p><p>The transformation into calculation models is carried out using standard pre-processing tools that can be found on the market (ANSA, HyperMesh). These detailed models represent all the mechanical properties of the components (thickness, materials) and its specific unions (clips, screws, welds, rivets) which enable to determine their strength individually and as part of an assembly or system. </p><p>Once the entire model is mounted with its assemblies and its respective joints, we proceed to calculate the applicable loads using the codes specified by the customer (Pamcrash, ABAQUS, ANSYS and NASTRAN). </p><p>Given that, in the first phases of the different projects, in general, the customer's requirements are not entirely met, SOLUTE provides a part that is essential, which is to provide solutions to the problems detected in the analysis of the results. The proposals range from changes to the geometry concepts, to the thickness or materials, optimising the overall behaviour. </p><p>As the final phases of the project are completed, physical tests are carried out simultaneously where all the load cases simulated to that point are materialised. Once these tests have been completed, SOLUTE will correlate the models, comparing the test results with the simulation. </p><p>This step is of vital importance because we try to ensure the simulation model matches the tests as much as possible; this way, we will have a more complete starting basis for future projects. </p><p>For all the analyses, a report is drafted for the customer that includes the results post-processed using specific software (META, HyperView) to adapt the contents of the customer's documentation in compliance with their methodologies and presentation standards.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The overall results of these analyses are design proposals that are compliant with the required quality standards and the financial goals of the project. These proposals are delivered to the customer in the form of comprehensive analyses reports, including graphic content of the results of the structural calculations, justifying the improvements with respect to the original models.</p><p> </p>

Aerodynamic analysis

Analyses and studies prior to the experimentation with prototypes, with the aim of ensuring each vehicle meets the requirements that will guarantee the best results in terms of energy efficiency, emissions and dynamics

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>All ground vehicles are subjected to the action of the air, which directly affects their operation, both because it resists movement (aerodynamic resistance) as well as due to other aerodynamic loads (cross winds, down force, etc.). This gives way to different particularities that affect the proper operation of the new designs. </p><p>To minimise adverse circumstances and promote the favourable ones we must use an analysis methodology and an advance level of mathematical modelling with a high degree of detail in order to provide optimum results. SOLUTE carries out these analyses, ensuring an efficient aerodynamic behaviour focused on the required needs.</p><p>The automotive as well as the railway industry continuously design and develop new vehicles that are more competitive and therefore, the goal is to improve their aerodynamic performance, which has a direct effect on the operating costs. The most aerodynamically efficient vehicles consume less fuel or electricity, thus lowering the associated costs. </p><p>Other aerodynamic characteristics to consider are the noise and vertical force. The first is especially relevance for the comfort of the occupants and the second is especially important in vehicles that operate at high speeds such as sports cars or high speed trains. </p><p>One of the key aspects of this development process is the interaction of the vehicle in motion with the air that surrounds it. From SOLUTE, a series of analyses and studies are carried out prior to the experimentation with prototypes, with the aim of ensuring each vehicle meets the requirements that will guarantee the best results in terms of energy efficiency, emissions and dynamics.</p><p> </p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>SOLUTE has several years of experience as it has been developing new car models since 2017, where its participation has been essential in achieving the aerodynamic efficiency objectives set by manufacturers. </p><p>SOLUTE has also contributed in the analysis and design of other ground transport vehicles, primarily buses. The shapes of essential components have been optimised; components such as rear view mirrors, diffusers and underside diffusers. </p><p>The same methodology is easily applicable to other areas such as railroads or aviation.</p><blockquote><em>T</em><em>o carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>The analysis is carried out with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tools, using the Finite Volumes Method (FVM) or the Finite Elements Method (FEM), depending on the solver that is chosen. To carry out these calculations, commercial codes (ANSYS, ALTAR) as well as free use codes (OpenFOAM) are used, over which, even with differences in their origin, good practices in modelling standards prevail as well as the criteria of expert analysts and the basis of extensive experience. </p><p>Models should be created that are based on the geometry of the analysis object and in the case study to simplify and individualise the model that allows reaching a compromise between the accuracy of the results and the computational load. In most situations, stationary simulations RANS (Raynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes) or their transitory variable URANS (unsteady RANS) are used and sometimes, more expensive and accurate simulations may need to be used such as LES (Large Eddy Simulation). The extensive experience demonstrated in the sector helps to select the ideal turbulence closure model, among which, k-ω, k-ε and its variants are worth mentioning. </p><p>Based on a scenario that considers all the physics and all the constraints of the analysis that is to be addressed, it is possible to calculate and determine the desired aspects of the model, such as the aerodynamic resistance, the air flow that travels across a specific region, the pressure or speed disturbances or the forces acting on the vehicle. In addition to a quantitative result, the tools that are used allow evaluating the qualitative behaviour of the evaluated systems, detecting the areas that cause undesired behaviours and the regions that have potential for improvement. </p><p>For this, it is essential that we have the skills and know-how of expert engineers on the matter, thanks to whom it is possible to offer an evaluation of the results along with proposals for improvements in the studied design.</p><p> </p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The tasks of simulation and analysis of your results allow, in a very dynamic way, adopting alternatives to the design or concept when the results are unsatisfactory, as well as the optimisation of the geometries. This way, analyses of great added value are provided on the aerodynamic behaviour of the vehicle, focused on values of interest such as the aerodynamic resistance, accompanied by a detailed analysis of the results, to include other parameters (distribution of speeds or efforts in the model).</p><p> </p>

