Energy Dashboard Complete User Guide

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Energy Dashboard is a comprehensive monitoring and risk assessment platform designed for renewable energy installations. It provides real-time weather monitoring, risk analysis, and energy generation predictions for solar panels and wind turbines. Built with enterprise-grade reliability, this platform helps energy operators make informed decisions about installation safety, maintenance scheduling, and optimal energy production planning.

CORE FUNCTIONALITY

Risk Management

Advanced algorithms continuously assess environmental threats to your installations using multiple weather parameters, government alerts, and historical data patterns. The system provides proactive warnings before conditions become dangerous.

Performance Analytics

Real-time monitoring of energy generation potential with detailed forecasting models that account for weather patterns, seasonal variations, and installation-specific parameters for accurate production planning.

Key Features

• Real-time Risk Assessment: Advanced RAG (Red, Amber, Green) risk scoring system that combines weather alerts with detailed environmental analysis. Scores range from 0-100 with automatic escalation procedures.
• Weather Integration: Live weather data and alerts from OpenWeather API including current conditions, 48-hour forecasts, and government meteorological warnings with precise geographic boundaries.
• Energy Predictions: Solar irradiance calculations (GHI, DNI, DHI) and wind energy generation forecasts using multi-altitude wind profiling and power curve analysis for different turbine models.
• Interactive Mapping: Visual installation overview with risk-based color coding, quick navigation, and real-time status updates including weather alert polygon overlays.
• Comprehensive Analytics: Detailed performance metrics, generation statistics, efficiency calculations, and maintenance recommendations based on environmental conditions and installation specifications.

Target Users

• Energy Operations Managers: Monitor multiple installations and coordinate maintenance activities
• Field Technicians: Access real-time risk assessments and safety information before site visits
• Asset Managers: Track performance metrics and make data-driven investment decisions
• Facility Operators: Optimize energy production and respond to environmental threats

Initial Setup

1. User Account: Your account is created by an administrator
2. Add Installations: Navigate to Solar Panels or Wind Turbines sections (Manager role required)
3. Configure Parameters: Input technical specifications for accurate calculations
4. Monitor Dashboard: Return to main dashboard for overview

Navigation Structure

• Main Dashboard: Central monitoring hub with alerts and overview
• Solar Panels: Management and monitoring of solar installations
• Wind Turbines: Management and monitoring of wind installations
• Profile: User account settings and preferences

INSTALLATION REQUIRING ATTENTION

This priority section shows installations with elevated risk levels (moderate or higher).

Display Logic:

• Default View: Shows 2 highest-risk installations
• Expandable: Click "Show All" to view complete list
• Color Coding: Border colors match risk levels (green/yellow/orange/red)

Information Displayed:

• Installation name and type
• Current risk level and numerical score (0-100)
• Geographic coordinates
• Risk factors identified
• Latest weather alerts (if any)
• Direct links to detailed risk assessment

ENERGY INSTALLATIONS MAP

Interactive map showing all installations with risk-based color coding.

Features:

• Quick Navigation: Dropdown menu for instant location jumping
• Risk Colors: Markers change color based on current risk assessment
• Weather Alert Polygons: Colored overlay areas showing active weather warnings
• Detailed Popups: Click markers for installation specifications

The installation management system provides comprehensive configuration and monitoring capabilities for both solar panel and wind turbine installations. Each installation type has specific parameters that directly impact risk assessment calculations and energy generation predictions.

SOLAR PANEL MANAGEMENT

The solar panel management interface displays all installations with key metrics, efficiency ratings, and quick access to detailed weather and risk analysis for each location.

REQUIRED PARAMETERS & FUNCTIONS:

Location & Identification

• Name: Custom identifier for the installation (used in alerts and reports)
• Coordinates: Precise latitude and longitude (±0.0001° accuracy recommended) for accurate weather data retrieval

Technical Specifications

• Area (m²): Total panel surface area - affects dust accumulation and heat risk calculations
• Peak Power (W): Maximum power output under STC (Standard Test Conditions: 1000W/m², 25°C, AM1.5)
• Efficiency: Automatically calculated as (Peak Power ÷ Area ÷ 1000) × 100

Orientation Parameters

• Tilt Angle (0-90°): Panel inclination from horizontal - impacts snow/ice accumulation and rain cleaning
• Azimuth (0-360°): Panel orientation from true north - affects solar tracking and wind exposure
• Optimal Calculation: System compares against ideal angles for maximum solar exposure at location

Automatic Calculations

• Power Density: Peak Power ÷ Area (W/m²) - indicates installation quality and efficiency
• Performance Ratio: Compares actual vs theoretical output under current conditions
• Risk Weighting: Installation parameters influence environmental risk factor calculations
• Energy Forecasting: Uses orientation, location, and specifications for accurate predictions

WIND TURBINE MANAGEMENT

Wind turbine installations display hub height, rated power, and operational status with direct access to multi-altitude wind analysis and generation forecasting capabilities.

