Kintech Engineering Geovane Series User manual

User’s Guide
LAST UPDATE | 09.10.2020
GeovaneTM
FOR THE PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF THE TRUE NORTH
Get the most accurate wind direction measurement available today
Determine the yaw alignment of wind turbines (True North orientation)
Allows for veer measurement (IEC61400.12.1, 2017)
Very low power consumption: suitable for remote stations

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Index
1GENERAL USER INFORMATION...................................................................................7
1.1 Contact information............................................................................................ 7
1.2 Warranty and liability.......................................................................................... 7
1.3 About this user manual....................................................................................... 8
1.4 Product disposal.................................................................................................. 8
1.5 Laser safety.......................................................................................................... 8
2INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................9
2.1 About the Geovane ............................................................................................. 9
2.2 Geovane MM (for met mast) .............................................................................. 9
2.2.1 Geovane MM: order options and included items.................................... 11
2.2.2 Geovane MM ordered without wind vane............................................... 11
2.2.3 Geovane MM ordered along with wind vane .......................................... 12
2.3 Geovane WT (for wind turbine) ........................................................................ 14
2.3.1 Geovane WT: order options and included items ..................................... 15
2.3.2 Geovane WT ordered without wind vane................................................ 16
2.3.3 Geovane WT ordered along with wind vane............................................ 16
2.4 Accessories........................................................................................................ 17
3UNDERSTANDING THE OUTPUT OF THE GEOVANE..................................................19
3.1 Geovane MM + wind vane ................................................................................ 19
3.2 Geovane WT...................................................................................................... 20
4GEOVANE INSTALLATION (MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL) ....................................21
4.1 Installation overview and tips........................................................................... 21
4.2 Mechanical mounting........................................................................................ 25
4.3 Connector details and diagram......................................................................... 26
4.4 Cable details...................................................................................................... 26
4.5 Commissioning and troubleshooting ................................................................ 28
4.5.1 Commissioning: initial read values........................................................... 28
4.5.2 Troubleshooting: output shows zero ....................................................... 28
4.5.3 Troubleshooting: no response to digital commands ............................... 29

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4.6 Wind turbine installation and alignment (Geovane WT).................................. 30
5GEOVANE + WIND VANE...........................................................................................36
5.1 Geovane + wind vane alignment....................................................................... 36
5.2 Wind vane color code wiring (plug-and-play option) ....................................... 39
6TECHNICAL DATA ......................................................................................................40
6.1 Operation conditions ........................................................................................ 40
6.2 True North orientation measurement .............................................................. 40
6.3 Tilt measurement.............................................................................................. 41
6.4 Absolute maximum ratings ............................................................................... 42
6.5 Average current consumption .......................................................................... 42
6.6 Mechanics ......................................................................................................... 43
6.7 Outputs summary.............................................................................................. 43
6.8 Dimensions (mm) .............................................................................................. 44
6.8.1 Geovane.................................................................................................... 44
6.8.2 Alignment collar’s dimensions (Geovane WT) ......................................... 45
7SENSOR OUTPUTS.....................................................................................................46
7.1 Analog voltage outputs ..................................................................................... 46
7.2 Frequency output.............................................................................................. 48
7.3 RS-485 digital output......................................................................................... 48
8RS-485 DIGITAL OUTPUT: NMEA 0183 .....................................................................51
8.1 Answers from the Geovane............................................................................... 52
8.1.1 ORN message: True North orientation..................................................... 52
8.1.2 ORX message: extended ORN message.................................................... 53
8.1.3 SUN message: solar coordinates.............................................................. 55
8.1.4 RMC message: recommended minimum specific GNSS data .................. 56
8.1.5 INF message: Geovane’s features ............................................................ 57
8.1.6 CFG message: Geovane’s current configuration...................................... 58
8.1.7 ORT message: True North nacelle’s orientation (Geovane WT) .............. 59
8.2 Commands to the Geovane............................................................................... 62
8.2.1 PMGV00 command –Echo message request .......................................... 62