High speed impact

The tests simulation contributes to studying the behaviour of the car so that, in the event of an accident, the risk of damage is minimised and the physical integrity of the passengers as well as the structural integrity of the vehicle are ensured.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><strong></strong></p><p> </p><p>The study of high speed impacts is carried out through finite elements simulations to guarantee the safety of the vehicle and passenger in accordance with the current regulation, while also saving costs related with carrying out physical tests. </p><p>Since 2017 SOLUTE has been using ANSA and META to develop different models in PAMCRASH, which are analysed for each type of barrier.</p><p>The simulation of tests, based on different regulations such as EuroNCAP, US NCAP or ECE-R95, contributes to studying the behaviour of the car so that, in the event of an accident, the risk of damage is minimised and the physical integrity of the passengers as well as the structural integrity of the vehicle are ensured. </p><p>In these analyses, critical components are also evaluated for operation after a forceful impact and cost savings are achieved as there is no need to carry out tests on real models.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>SOLUTE has been involved in these types of projects since 2017 for large car manufacturers, playing a role in developing a dozen cars to date.</p><blockquote><em>When all the areas have been analysed separately, they are added to a common platform, with management of versions, where a complete model is assembled that must be reviewed in order to validate its proper operation. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>As in all simulation processes, 3D CAD models are used as a basis for modelling specific components, using BETA CAE as well as META or ANSA systems. In this case, as it is a much larger model that includes the full car, different parts of the generated vehicle are used by different departments. </p><p>When all the areas have been analysed separately, they are added to a common platform, with management of versions, where a complete model is assembled that must be reviewed in order to validate its proper operation. </p><p>Once validated, all the load cases are created, where the test conditions such as the type of barrier, impact speed, specific version of the model or other specific parameters are described. </p><p>These PAMCRASH simulations are carried out at the infrastructures provided by the customer, with exchanging of files as well as servers and virtual machines. The obtained results are post-processed using two essential tools; META and Animator. </p><p>Finally, the technical notes that document each load case are generated, such as the study of the vital space inside the compartment, the breaking of the weld points, the loss of adhesive areas, the failure of structural components, intrusions in the battery area or deceleration curves.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>Based on each test, a specific analysis is required to study the compliance with requirements such as safety, structural integrity and general behaviour of the vehicle to protect passengers and minimise damage to components.</p>

Pedestrians´ protection

CAE development of a car body to optimise its design to avoid or minimise pedestrian injury in a potential collision.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>Using the CAE (Computer Assisted Engineering) development capability, since 2012 SOLUTE has been participating in the designing of the bodies of new cars with the required pedestrian protection that optimises traffic safety by minimising any possible injuries suffered by pedestrians in the event of an impact. This is achieved using FEM (Finite Element Method) simulation tools, which allow streamlining and lowering the cost of case study evaluations compared to the cost of building and testing actual prototypes.</p><p>CAE development of the car body is used to optimise, through the use of tools based on the Finite Elements Modelling (FEM) simulation method, the design of the car body to meet pedestrian protection requirements and thus prevent or minimise the injuries caused during an impact. </p><p>According to international regulations like ECE directives R-127.03 / GTR No.9, EuroNCAP or Chinese regulations (C-NCAP, C-IASI), the designs of the exterior parts of the vehicles concerning traffic safety are certified and validated in the case of accidents involving pedestrians. Manufacturers must comply with the requirements set by the specific pedestrian protection regulations of each market and must certify their products in those countries in order to be authorised to market them there, which is why this discipline is so important in the process of developing a new car.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>SOLUTE has more than ten years of experience in the automotive sector and since 2012 it has been participating in the development of 14 different vehicle models, of varied types: utility, SUV, hybrid or electric. Our involvement takes place from the early stages of development to the validation of vehicles manufactured in series.</p><blockquote><em>The obtained results are thoroughly analysed using specific post-processing tools such as ANSA (BetaCAE) or ANIMATOR, automating processes through the development of scripts.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>The baseline input is the exterior design of the vehicle, which is used to develop all the different parts using CAD (Computer Assisted Design) tools. These 3D designs are transformed into finite elements models using pre-processing tools such as ANSA (BetaCAE) in order to simulate pedestrian protection load cases, which are defined based on the regulation. The aim is to check all the potential points of impact according to the size of the person (height, weight, etc.) and the different factors that are to be taken into account like the speed, angle or the crash zone. To do this, we must divide the human body into the three parts that are more prone to being injured in the event of a run-over. </p><p>Using advanced CAE computational software based on an explicit type of finite elements simulation such as PAMCRASH (ESI), these cases are defined and calculated to obtain the different bio-mechanical parameters that must be analysed, such as the deformation of bones or ligaments or the acceleration of the head, to evaluate if they are within the proper impact protection values. </p><p>The obtained results are thoroughly analysed using specific post-processing tools such as META (BetaCAE) or ANIMATOR, automating processes through the development of scripts that allow analysing the large number of results that are generated and thus optimise the time. </p><p>These results are recorded and provided to the customer in a detailed report, where a detailed description of all the causes of the impact is provided, safety recommendations are proposed and the conclusions obtained in the analysis are shared. Also, when required, changes will be made to the design until all the objectives are met and optimisations are analysed in order to always find the best possible solution.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The CAE development of the car body allows, in terms of pedestrian protection, to obtain an optimal design of the parts involved in these impacts and which make up the vehicle, by means of a FEM simulation in order to not have to carry out this task by building prototypes and conducting tests, which are very expensive as well as time consuming. The CAE development allows streamlining the development of car bodies and obtains, with a high degree of reliability, a design that meets the technical requirements that are stipulated in traffic safety regulations and protocols. </p>

