OpenFAST vs. OpenWindPower vs. Simpack vs. V Programming Language Comparison Chart

OpenFAST is an open source wind turbine simulation tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). It builds upon the FAST v8 code, integrating aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, control systems, and structural dynamics to enable comprehensive, coupled nonlinear aero-hydro-servo-elastic time-domain simulations of wind turbines. OpenFAST supports various configurations, including land-based, fixed-bottom offshore, and floating offshore turbines. The platform aims to foster an open source developer community across research laboratories, industry, and academia, providing a robust software engineering framework with well-documented source code, automated testing, and a multi-platform build system. Key organizational changes from FAST v8.16 to OpenFAST include the establishment of a new GitHub repository consolidating glue codes, modules, and compiling tools; updated version numbering; and the introduction of unit testing at the subroutine level.

Simpack is a general multibody system simulation (MBS) software enabling analysts and engineers to simulate the non-linear motion of any mechanical or mechatronic system. It enables engineers to generate and solve virtual 3D models in order to predict and visualize dynamic motion, coupling forces and stresses. Simpack is used primarily within the automotive, engine, HIL/SIL/MIL, power transmission, railway, and wind energy industrial sectors, but can be applied to any branch of mechanical engineering. Simpack simulation software is particularly well-suited to high frequency transient analyses, even into the acoustic range. Simpack was primarily developed to handle complex non-linear models with flexible bodies and harsh shock contact.