REQUIRED PARAMETERS & FUNCTIONS:

Physical Configuration

• Hub Height (m): Critical for wind speed calculations using logarithmic wind profile equations
• Rated Power (kW): Maximum continuous output capacity under optimal wind conditions
• Location Coordinates: Used for terrain analysis and local wind pattern assessment

Wind Analysis Functions

• Multi-Altitude Profiling: Calculates wind speeds at different heights using surface roughness data
• Power Curve Mapping: Maps wind speeds to expected power output across operational range
• Turbulence Assessment: Evaluates wind direction changes and gust patterns for safety

Safety & Risk Functions

• Storm-force Wind Detection: Monitors for speeds exceeding safe operational limits (typically >25 m/s)
• Icing Risk Assessment: Combines temperature and humidity data to predict ice formation
• Lightning Risk Analysis: Evaluates electrical storm probability and recommended shutdowns

Installation Management Workflow

1. Initial Setup: Add installation with all required technical parameters
2. Validation: System verifies coordinates and calculates baseline efficiency metrics
3. Weather Integration: Automatic connection to weather data feeds for the location
4. Risk Baseline: Initial risk assessment based on location and installation characteristics
5. Monitoring Activation: Real-time monitoring begins with hourly risk updates
6. Performance Tracking: Continuous comparison of actual vs predicted performance

The Risk Assessment System is the core intelligence engine of the Energy Dashboard, utilizing advanced algorithms to evaluate environmental threats to renewable energy installations. The system combines real-time weather data, government meteorological alerts, and installation-specific parameters to generate comprehensive risk scores ranging from 0-100 points.

RISK ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

The risk assessment dashboard provides an at-a-glance overview of current threat levels with detailed breakdowns of contributing factors and recommended actions for each installation.

COMBINED RISK CALCULATION METHODOLOGY

Risk Score Formula

Final Risk Score = MAX(Weather Alert Score, Detailed Assessment Score)

• Weather Alert Score: Government meteorological warnings scaled 0-100 (Minor=25, Moderate=50, Severe=75, Extreme=100)
• Detailed Assessment Score: Comprehensive environmental analysis using weighted risk factors
• Maximum Selection: Takes the higher of the two scores to ensure critical alerts are never masked
• Real-time Updates: Recalculated every hour or when new weather alerts are issued

OVERVIEW

The risk assessment system uses a comprehensive 0-100 scoring scale combining multiple data sources:

1. Weather Alerts: Official warnings from meteorological services
2. Environmental Analysis: Real-time weather condition assessment
3. Installation-Specific Risks: Tailored to solar panel or wind turbine characteristics

RISK LEVELS & RESPONSE PROTOCOLS

Low Risk (0-29) 🟢

Normal operations with routine monitoring

• Continue regular maintenance schedules
• Monitor weather forecasts daily
• Standard operational procedures

Moderate Risk (30-59) 🟡

Increased monitoring recommended

• Check weather forecasts twice daily
• Review maintenance plans for next 48 hours
• Prepare contingency procedures

High Risk (60-79) 🟠

Significant risk, take precautions

• Postpone non-essential maintenance
• Monitor installations hourly
• Alert field teams of conditions
• Prepare for potential shutdowns

Extreme Risk (80-100) 🔴

Critical risk, immediate action required

• Implement emergency shutdown procedures
• Evacuate field personnel if present
• Continuous monitoring until risk subsides
• Notify emergency response teams

DETAILED RISK FACTORS ANALYSIS

The detailed risk factors table shows individual environmental threats with their current threat levels, weighted contributions to the overall risk score, and specific risk values for transparent decision-making.