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8.2.2 PMGV01 command –ORN message request........................................... 62
8.2.3 PMGV02 command –SUN message request ........................................... 63
8.2.4 PMGV04 command –RMC message request........................................... 64
8.2.5 PMGV05 command –INF message request............................................. 64
8.2.6 PMGV06 command –CFG message request............................................ 64
8.2.7 PMGV10 command –ORX message request ........................................... 65
8.2.8 PMGV11 command –ORT message request (Geovane WT) ................... 66
8.3 Digital NMEA 0183 communication example ................................................... 66
9RS-485 DIGITAL OUTPUT: MODBUS RTU (GEOVANE WT)........................................68
9.1 Format of the Modbus queries of the master .................................................. 69
9.2 Format of the responses of the slave (Geovane WT) ....................................... 69
9.3 Modbus register map........................................................................................ 70
10 GEOVANE TOOLS SOFTWARE ...................................................................................74
10.1 Geovane Tools modules............................................................................... 74
10.2 Interfacing the Geovane with the PC ........................................................... 75
10.3 Geovane Monitoring Tool software............................................................. 76
11 CONFIGURATION.......................................................................................................79
11.1 Geovane Configuration Tool ........................................................................ 79
11.2 Default configuration ................................................................................... 82
12 CASE STUDY (EXAMPLE OF APPLICATION)................................................................83
13 GEOVANE AND KINTECH DATA LOGGERS.................................................................86
13.1 Geovane and EOL Zenith.............................................................................. 86
13.1.1 Channel configuration (EOL Manager and on-site).................................. 86
13.1.2 True wind direction data column (EOL Manager).................................... 88
13.2 Geovane and Orbit 360................................................................................ 90
13.2.1 Channel configuration (Atlas and on-site)................................................ 90
13.2.2 Pairing wind vanes with Geovanes in Atlas.............................................. 93
13.2.3 True wind direction data column (Atlas).................................................. 94
14 EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..........................................................................95

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15 FIRMWARE & SOFTWARE RELEASE CHANGELOG.....................................................96
15.1 Firmware ...................................................................................................... 96
15.2 Geovane Tools software............................................................................... 97

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1GENERAL USER INFORMATION
Thank you for purchasing the GeovaneTM designed and manufactured by Kintech
Engineering, a patented invention to finally resolve the inherent uncertainties in
traditional wind direction measurement.
Kintech Engineering products are in continuous development. Specifications may be
subject to change and design improvements. We invite you to sign up to our newsletter
and get the latest news and important updates about the Geovane.
1.1 Contact information
Spain
C/Anselmo Clavé, 37-45
50004 Zaragoza, Spain
export @kintech-engineering.com
Tel: [phone]
Chile
El Tepual, 7974
Comuna de cerrillos
Santiago de Chile, Chile
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Romania
Stefan Octavian Iosif nr 28 ap.9
Timisoara, Romania
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
India
Office no. 516/517, Rama Equator,
Morwadi Road, Near City International
School,
Pimpri –411018, Maharashtra, India.
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Mexico
Paseo de la Reforma 107 desp 801
Colonia tabacalera
D.f c.p 06030, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico
[e-mail]
China
Guanghua North 1st Street,
Hopson International Park, Chaoyang
District, Beijing, China
北京市朝阳区光华北一街，合生国际
家园
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Brazil
Rua General Raposo, 155
CEP 04044-070
Vila Clementino –São Paulo –SP
[e-mail]
Tel: + 55 11 2639.7598
Turkey
DokuzEylul Technology Development
Zone, Tinaztepe Campus, DEPARK Beta
Bulding, B32/E
Izmir/Turkey
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Korea
28, Digital-ro 30-gil, Mario Tower #1214
Guro-gu, Seoul 08389, Republic of
Korea
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
1.2 Warranty and liability
Kintech Engineering guarantees that the product delivered has been verified and tested
to ensure that it meets the published specifications. In case of any manufacturing defect,
the product will be repaired or replaced within the first 24 months after the delivery
date.
The warranty will not apply if the equipment has been modified or altered without
authorization from Kintech Engineering or if the damage is caused by improper
installation, intentional damages or external influences e.g. lightning exposure, heavy
icing condition or mechanical stress due to inadequate handling. It also excludes, and
Kintech Engineering shall not be liable for, any incidental or consequential damages
caused by or related to the use of, inability to use or malfunction of this product.
Kintech Engineering does not reimburse expenses incurred for the repair or the
reinstallation of the equipment and does not accept any responsibility for any damage
caused by the above mentioned points.