NVH

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is the study and optimisation of the noise and vibrations of a vehicle to improve its performance and comfort.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p>The comfort and light-weight requirements of vehicles are constantly increasing, however, both specifications work against each other. Reducing the weight of modern cars often times makes them more susceptible of experiencing undesired vibrations. Therefore, components like the structure of the body, the power train and chassis must be designed taking into account the static and dynamic stiffness requirements, both localised as well as overall. </p><p>This is why conducting a proper analysis of the vibrations and frequency response of the Body in White (BiW) is essential during its development phase. </p><p>An NVH is carried out to improve the static and dynamic behaviour of the vehicle without significantly increasing its weight, which is a challenge for modern engineering, where increasing performance without adding mass is no longer an option. Current fuel efficiency and pollution standards require vehicle manufacturers to think twice before adding weight to a vehicle. Therefore, the optimisation of the design is essential in order to comply with requirements in terms of light-weight and NVH.</p><p> </p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4> <p>Since 2016 SOLUTE has been continually collaborating on new developments with leading international car manufacturers (OEMs). Likewise, we also support suppliers of components to the automotive industry that need to comply with the high standards required by their customers. </p><p>Some of the important fields of NVH that SOLUTE has worked in are the study of the static stiffness of the Body in White (BiW), the assessment of the dynamic stiffness of the Body in White (BiW) and Trimmed Body (TB), as well as the analysis of the local vibration modes and the frequency response of the vehicle's local components.</p> <blockquote><em></em></blockquote> <blockquote>The NVH assessment is carried out using CAE (Computer Assisted Engineering) software based on the Finite Elements Method (FEM). These programmes are usually commercial off the shelf (ANSA, NASTRAN, PAMCRASH, META, and ABAQUS)</blockquote> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>The NVH assessment is carried out using CAE (Computer Assisted Engineering) software based on the Finite Elements Method (FEM). These programmes are usually commercial off the shelf (ANSA, NASTRAN, PAMCRASH, META, and ABAQUS). Regardless of the software that is used, we always take into account the highest standards of practice in the simulation and the criteria in terms of evaluating the results, based on the experience accumulated by SOLUTE in recent years. </p><p>Depending on the level of complexity of the NVH assessment of a vehicle we can classify two major types of modelling: Body in White (BiW) and Trimmed Body (TB). In the first, a static stiffness analysis (torsional stiffness) and a dynamic stiffness analysis (modal analysis) are carried out on a model that only includes the body, the front bumper reinforcement, the sub-chassis, the front window and, in cases where the car is electric, the battery compartment as well. In the second type of modelling, the model is more complex and also includes moving parts (doors, hatch, hood, etc.), engine, steering components, seats and various masses to represent different components that are important for the dynamic and frequency response analysis that are carried out with the TB model. </p><p>The loads that are entered in the calculation will depend on the type of calculation. In the case of the static stiffness calculation, forces are applied to analyse torsional stiffness, as we would do for a test of this nature. On the other hand, BiW and TB modal analyses do not include boundary conditions; in other words, they are the free type. Finally, the frequency response analysis (FRF) of TB is normally carried out entering unit forces at important points of the car, taking into account the modal base obtained in the previous analysis.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The FEM analysis that is carried out in the vehicle design phase allows understanding the overall static and dynamic stiffness behaviour. By identifying what components or parts affect performance, it is possible to, in concordance with other disciplines, quickly and effectively make design change decisions. This way, from a stiffness point of view, an optimal structural performance is ensured.</p>

Car safety sensors

The car sensor analysis contributes to optimising the signals received by the computers of the vehicle, which arrive through the different sensors that are installed, to properly activate their function and at the proper time.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>The aim of analysing the sensors of a vehicle is to optimise the signals received by the vehicles computers that arrive from the different sensors that are installed such as accelerometers or pressure sensors. This optimisation must be in signal magnitude as well as in the instant in time, in a manner that the passive safety systems, such as an airbag, are activated only as desired and not at the wrong time or for an action that does not justify its use. Part of SOLUTEs extensive experience includes the CAE development of a car, the execution of these specific analyses, with tasks such as modelling, analysis and correlation through testing.</p><p>Car safety requirements, from the administration as well as consumers, are increasingly becoming more extensive and stricter; therefore, in its development, vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) as well as suppliers must include extensive studies for configuring the active and passive safety systems. </p><p>Specifically, passive safety systems receive data from a large number of sensors installed in the car, which compile the necessary information for decision making in passive safety systems: airbag, safety belt pre-tensioners or whiplash mitigation systems, among others.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity)); color: rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity)); font-size: var(--font-size);"><strong></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Since 2016 SOLUTE has been collaborating with companies in the car sector in the modelling, study and correlation with sensor signals testing in multiple collision scenarios, in an interdisciplinary manner with the other teams involved in developing these systems. In these projects it is common to work with the methodology and requirements set by customers. An extensive experience in CAE development of car bodies applied to multiple disciplines, provides SOLUTE with the capability to tackle the complexity in the tasks executed with the full simulation models that are required of these studies, models with a high degree of detail, including all the sensors of a vehicle for reading and measuring the signals.</p><blockquote><em>The calculations are generally explicit, where the car is crashed in hundreds of different possible scenarios in order to capture and study the widest range of signals generated during the collisions' time span. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>The study of car sensor signals is carried out using specialised CAE (Computational Advanced Evaluation) software based on the finite Elements Method (FEM). These programmes with a high representation capacity are usually commercial off the shelf (ANSA, NASTRAN, PAMCRASH, META or ABAQUS). </p><p>The calculations are generally explicit, where the car is crashed in hundreds of different possible scenarios in order to capture and study the widest range of signals generated during the collisions' time span. By observing, reviewing and analysing these is how we ensure that the signal received by the computers is not erroneous or that it arrives in time. </p><p>The results obtained in the different simulation models must be correlated with those measured during the laboratory tests. In cases where the model differs in excess from reality, we must iteratively tackle a series of changes in the configuration of the parameters of the CAE model that will end up improving them, attaining a high representativeness that allows validating the model for developing the vehicle.</p><p> </p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p> </p><p>The simulation model study in the vehicle design phase allows understanding the overall behaviour during a collision and how the signals are transmitted to the computer that will be making the decisions of whether or not to activate some of the passive safety systems. By identifying what components or parts affect performance, it is possible, in concordance with other disciplines, to make design change decisions quickly and effectively. </p><p><br></p>