SOLAR PANEL RISK FACTORS

• Cloud Cover (Primary - 50%): Reduces solar irradiance and energy output
• Dust Storms (Secondary - 30%): Accumulation reduces panel efficiency significantly
• Extreme Heat (Secondary - 30%): High temperatures reduce panel efficiency and lifespan
• Hail (Tertiary - 20%): Physical damage risk to panel surfaces
• Snow/Ice (Tertiary - 20%): Blocks panels and adds structural load

WIND TURBINE RIS FACTORS

• Storm-force Winds (Primary - 50%): Exceeding operational limits requires shutdown
• Freezing Rain (Secondary - 30%): Ice formation affects blade aerodynamics
• Turbulence (Tertiary - 20%): Rapid wind direction changes stress components

UNIVERSAL RISKS FACTORS (Both Installation Types)

Lightning Risk

• Electrical storm probability
• Strike density calculations
• Shutdown recommendations

Flooding Risk

• Precipitation accumulation
• Drainage system capacity
• Equipment protection levels

Temperature Extremes

• Component thermal limits
• Expansion/contraction stress
• Performance degradation

RISK ASSESSEMENT WORKFLOW

1. Data Collection: Gather current weather conditions, forecasts, and government alerts
2. Individual Factor Scoring: Calculate 0-100 scores for each environmental risk factor
3. Weighted Aggregation: Apply Primary (50%), Secondary (30%), Tertiary (20%) weightings
4. Alert Integration: Compare detailed assessment with weather alert severity scores
5. Final Score Selection: Use maximum of detailed assessment or alert score
6. Risk Level Assignment: Map final score to Low/Moderate/High/Extreme categories
7. Action Recommendations: Generate specific operational guidance based on risk level
8. Monitoring Loop: Continuous updates as conditions change

SOLAR PANEL RISK FACTORS

1. Cloud Cover & Haze

Calculation:

• Cloud cover > 80%: Score 70
• Cloud cover > 60%: Score 50
• Cloud cover > 40%: Score 30
• Visibility < 1km: Score 80
• Visibility < 5km: Score 60

Impact: Reduces solar irradiance and power generation

2. Dust & Particle Accumulation

Calculation:

• Active dust storm alerts: Score 85
• Wind >10 m/s + Humidity <30%: Score 60
• Wind >7 m/s + Humidity <40%: Score 40

Impact: Blocks light transmission, reduces panel efficiency

3. Extreme Heat

Calculation:

• Temperature > 45°C: Score 90
• Temperature > 40°C: Score 75
• Temperature > 35°C: Score 60
• Heat wave alerts: +80 minimum

Impact: Panel efficiency decreases 0.4-0.5% per degree above 25°C

4. Hail Damage Risk

Calculation:

• Active hail alerts: Score 85
• Thunderstorm alerts: Score 45
• Clear conditions: Score 5

Impact: Physical damage to panel surface and electrical systems

5. Snow & Ice Accumulation

Calculation:

• Temperature < 0°C + Humidity > 80%: Score 75
• Temperature < 5°C + Humidity > 90%: Score 40
• Snow/ice alerts: +80 minimum

Impact: Complete power generation blockage when panels covered

WIND TURBINE RISKS FACTORS

1. Storm-Force Winds

Calculation:

• Wind speed > 25 m/s: Score 95 (cut-out exceeded)
• Wind speed > 20 m/s: Score 80 (approaching limits)
• Wind speed < 3 m/s: Score 30 (below cut-in)
• Wind speed 3-15 m/s: Score 10 (optimal)

Impact: Turbine shutdown, potential structural damage

2. Freezing Rain & Ice Buildup

Calculation:

• Temperature -1°C to 3°C + Humidity > 90%: Score 75
• Temperature < 0°C + Humidity > 80%: Score 60
• Active ice alerts: +85 minimum

Impact: Blade imbalance, reduced aerodynamic efficiency

3. Wind Turbulence & Variability

Calculation:

Wind Variability = Standard Deviation ÷ Average Wind Speed- Variability > 50%: Score 80- Variability > 30%: Score 60- Variability > 20%: Score 40

Impact: Increased component wear, power quality issues

GENERAL RISKS FACTORS

1. Lightning & Thunderstorms

Calculation:

• Extreme thunderstorm alerts: Score 90
• Standard thunderstorm alerts: Score 70
• High temperature + humidity: Score 30

2. Flooding Risk

Calculation:

• Active flood alerts: Score 85
• Heavy rain conditions: Score 40

3. Temperature Extremes

Calculation:

• Temperature > 45°C or < -20°C: Score 85
• Temperature > 40°C or < -15°C: Score 70
• Temperature alerts: +75 minimum

The Weather Data Integration system serves as the foundational data layer for all risk assessments and energy predictions. By leveraging multiple meteorological data sources and advanced processing algorithms, the system provides accurate, real-time weather information specifically tailored for renewable energy applications. The integration includes current conditions, short-term forecasts, and government-issued weather warnings.