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The Geovane does not require calibration, maintenance or glass cleaning.
Remark:
For the transport of the instrument, please use the original packing.
1.3 About this user manual
Copyrights reserved by Kintech Engineering. Making copies of whole or parts of this
document without permission from Kintech is prohibited.
This manual was last modified: 09.10.2020.
Should you have any comments on the product or this manual we will be pleased to
receive them at: [email protected].
1.4 Product disposal
In accordance with European directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE), these product components must be recycled. This should be done
by returning the product to Kintech Engineering or by using an appropriate waste
disposal company. This product should not be disposed of in general waste of landfill.
1.5 Laser safety
The Geovane includes a high-precision Class 1 laser beam emitter used to fixate its
position with respect to the wind vane.
A Class 1 laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, conforming to the requirements
of IEC 60825-1, however, do not stare into the laser beam or direct it towards other
people unnecessarily.

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2INTRODUCTION
By adding a Geovane to your wind measurement campaign or to your wind turbine
nacelle you are guaranteed to get the most accurate True North orientation
measurement available on the market today.
There are two different models of the Geovane currently available: the Geovane for
met mast (Geovane MM) and the Geovane for wind turbine (Geovane WT).
Thanks to the Geovane MM, it has now become possible for wind farm developers to
get rid of the (up to now) greater uncertainty in traditional wind direction
measurements: the wind vane mounting bias.
The Geovane WT, for its part, allows for high precision yaw adjustment of wind turbines
with respect to True North. Aligning all your wind turbines towards the same reference
point enables the wind farm operator to compare yaw alignment during operation and
determine underperformance due to yaw misalignment.
Throughout this user guide, unless otherwise specified, the term “Geovane” will refer
indistinctly to both Geovane MM and Geovane WT.
2.1 About the Geovane
The Geovane is not a wind vane; therefore, it does not provide a wind direction
measurement. The Geovane is a solar compass, specifically designed to work in
conjunction with wind vanes, ultrasonic anemometers and remote sensing devices; and
to be permanently installed in any wind turbine’s nacelle.
Being equipped with high-resolution optoelectronic sensors, composed of 1024
photosensing pixels, the Geovane uses the Sun to measure the geographical orientation
from True North of the sensor/turbine coupled to it (refer to chapter 3 “Understanding
the True North orientation measurement output”).
The True North orientation is obtained by comparing the theoretical solar azimuth angle
calculated by the Geovane’s embedded processing unit with the observed azimuth value
read by its built-in photosensing pixels.
The Geovane offers three type of outputs: frequency, analog voltage and digital over a
RS-485 serial interface.
2.2 Geovane MM (for met mast)
The Geovane MMTM has been designed and engineered for its installation on wind
resource assessment met mast. It can be installed on existing met masts to
correct/verify previous wind direction datasets, in new installations for upcoming wind
measurement campaigns, power performance tests, site calibrations, etc.

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As soon as the Geovane has been mounted on the mast, together with its wind vane,
and it receives sufficient direct radiation from the Sun, the Geovane will offer as output
the offset of the wind vane with respect to True North.
In case you are using the Geovane to verify the offsets of existing wind vanes on a
particular met mast (e.g installing a third wind vane equipped with a Geovane in
between the two other wind vanes), we recommend keeping the Geovane + wind vane
unit on the mast at least until the predominant wind direction has been thoroughly
established. After that, you can consider the option of moving the Geovane + wind vane
kit to a new met mast.
Please keep note that both met mast and sensor booms can bend and twist over time
or in harsh weather conditions, altering the wind direction measurements over time. If
the Geovane is installed from the beginning, it will guarantee wind direction datasets
immune to any of these effects. Throughout the measurement campaign, the Geovane
will provide the updated offset, achieving absolute accuracy and greater guarantees to
external auditors and financial investors.
Remark:
Keep reflective surfaces out of Geovane field of view (e.g. metallic supports of the
beacons). If the sunlight strikes the Geovane from a reflection instead of directly from
the Sun, the measurement will be temporally affected.