Components CAE development

Numerical simulation in CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) evaluates the development of car structures and components for greater strength and durability in different scenarios

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>SOLUTE applies its know-how in CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) numerical simulation in the development of numerous car components requiring validation of their geometry and materials for the different load case scenarios they will be facing. </p><p>With numerous projects and customers as well as many years of experience in this field, SOLUTE collaborates with manufacturers and suppliers in the development of new products and covering the many different load cases experienced by the car body.</p><p>Numerical simulation in CAE allows SOLUTE to collaborate with its customers in the evaluation during the development of car structures and components. </p><p>Specifically, the numerous components that are present on the body are subjected to a wide number of cases where their functional and structural performances must be analysed. The useful service life of a vehicle defines the different load cases: from low speed impacts to extreme operating scenarios. Finite Elements Modelling FEM simulation tools allow streamlining and lowering the cost of the design and manufacturing processes as compared to building prototypes and conducting real tests, making them the ultimate tool used throughout the entire process of designing a new vehicle.</p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>Since 2012 SOLUTE has been gaining experience in applied CAE; specifically in the demanding automotive field and particularly in the development of body components in at least 17 different car models, such as utility, SUV, hybrid or electric vehicles and for different customers in the sector. SOLUTE has been involved in the manufacturing of bumpers, bonnets, lights, mudguards or wind deflectors, gaining experience in plastic or metal parts and in the different processes involved in manufacturing them.</p><blockquote>The obtained results are thoroughly analysed using specific post-processing tools like META (BetaCAE) with the editing of curves, graphics or video to show the behaviour and obtain the relevant values.</blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>We begin with the exterior surface design of the vehicle and then the different components that make up the body are developed, providing volume, geometry and fastening systems through the use of CAD design tools. These geometries in 3D are transformed into finite element models through the use of pre-processing tools like ANSA (BetaCAE) in order to simulate the load cases that are defined in accordance with the customer's internal regulation and which aim is to check the stiffness of the parts and the suitability of the materials. </p><p>The different points of impact are configured along the length and width of the different areas of the vehicle, using different size vices, levels of applied force and temperature conditions. These cases simulate impacts caused by the knee, hand or other human body part or using a wooden pendulum on the component. Other scenarios include extreme temperatures or thermal cycles as a conditioning factor in each case. </p><p>Through the use of advanced commercial analysis software, explicit or implicit, such as PAMCRASH (ESI), these cases are calculated and the different parameters to analyse are obtained, such as the plastic deformation and the maximum and permanent displacement, in order to evaluate if the proper stiffness and quality values are met. </p><p>The obtained results are thoroughly analysed using specific post-processing tools like META (BetaCAE) with the editing of curves, graphics or video to show the behaviour and obtain the relevant values. Since many cases can be analysed and a very important amount of information can be obtained, the process is streamlined and automated through the development of specific scripts with Python or creating toolbars that allow studying the large amount of data that is generated in less time and with minimal risk of error. </p><p>These evaluations are published in a full report providing a description of the collected data, proposed recommendations for improving the design and the materials, if necessary, as well as the extracted conclusions.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p>In the different phases that are undertaken in the development of a component, CAE tasks allow evaluating the functionality of the proposal, refocusing geometries and materials to adjust the response or optimise the parts as well as obtain information about the structural response of the component to facilitate undertaking new developments with a more solid basis. </p><p>In conclusion, CAE prevents having to build expensive prototypes and conducting tests as well as streamlines the process of developing components in order to obtain, with a high degree of reliability, a design that meets the technical requirements of the established regulations and protocols.</p>