SOLAR PANEL WEATHER DATA

The weather data display provides comprehensive atmospheric conditions with specialized solar radiation measurements, including direct normal irradiance (DNI), global horizontal irradiance (GHI), and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) for precise energy calculations.

DATA SOURCES

• Primary: OpenWeather API
• Coverage: Global weather data with 3-hour forecasts
• Updates: Real-time current conditions, 48-hour hourly forecasts
• Alerts: Government meteorological warnings via polygon boundaries

WEATHER ALERT SYSTEM

Alert Polygons:

• Displayed as colored overlays on map
• Colors indicate severity: Red (Extreme), Orange (Severe), Amber (Moderate), Yellow (Minor)
• Polygons show actual affected geographic areas
• Multiple alerts can overlap in same region

Alert Processing:

• System checks 1×1 degree grid around each installation
• Alerts automatically integrated into risk calculations
• Alert boundaries sourced directly from meteorological services

The Energy Generation Prediction system provides accurate forecasting of renewable energy output using advanced meteorological models and installation-specific parameters. The system generates both short-term operational forecasts and longer-term planning predictions with detailed uncertainty quantification and confidence intervals.

SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION

Solar Output Statistics

Solar Irradiance Data

The system uses OpenWeather Solar Irradiance API providing:

Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI):

• Total solar radiation on horizontal surface
• Units: W/m²
• Used for overall energy potential assessment

Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI):

• Direct beam solar radiation
• Important for concentrated solar systems
• Affected by cloud cover and atmospheric conditions

Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI):

• Scattered solar radiation from sky
• Remains during cloudy conditions
• DHI = GHI - (DNI × cos(solar zenith angle))

Generation Calculations

15-Minute Interval Predictions:

Power Output = Panel Area × GHI × Panel Efficiency × System EfficiencyWhere:- Panel Efficiency = Peak Power ÷ (Area × 1000 W/m²)- System Efficiency = 85% (accounting for inverter losses, wiring, etc.)

Performance Metrics:

• Current Generation: Real-time power output estimate
• Daily Total: Integrated energy production forecast
• Peak Power: Maximum expected output during day
• Capacity Factor: Actual vs. rated power percentage

WIND ENERGY GENERATION

Wind Output Statistics

Multi-Altitude Wind Assessment

The system calculates wind speeds at different heights using logarithmic wind profile:

Wind Speed at Height = Wind Speed at Reference × (ln(Height/Roughness) / ln(Reference Height/Roughness))Where:- Reference Height = 10m (weather station standard)- Roughness Length = 0.1m (typical for grassland/countryside)- Heights Analyzed = 40m, 80m, 120m, 160m

Power Curve Modeling

Standard Wind Turbine Power Curve:

• Cut-in Speed: 3 m/s (minimum for generation)
• Rated Speed: 15 m/s (full power output)
• Cut-out Speed: 25 m/s (shutdown for safety)

Power Calculation:

For wind speeds 3-15 m/s:Power = Rated Power × (Wind Speed³ - Cut-in³) / (Rated Speed³ - Cut-in³)For wind speeds 15-25 m/s:Power = Rated PowerFor wind speeds >25 m/s or <3 m/s:Power = 0

Generation Forecasting

• 15-Minute Intervals: Detailed power output predictions
• 24-Hour Forecast: Rolling generation expectations
• Capacity Factor: Long-term production efficiency
• Turbulence Analysis: Impact of wind variability on output

The interactive map provides a visual overview of all renewable energy installations with real-time risk assessment and weather alert integration. Maps are dynamically updated to show current conditions and enable quick navigation between installations.

MAP FEATURES

Installation Markers

Color Coding:

• Markers dynamically change color based on current risk assessment
• Real-time updates as conditions change
• Immediate visual identification of high-risk installations

Marker Information:

• Solar Panels: Orange/Red circle with "SP" text
• Wind Turbines: Blue/Red circle with "WT" text
• Click for Details: Technical specifications and current status

Navigation tools

Quick Navigation Dropdown:

• "View All Installations": Auto-zoom to show all locations
• Individual installation navigation with smooth animations
• Default zoom level: Regional view (zoom level 8)

Weather Alert Overlays

Polygon Display:

• Real-time weather alert boundaries
• Color-coded by severity level
• Multiple alerts can overlap
• Click for detailed alert information

Map Controls

• Zoom: Standard zoom in/out controls
• Pan: Click and drag to move map view
• Marker Clustering: Prevents overcrowding in dense areas
• Responsive Design: Adapts to different screen sizes

The Energy Dashboard employs sophisticated mathematical models and industry-standard formulas to calculate risk assessments, energy generation predictions, and performance metrics. Understanding these calculations helps users interpret results and make informed decisions about their renewable energy installations.