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2.2.1 Geovane MM: order options and included items
The following two sections describe the content of the order options currently available
for the Geovane MM: with or without wind vane.
Item
Order code
Geovane MM
+
No wind vane
Geovane
Thies FC
wind
vane
Potentiometer 2K
Geovane001*
4.3151.10.212
Potentiometer 10K
Geovane002*
4.3151.10.110
Analog output (TMR)
Geovane003*
4.3151.10.173
Thies
Compact
wind
vane
Potentiometer 2K
Geovane004*
4.3129.10.712
Analog output (TMR)
Geovane005*
4.3129.70.773
*The Geovane MM and the Thies wind vane are supplied already coupled and aligned,
in a single packaging, as a plug-and-play unit.
In case you want to order the Geovane MM along with a different Thies First Class /
Thies Compact part number, please contact [email protected] or
[email protected].
Even though we do not offer in-house alignment for all the wind vanes on the market,
the following list of wind vanes is fully compatible with the Geovane MM:
•Young Wind Monitor. (default mechanics)
•Vector W200P. (default mechanics)
•Ornytion 207P. (upon request)
•K360V. (upon request)
For models not on this list please contact [email protected].
2.2.2 Geovane MM ordered without wind vane
Arriving at the customer, the delivery includes:
•Geovane MM incl. vertical support boom for the wind vane. (1)
•8-pole plug connector. (2)
•3mm Hex Wrench (Allen key). (3)

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Remark:
This option requires precise alignment of the wind vane. Please carefully follow the
instructions in chapter 5.
2.2.3 Geovane MM ordered along with wind vane
Kintech offers complete “plug-and-play” units in which the Geovane MM has already
been aligned with a Thies wind vane (Compact or First Class).
In addition to the items described in section 2.2.2, the delivery includes:
•Thies Compact / First Class wind vane coupled and aligned to the Geovane MM
by Kintech Engineering. (4)
•Alignment certificate.
•5m of 0.5mm2 cross-sectioned shielded cable (number of cores depending upon
wind vane model), already plugged and secured into the wind vane, ended in
an IP68 in-line connector. (5)
Refer to section 5.2 for more info on the pinout and color scheme of the wind vane’s 5m
cable that comes already connected to the wind vane.
(1)
(2)
(3)

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Given that this is a “plug-and-play” unit, the only thing your installation team has to do
on site, is to mount this unit on the boom (refer to chapter 4).
Remark:
Both devices are aligned and ready to install. Do not untighten any of the screws or
the alignment could be lost. Kintech Engineering marks the unions betweeen the wind
vane and the geovane with white paint to allow later verification.
(4)
(5)
(2, 3)
(1)

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2.3 Geovane WT (for wind turbine)
The Geovane WTTM has been designed and engineered for its permanent installation on
wind turbines. The Geovane WT provides the exact orientation of the wind turbine’s
nacelle with respect to True North, enabling wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm
operators to accurately determine the yaw alignment for both active wake control and
advanced sector management.
Although the purpose of the Geovane WT is to determine the orientation of the wind
turbine’s nacelle, it is still possible to couple and align a wind vane to it, hence Kintech
offers the same wind vane alignment service and packaging than for the Geovane MM.

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2.3.1 Geovane WT: order options and included items
The following two sections describe the content of the order options currently available
for the Geovane WT: with or without wind vane.
Item
Order code
Geovane WT
+
No wind vane
Geovane009
Thies FC
wind
vane
Potentiometer 2K
Geovane010*
4.3151.10.212
Potentiometer 10K
Geovane011*
4.3151.10.110
Analog output (TMR)
Geovane012*
4.3151.10.173
Thies
Compact
wind
vane
Potentiometer 2K
Geovane013*
4.3129.10.712
Analog output (TMR)
Geovane014*
4.3129.70.773
*The Geovane WT and the Thies wind vane are supplied already coupled and aligned, in
a single packaging, as a plug-and-play unit.
In case you want to order the Geovane MM along with a different Thies First Class /
Thies Compact part number, please contact [email protected] or
[email protected].
Even though we do not offer in-house alignment for all the wind vanes on the market,
the following list of wind vanes is fully compatible with the Geovane WT:
•Young Wind Monitor. (default mechanics)
•Vector W200P. (default mechanics)
•Ornytion 207P. (upon request)
•K360V. (upon request)
For models not on this list please contact [email protected].
Remark:
The Geovane WT needs to be accurately aligned with the turbine axis by means of the
alignment collar and the laser alignment tool provided by Kintech Engineering (see
section 4.6).