CAE vs. Test correlation

Study of the improvements in modelling to be applied in future developments and to validate the virtual data that is obtained.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>Since 2012 SOLUTE has been applying this CAE (Computational Advanced Evaluation) correlation with actual tests in their automotive projects. This competency consists of comparing the results of the simulation models with the physical tests to obtain a better methodology that optimises the virtual development of components as it more closely resembles reality.</p><p>As part of the simulation with finite elements (FEM), feedback with the actual tests results is very important, as it helps simulation models to increasingly become more correlative with the physical tests. Through this correlation, improvements in the modelling are studied, which will be applied in future developments. Also, this competency is used to validate the virtual data that is obtained.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>Since 2012 SOLUTE has been involved in model correlation projects in the automotive sector and is able to apply this capability for any customer in the industrial sector, for example, in the aeronautical, naval, railway or wind sectors. </p><p>Specifically in automotive projects, thanks to their experience in this area, simulation models have substantially improved, being able to develop vehicles without needing to carry out tests on prototypes. Only physical tests are used when certifying and validating the final design of a car.</p><blockquote><em>This comparison is used to study the dispersions and an in-depth evaluation is carried out on how these can be corrected in the model, taking into account the mechanical behaviour, the behaviour of the joints or the strength of the materials. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>Once information from the tests is analysed, such as data, curves, video or pictures, this same simulation is replicated in the simulation model and the results are extracted, which can be compared using post-processing tools like META or ANIMATOR. This comparison is used to study the dispersions and an in-depth evaluation is carried out on how these can be corrected in the model, taking into account the mechanical behaviour, the behaviour of the joints or the strength of the materials. </p><p>This system is repeated until a proper correlation is achieved and conclusions are reached that improve the processes. Therefore, the final outputs obtained are new simulation methodologies that lead to achieving optimum models that are better than the previous ones.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>In the tasks of this competency we obtain advances in the simulation methodology with improvements of the models and the results of the cases analysed, with reports of the results to validate the target components as well as the virtual models themselves. In the end, the numerical simulation process is improved to achieve, based on real data, the version that more closely resembles reality so that it will be more reliable and keep deviations to a minimum.</p>

Add-on stiffness

The moving parts calculation helps to access the vehicle and improve its aesthetic design, as well as serve as a barrier against adverse weather conditions such as wind or rain, to improve passenger safety.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The moving parts (MPs) of a vehicle perform several functions, some of which are to allow entering and exiting a vehicle, an aesthetic design function, as a barrier against extreme weather (wind or rain) or protect the integrity of the passengers during a collision. </p><p>Modern doors are equipped with a large number of components, glass, rear view mirrors, audio systems, turn signals, interior panels, passive safety sensors or the structure of the MPs, which are of vital importance for the vehicle, the driving experience and the protection of its passengers. For this reason, their design and development are especially important when it comes time to build a car. </p><p>The analysis methodology requires an advanced level simulation and a high degree of detail in order to offer valid results. SOLUTE carries out these studies to ensure the structural life of the components of moving parts and integrate them with the rest of the disciplines involving in developing a car. </p><p>The automotive industry is increasingly becoming stricter each year in terms of the safety objectives and emissions; two areas that normally do not go hand in hand. For example, if we want to improve the performance of a door in terms of the static and dynamic loads, such as improving the stiffness of the frame or perfecting its behaviour against a crash, the first thing that usually comes to mind is to increase the thickness of their metal structural components. This could be a valid solution if the increase in weight did not result in an increase in fuel consumption and therefore, in increased emissions. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the structures of the moving parts of cars and the optimisation of its design to improve performance while adding as little weight as possible are essential for any car manufacturer. </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p> <p> </p><h4>EXPERIENCE</h4><p>Since 2016, SOLUTE has been supporting companies of the automotive sector in the design, calculation and testing of the moving parts of cars, always in collaboration and in an interdisciplinary manner with the different teams involved in developing these components. In these developments we usually apply the methodology and requirements demanded by customers, providing our experience and the criteria of our engineers. </p><blockquote><em>Calculations for the development of moving elements are usually of the implicit and static type, with the three types of nonlinearities: large deformation, contact and material properties.</em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY</h4><p>The designing of moving parts in cars is carried out using CAE (computer aided engineering) software, which are typically based on the Finite Elements Method (FEM). These programmes are usually commercial off the shelf (ANSA, NASTRAN, PAMCRASH, META, and ABAQUS). </p><p>The calculations for designing moving parts are usually the implicit and static types, with the three non-linearity types: large deformations, contact and material properties. Modal and vibration calculations are also carried out and if necessary, an explicit calculation to cover specific load conditions where the dynamic is important. </p><p>The complexity and detail of the created models are in accordance with the state of development of the vehicle and the load case under study. This is how we can get models of just the component or of the component plus part of the vehicle's body. </p><p>Finally, all the results obtained in the different models must be correlated with those measured during the laboratory tests. In the event the model differs too much from reality, the model must be improved to match reality as much as possible.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The structural design and development using CAE tools allows identifying failures and propose solutions in a manner that is much more dynamic and proactive, always with the aim of meeting the requirements established by the customer. The calculation models that are created and the proposed solutions must match reality as much as possible in order to minimise any possible changes during the prototyping or reproduction phase.</p>

Nuclear plants dismantling assistance

Tasks of great importance during the service life of a nuclear plant that require adapting to a specific regulation to guarantee the viability of the structure as well as the safety of citizens and protecting the environment.

