OpenFAST-Output-Monitor

A Python-based tool for real-time and post-processing visualization of OpenFAST wind turbine simulation outputs.

This script supports academic and engineering workflows by enabling quick visual inspection of OpenFAST .out files during simulation execution or after completion.

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Overview

OpenFAST simulations, especially Design Load Case (DLC) studies, often run for many hours and generate large output files. This tool allows users to monitor key simulation variables in real time or analyze results after completion, without manual post-processing in spreadsheet software.

The script reads OpenFAST output files, groups user-defined signals, and produces interactive plots that automatically update as new data becomes available.

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Key Capabilities

• Real-time monitoring of OpenFAST .out files during simulation runs
• Post-processing visualization of completed simulations
• Automatic detection of output file creation and updates
• Configurable plot groups for different physical quantities
• Dynamic y-axis scaling for improved readability
• Interactive Matplotlib figures suitable for long-running simulations

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Typical Use Cases

• Monitoring long-running DLC simulations without manual intervention
• Quickly validating simulation behavior during execution
• Visual inspection of operational parameters, loads, and structural responses
• Reducing reliance on manual Excel-based plotting for large datasets

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Installation

Requirements

• Python 3.10 or newer

Dependencies

Install the required Python packages:

pip install pandas matplotlib numpy

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Usage

1. Configure Input File and Time Settings

In the script, define:

• The path to the OpenFAST .out file

• Simulation time range

• Simulation time step (must match the OpenFAST configuration)

file_path = "path/to/your/OpenFAST.out"
simulation_time_range = (start_time, end_time)
simulation_time_step = dt

2. Configure Plot Groups

Users define which output channels to visualize by creating plot groups. Each group consists of:

• A list of OpenFAST output column names

• A corresponding list of scaling factors

Example:

plot_groups_1 = {
    "Optimus 20MW-295": (["Wind1VelX", "BldPitch1", "RotSpeed", "RotTorq", "RotPwr", "GenPwr"], 
                [1, 1, 1, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001]),
    "Tip Clearance": (["Tip2Twr1", "Tip2Twr2", "Tip2Twr3"], 
                [0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001])
}

Column names must exactly match those in the OpenFAST .out file. Scaling factors allow normalization or unit adjustment for clearer visualization.

Additional plot groups can be enabled in the script as needed.

3. Run the Script

To enable real-time monitoring while the simulation is running:

real_time=True

For post-processing of completed simulations:

real_time = False

The script can be executed from any Python environment (e.g. VS Code terminal).

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📸 Example Outputs

Single Plot Group Example

https://github.com/Araz-m/OpenFAST-Output-Monitor/blob/main/Figure_1_Example.png

Multiple Plot Group Example

https://github.com/Araz-m/OpenFAST-Output-Monitor/blob/main/3%20sets%20of%20figures_Example.png

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Limitations

• Supports a single OpenFAST output file at a time

• Assumes a fixed simulation time step

• Implemented as a standalone script rather than a packaged library

• File paths and parameters are currently defined directly in the script

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Related Tools

This tool is part of a small set of OpenFAST automation utilities:

• OpenFAST-DLC-Runner Automates generation and execution of individual DLC simulations https://github.com/Araz-m/OpenFAST-DLC-Runner

• OpenFAST-DLC-campaign-Runner Sequentially runs multiple DLC simulations as a complete campaign https://github.com/Araz-m/OpenFAST-DLC-campaign-Runner

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

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Author

Developed by Araz Hamayeli Mehrabani
Flensburg University of Applied Sciences