RISK SCORE WEIGHTING

The system prioritizes risk factors using this weighting system:

• Primary Risk (50% weight): Highest scoring risk factor
• Secondary Risk (30% weight): Second highest scoring factor
• Tertiary Risk (20% weight): Third highest scoring factor

Weather Alert Integration

Severity Mapping:

Government Alert → Risk ScoreExtreme → 100 pointsSevere → 75 pointsModerate → 50 pointsMinor → 25 points

Performance Calculations

Solar Panel Efficiency

Panel Efficiency (%) = (Peak Power ÷ Panel Area ÷ 1000) × 100Standard Test Conditions:- Irradiance: 1000 W/m²- Cell Temperature: 25°C- Air Mass: 1.5

Wind Turbine Capacity Factor

Capacity Factor (%) = Actual Energy Output ÷ (Rated Power × Time Period) × 100Typical Values:- Onshore Wind: 25-35%- Offshore Wind: 35-45%- Excellent Sites: >45%

Location-Specific Adjustments

• Altitude Corrections: Air density affects both solar and wind calculations
• Geographic Factors: Latitude influences solar angle calculations
• Climate Zones: Regional weather patterns affect risk assessments

The Energy Dashboard provides comprehensive visualization tools to help you understand energy generation patterns, environmental impacts, and operational efficiency. Each chart type serves specific analytical purposes and includes interactive features for detailed data exploration.

SOLAR GENERATION CHARTS

1. Hourly Generation Overview (Combined Chart)

Format: Bar chart with trend line overlay Data: Next 24 hours Y-Axis: Power output (kW) Features:

• Bars show peak power potential each hour
• Line shows average generation trend
• Hover for detailed values
• Peak hours clearly visible

2. 15-Minute Generation Intervals (Area Chart)

Format: Smooth area chart Data: Next 12 hours in 15-minute intervals Purpose: Detailed power output planning Features:

• Gradient fill showing generation intensity
• Precise timing for operational planning
• Weather-adjusted predictions

3. Solar Irradiance Components (Line Chart)

Format: Multi-line chart Data: GHI, DNI, DHI values Units: W/m² Purpose: Understanding solar resource availability Features:

• Three distinct lines for each irradiance type
• Cloud impact clearly visible in DNI variations
• Professional solar assessment tool

WIND GENERATION CHARTS

1. 15-Minute Energy Production (Area Chart)

Format: Filled area chart Data: Next 24 hours Y-Axis: Power output (kW) Features:

• Smooth curve showing power fluctuations
• Wind speed variations clearly visible
• Cut-in and cut-out conditions marked

2. 24-Hour Generation Forecast

Format: Comprehensive generation overview Data: Extended forecast period Purpose: Long-term planning and capacity assessment

3. Multi-Altitude Wind Speed (Line Chart)

Format: Four-line chart (40m, 80m, 120m, 160m) Purpose: Optimal turbine height assessment Features:

• Logarithmic wind profile visualization
• Height optimization insights
• Wind shear analysis

Chart Interactions

• Hover: Detailed values and timestamps
• Zoom: Click and drag to zoom into time periods
• Toggle: Show/hide specific data series
• Export: Download chart data (where available)

RECOMMENDED WORKFLOW

Initial Setup (Week 1)

• Add all installations with accurate coordinates
• Verify technical specifications and orientation data
• Review initial risk assessments for each location
• Set up monitoring schedules and alert preferences
• Train team members on dashboard navigation

Ongoing Operations (Monthly)

• Review performance statistics and efficiency trends
• Analyze seasonal patterns and weather correlations
• Update maintenance schedules based on risk predictions
• Compare actual vs predicted energy generation
• Document lessons learned and operational improvements

RISK SCORES SEEM INACCURATE

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect installation coordinates
• Outdated weather data
• Missing technical specifications

Solutions:

1. Verify GPS coordinates are precise
2. Check internet connection for real-time data
3. Update installation parameters
4. Contact support if issues persist

Getting Help

• Documentation: Refer to this user guide first
• Support Contact: Available through profile settings
• Training Resources: Video tutorials available in help section
• Community Forum: Connect with other users for tips and best practices

This user guide covers all major features and functionality of the Energy Dashboard. For additional support or feature requests, please contact the development team.