<h4><style="font-weight: normal;"="">BACKGROUND</style="font-weight:></h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">By participating in the designing of the radioactive waste building tanks, SOLUTE expands their area of knowledge within the nuclear sector with dismantling tasks. These tasks, which are very important during the service life of a nuclear plant, require being familiar with specific regulations to guarantee the viability of the structure as well as the safety of citizens and protecting the environment. </style="background-color:></p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">The final objective of dismantling a nuclear plant is to ensure that the uses that can be made of the plant in the future do not entail an unacceptable radiological risk to the population or the environment as a whole. For this, we must carry out a proper civil-structural design of radioactive waste tanks that allows storing this waste safely for a long period of time.<br></style="background-color:></p><p>When the tanks have been used for a first life cycle and need to be reused to contain new radioactive material, these must be made suitable in order to comply with current nuclear regulations during the plant dismantling phase.</p><p> </p> <h4><style="font-weight: normal;"="">EXPERIENCE</style="font-weight:></h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">Since the start of 2022 SOLUTE has been participating in providing assistance to the civil-structural design of tanks in intermediate level activity (ERMSA) solid waste buildings within the framework of dismantling a nuclear plant.<br></style="background-color:></p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">The interest groups are companies of the nuclear industry and public waste management agencies as well as maintenance companies of the sector.</style="background-color:></p><blockquote><em>The interest groups are companies of the nuclear industry and public waste management agencies as well as maintenance companies of the sector.Once the design has been determined, it is then structurally validated using Finite Elements Models (FEM) with tools like ANSYS and GTSTRUDL, as well as with analytical calculations. All of this based on the regulations and criteria recognised by nuclear regulators such as the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission).</em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>After receiving the inputs and construction project drawings of the existing tank structure, the customer requirements are studied to evaluate the possible solutions for ensuring the structure is suitable, taking into account the rest of the installations and the operational development of the plant. </p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">In addition to the design of new tank constructions, we must seek to standardise and optimise the phases of the project, which simultaneously include the demolition and new construction phases. <br></style="background-color:></p><p>Once the design has been determined, it is then structurally validated using Finite Elements Models (FEM) with tools like ANSYS and GTSTRUDL, as well as with analytical calculations. All of this based on the regulations and criteria recognised by nuclear regulators such as the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission). </p><p>Since this is a tank that has contained radioactive material for a period of time and which will also need to be made suitable to be reused, we must follow certain requirements and use the materials stipulated in the most stringent waste management regulation. With this, the aim at all times is to guarantee the safety of citizens and protect the environment. </p><p>To prepare and issue drawings, we must be assisted by a design team, who must be supported, guided and verified to ensure the result is consistent with what was calculated as well as be as detailed as possible so it can be subsequently built.</p><p> </p> <p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">The final objective will be to obtain all the necessary documentation for constructing the intermediate level solid waste building (ERMSA); in other words, detailed drawings and technical specifications. </style="background-color:></p><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">We will also need to prepare technical documentation that justifies the validation of the design. These documents must be technically sound and be sufficiently detailed to record all the methodology and regulations that are used as well as the final analysis and results that justify the structural viability of the building.<br></style="background-color:></p><p><br></p><p> </p>

Technical assistance for design deviations

Evaluation of possible design deviations of structural components during the construction of nuclear plants to comply with the strict safety standards of the sector.

<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">BACKGROUND</span></h4><p><style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity));="" color:="" rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity));="" font-size:="" var(--font-size);"="">Following the nuclear sector regulation and using structural calculation methodologies, SOLUTE provides technical assistance on site during the construction of nuclear plants to evaluate structural component design deviations. The safety standards that regulate this sector entail the need to frequently apply calculation methodologies. <br></style="background-color:></p><p>A relevant aspect of the design of nuclear plants is the civil and structural design, which must guarantee the integrity and durability following very strict safety criteria. During the construction, deviations may appear in the design either because it is not fully valid under the conditions at the site or because unforeseen events, incompatibilities or failures have occurred during the construction. </p><p>With the aim of reducing the cost that would entail having to discard deviations, the focus is to analyse these to find a viable solution that follows the same design criteria that were already approved by the nuclear regulatory agency that certifies the plant model, as well as by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission). The purpose will be to maintain the same structural safety guarantees so the nuclear load is in a space that is protected against accidents or natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes.</p><p> </p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>Since 2015, SOLUTE has been participating in the construction of a commercial nuclear plant providing technical assistance on site at the shield building that surrounds the containment building; in other words, the structural element that contains the nuclear reactor and other structural components such as the electrical support structures. Engineers from SOLUTE provide solutions after receiving technical incidents from the site and justify its viability with specific calculations and subsequent technical documentation.</p><blockquote><em>These guides are generally supported by nuclear regulations and standards that specify the methodology for analysis (ACI, ANSI - AISC N690, AISI, AWS…).  </em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>When designing a commercial plant, it must have been previously certified by the competent national nuclear regulatory agency. Any deviation from the design during the construction cannot undergo the required inspections, so creating a communication system between the construction site and the engineers responsible for the different disciplines or structures is normally established to evaluate, case by case, a design solution for subsequently issuing the technical documentation that justifies it. This way we are able to implement a valid design change or an official approval of the specific non-conformity of the plant site. </p><p>Plant models have design guides that had to be approved, either of concrete or steel structures, and which are the basis of the design. Also, these guides are generally supported by nuclear regulations and standards that specify the methodology for analysis (ACI, ANSI - AISC N690, AISI, AWS…). When evaluating a design deviation, first we must review the inputs, drawings and 3D model as well as all the most recent technical justification of what is being modified. The competent engineer must find a solution that is compliant with the technical requirements set out in the guides and regulation while also considering the impact on other structures or disciplines of the plant and communicate these if applicable. </p><p>The same thing will occur in the opposite direction. It may occur that the modification of structural components impacts the structure and in this case, we must justify that the existing design supports such modification. </p><p>The structural calculation is carried out through the Finite Elements models using commercial tools such as GTSTRUDL and ANSYS, with static and dynamic analyses. The load cases must take the dead load and the operating conditions of the plant into account (thermal load, hydrostatic pressures, etc.), installation conditions and also, accidents as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes. Seismic forces are obtained from the finite elements three-dimensional models response spectrum analysis of the entire nuclear plant. The finite elements analysis is supplemented with more refined local analytical calculations, following the specific codes and standards.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p>The resulting information is specified in the necessary documentation to carry out a repair or change the design along with the necessary technical justification. In other words, detailed drawings, installation specifications and technical documents that include all the analyses that are used to justify the viability of the deviations. The work may be multidisciplinary and therefore must involve all teams in the issuance of results or at least identify any impact the design may have on another structure or discipline.</p>

