USER_GUIDE.md

User Guide

Overview

pyIECWind generates IEC design load case wind files in .wnd format for use with the OpenFAST InflowWind module.

The implementation is based on the IEC 61400-1 wind-condition framework used by legacy IECWind, with explicit support for Edition 1 and Edition 3 through the iec_edition input used in this package.

The package supports three user styles:

• command-line use with a prepared input file
• template-first use, where a user edits a generated example
• wizard-driven use for non-expert users

Recommended Workflow

1. Install the package in a Python or conda environment.
2. Generate a starter input file with pyiecwind template my_case.ipt.
3. Edit the general parameters and Cases block.
4. Run pyiecwind run my_case.ipt -o outputs.
5. Use the generated .wnd files in OpenFAST InflowWind.

Command Summary

Generate from an input file:

pyiecwind run my_case.ipt -o outputs

Write a template:

pyiecwind template my_case.ipt

Launch the guided wizard:

pyiecwind wizard -o outputs

Run as a module:

python -m pyiecwind run my_case.ipt -o outputs

Outputs

Each selected IEC case expands into one or more .wnd files. For example:

ECD+R.wnd
EWSV+12.0.wnd
EWM50.wnd

The exact filenames are based on the expanded condition codes.

Units

• Internal calculations are performed in SI units.
• General geometric and operational speed values can be given in SI or English units depending on si_unit.
• NWP speeds remain explicitly interpreted as m/s, matching historical IECWind behavior.

Standard Scope

The package should be understood as supporting the historical IECWind family of wind conditions within the IEC 61400-1 framework.

This means:

• the repository explicitly exposes iec_edition = 1 and iec_edition = 3
• these settings map to the implemented power-law shear exponent behavior used in the generated files
• users should not assume that every feature from every revision of IEC 61400-1 is implemented unless documented explicitly

Supported Input Styles

pyIECWind accepts:

• the recommended OpenFAST-style table format
• a modern keyed format using name = value
• the historical fixed-line layout used by older IECWind workflows

For new work, use the OpenFAST-style format.

Where To Go Next

• For a realistic multi-case run, see STUDY_EXAMPLE.md.
• For the input file structure, see INPUT_FORMAT.md.
• For individual case meanings and options, see CASE_REFERENCE.md.
• For moving from old IECWind workflows, see MIGRATION.md.