Design and optimisation of structural components in nuclear power plants

Capability that guarantees the integrity of the reactor as well as safety in terms of radiation leaks in spaces that are restricted and protected against natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p>The nuclear sector requires applying specific structural calculation methodologies and a knowledge and monitoring of the specific regulation for building nuclear plants. SOLUTE meets these requirements and therefore, contributes their experience to provide services in the design and optimisation of components for this sector.</p><p>A key aspect in the design of nuclear plants is the civil and structural design, which must be analysed in order to guarantee its integrity against any severe external event without ever compromising the reactor. To achieve this objective, very strict safety requirements are implemented, so the analysis of these structures can only be governed by criteria recognised by nuclear regulatory agencies such as the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission). </p><p>Thanks to a proper design and optimisation of structural components, we are able to reduce costs and improve the competitiveness in the market, and especially, safety against radiation leaks and guarantee the nuclear load is kept inside a space that is restricted and protected against accidents or natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes.</p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">EXPERIENCE</span></h4><p>Since 2011, SOLUTE has participated in the construction of a commercial nuclear plant, undertaking the design and analysis of the shield building that surrounds the containment building; that is, the structural component that contains the nuclear reactor. SOLUTE also participates in the design of other components and auxiliary structures of the building in tasks that can be extrapolated to any building in the nuclear sector and even other industrial sectors. </p><blockquote><em>The structural calculation is carried out using Finite Elements models using tools such as GTSTRUDL and ANSYS, with static and dynamic analyses. </em></blockquote><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">METHODOLOGY</span></h4><p>For a plant model to be commercial, it must have been certified by the competent national nuclear regulatory agency prior to its construction. Approved design guides are essential, both of the concrete as well as steel structures, which are supported by nuclear regulations or standards specifying the methodology used for its analysis (ACI, ANSI - AISC N690, AISI, AWS…). </p><p>When evaluating a design, we must consider if we are undertaking a modification or creating a new design, so initially, we must review the inputs, drawings and 3D model as well as all the information included in the guides and regulation prior to evaluating the possible design solutions. </p><p>Likewise, we must consider the impact on other structures or disciplines inside the plant and communicate these if applicable. In another sense, it may occur that the modification of a structural component impacts the structure and in this case, we must justify that the existing design supports such modification. To accomplish this, we must re-evaluate the design with this change as input. </p><p>The structural calculation is carried out through the Finite Elements models using tools such as GTSTRUDL and ANSYS, with static and dynamic analyses. The load cases must take the dead load and the operating conditions of the plant into account (thermal load, hydrostatic pressures, etc.), installation conditions and also, accidents as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes. </p><p>Seismic forces are obtained from the finite elements three-dimensional models response spectrum analysis of the entire nuclear plant. The finite elements analysis is supplemented with more refined local analytical calculations, following the specific codes and standards.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS </strong></p><p>The resulting information is specified in the necessary documentation for the subsequently construction and technical justification. In other words, detailed drawings, installation specifications and technical documents that include all the analyses. The latter will be used to justify the viability of these structures. The work may be multidisciplinary and therefore must involve all teams in the issuance of results or at least identify any impact the design may have on another structure or discipline.</p><p><br></p>

Virtual visits generation

SOLUTE generates enriching virtual visits with technical and commercial content to optimise internal office processes in different sectors.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4> <p>As a solution to the logistic problem and expenses derived from the access to visual information related with assets, SOLUTE generates enriching virtual visits with technical and commercial content to optimise internal office processes in different sectors. By accessing the installations and collecting high definition graphic material, virtual spaces are recreated including specific information about each asset/installation, providing technicians and customers an intuitive access without them needing to travel.</p> <p>A common problem experienced by companies with industrial installations separated from the technical office, where complex and costly procedures result in a lack of knowledge as well as access to operating data about the assets. The service offered by SOLUTE brings this knowledge closer and optimises processes that would otherwise take much longer to carry out. </p><p>The use of advanced digital tools makes this solution possible, which is in part solved currently by conducting expensive visits to the sites, searching for outdated and unclear data files or even making decisions without possessing all the necessary information. </p><p>This technology is also applicable to tourism businesses, which are able to offer their services with a preview of an installation, provide information and sell their products, avoiding the need to travel and reaching a larger audience.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE</h4> <p>SOLUTE currently offers virtual visits to wind farm operators and potentially, to any industrial company or tourist complex that may require this solution as a tool to query technical documentation or to view the distribution of components and rooms at their assets.</p><p><br></p> <blockquote><em>As a solution to the logistic problem and expenses derived from the access to visual information related with assets, SOLUTE generates enriching virtual visits with technical content.</em></blockquote> <h4>METHODOLOGY</h4> <p>SOLUTE offers a complete solution involving the virtualisation of spaces and generation of working tools, with integrated information and content that is easy to access, using state of the art hardware for capturing and digitising any environment (industrial, rural, heritage...) as well as software to process the data and personnel qualified to access industrial installations, specifically for the wind energy sector. </p><p>Through 3D scans and 360 photographs, each one of the interior and exterior areas of the installation or asset is digitised as required by the project. This geometric data and high resolution images are processes at the office using advanced filtering and image processing software through Artificial Intelligence. </p><p>With the composition of spherical images, a virtual path is created of each area, creating a sense of movement inside the installation with a fluid movement, thanks to the large number of records taken in the field to achieve a full view. </p><p>The versatility of the software that is used allows SOLUTE to include the intake of technical files in the project with a file classification system, rendered 3D shapes, detailed 2D images, informative videos, connection to databases and ERPs, sale of products, e-learning platform, as well as other possibilities. </p><p>SOLUTE's virtualisation services include: </p><p>• 3D scans </p><p>• 360 photographs </p><p>• Generation of a virtual walk (own servers, Google Maps, SOLUTE servers) </p><p>• Technical / commercial information </p><p>• Explanatory videos and detailed photographs </p><p>• Connection to a database and displaying of data in real time </p><p>• Displaying of 3D CAD models </p><p>• E-learning: training content and student evaluation </p><p>• Full or partial protection via password and user management.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>The final product is a virtual walk with different files and positioned information with the possibility of interaction by the user, which allows reducing costs and the barriers caused by difficult access, distance or lack of information. </p><p>Companies that have opted for this solution have improved the way they schedule tasks in the field and draft inspection and maintenance procedures and have been able to more accurately assess the environment and the situation faced by technicians in the field.</p>

Digital Twins

Virtual replicas of a specific model that reflect their asset with a high degree of accuracy and incorporate data in real time, collected through sensors, to evaluate the performance and implement improvements that can be transferred to the original physical asset they represent.

<h4>BACKGROUND</h4><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,var(--bg-opacity)); color: rgba(22,23,26,var(--text-opacity)); font-size: var(--font-size);"><strong></strong></span></p><p>The control of business installations and assets can be carried out through the digitisation of these assets by creating a digital twin. After scanning and modelling the installation, data sources are added that enrich the visualisation and facilitate planning the improvement actions or the preparation of simulations that help predict the performance of the assets. SOLUTE generates these models, beginning with the capturing of reality to the collection and treatment of data in real time.</p><p>Digital twins are the virtual replica of a model that reflects their real asset with a high degree of accuracy. These replicas incorporate data in real time, collected through sensors, that allows conducting performance studies and implement improvements in the model that can be transferred to the original physical asset they represent. </p><p>The handling of this data makes it possible to test different scenarios and different configurations of the product, to observe their response and improve the system's reaction, for the purpose of executing simulations and monitoring the behaviour of the digitised installations. </p><p>This technology allows having greater control over the business assets, properly planning the maintenance and improvement strategies as well as reduces the costs associated with these tasks.</p> <h4>EXPERIENCE </h4><p>Since 2018 SOLUTE has been collaborating with the managers of industrial installations, such as with the owners and operators of wind parks, hydroelectric and nuclear plants or manufacturers in the automotive sector to carry out these developments. The developments in this area allow us to monitor the O&M actions of specific components within an installation, thus enabling guided and collaborative methods to carry out the planning of these tasks.</p><blockquote><em>In the development of digital twins, we start by compiling information about the assets to be virtualised to subsequently carry out 3D scans of the target installations. </em></blockquote><h4>METHODOLOGY </h4><p>The virtualisation is carried out using 3D scanning and spatial capture tools like Autodesk ReCap, Reality Capture and visualisation tools like Twinmotion, Autodesk Revit or graphics engines designed for the film and video game industries. </p><p>In the development of digital twins, we start by compiling information about the assets to be virtualised to subsequently carry out 3D scans of the target installations. The use of drawings and other documentation that allows detailing the replicas is also a common practice in these scenarios. After conducting a preliminary study of the installation, we then add sensors to the installation to obtain data in real time about its operation and implement them in the digital twin. By analysing the collected data, studies are conducted of the state and performance as required. Once the geometries of the installation are replicated in a virtual environment, it operation is simulated based on the data received in real time originating from the replicated assets. </p><p>SOLUTE has 3D laser and image scanning devices as well as virtual and augmented reality viewers to guarantee accurate visualisations in the virtualisation in addition to having workstations for processing of point clouds and rendering of 3D models. </p><p>These described tasks make up an interactive application with access to the digital twin, offering the possibility of knowing its state, generate performance reports and plan actions as well as simulate improvements without stopping the operation of the real installations.</p> <h4>RESULTS </h4><p><strong></strong></p><p>Virtualisation and digital twin generation tasks allow monitoring the operation of the digitised installations as well as the planning of change and improvement procedures, with the ability to iterate decisions made at low cost. These tasks also allow monitoring the changes once they have been made, through the visualisation of previous versions of an asset to compare its performance. This helps gain a more thorough understanding of the assets that are present and maintain control over them.</p>

Capabilities