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2.3.2 Geovane WT ordered without wind vane
Arriving at the customer, the delivery includes:
•Geovane WT (1)*.
•8-pole plug connector (2).
•3mm Hex Wrench (Allen key) (3).
•Alignment collar for the precise orientation to turbine nacelle’s axis (4).
*The Geovane WT can be ordered with a cover cap that includes the vertical support
boom for a wind vane, although the factory default consists of a flat cover cap.
2.3.3 Geovane WT ordered along with wind vane
Kintech offers complete “plug-and-play” units in which the Geovane WT has already
been aligned with a Thies wind vane (Compact or First Class).
In addition to the items described in section 2.3.2, the delivery includes:
•Thies Compact / First Class wind vane coupled and aligned to the Geovane WT
by Kintech Engineering.
•Alignment certificate.
•5m of 0.5mm2 cross-sectioned shielded cable (number of cores depending upon
wind vane model), already plugged and secured into the wind vane, ended in
an IP68 in-line connector.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

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Refer to section 5.2 for more info on the wiring and color scheme of the coupled wind
vane.
Remark:
Both devices are aligned and ready to install. Do not untighten any of the screws or
the alignment could be lost. Kintech Engineering marks the unions betweeen the wind
vane and the geovane with white paint to allow later verification.
2.4 Accessories
Besides the above-mentioned order options, Kintech can provide the accessories
displayed on the table below.
Items Geovane006 and Geovane007 are short wires that facilitate getting started with
the Geovane, allowing for office tests and for communication between a PC and the
Geovane (see section 4.3 and chapter 10). Item Geovane008 is necessary for the
alignment of the Geovane WT to the rotor axis of the wind turbine’s nacelle (refer to
section 4.6 for instructions regarding usage).
Item
Order code
8-core cable with Geovane’s plug
connector soldered (1.5m)
Geovane006
USB to RS-485 converter (1.8m)
Geovane007
Laser alignment tool including
Laserboy II (for Geovane WT)
Geovane008

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Item Geovane006 provides full access to the pins of the Geovane for e.g. verifying its
interfacing with a given data logger, re-configure the unit and, in general, run any office
tests. The color code for Geovane006 goes as follows:
Pin*
Color
Description
Function
1
White
Out (V1+)
Analog output #1
2
Pink
RS-485 A
RS-485 Data +
3
Green
Supply (+)
Supply 6… 30V DC
4
Grey
RS-485 B
RS-485 Data -
5
Blue
Out (V2+)
Analog output #2
6
Red
Out (Hz)
Frequency output
7
Brown
Supply (-)
Supply ground
8
Yellow
Out (V-)
Analog output ground
*Refer to section 4.3 for connector details and diagram.
Item Geovane007 converts from USB standard (PC) to RS-485 (Geovane). The color code
for Geovane007 goes as follows:
Color
Description
Function
Black
GND
Device ground supply pin
Red
Power*
+5V
Orange
Data+(A)
RS-485 Data +
Yellow
Data-(B)
RS-485 Data -
*It can be used to power on the Geovane when configuring it (see chapter 10 for more
details), even though a minimum of 6V must be met in normal operation (see 6.1).
The green and brown wires of the Geovane007 item are not necessary for
communicating with the Geovane (they correspond to the 120Ω terminating resistance
terminals).
Refer to section 10.2 for detailed information regarding the interfacing of the Geovane
with a PC.

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3UNDERSTANDING THE OUTPUT OF THE GEOVANE
This chapter aims to provide an understanding of the Geovane’s output: the True North
orientation. The Geovane is able to precisely determine True North using the position of
the Sun and can be accurately coupled and aligned with wind vanes and wind turbines
to get their orientation from True North.
When it comes to wind vanes, or any other wind direction sensor, the orientation from
True North is commonly branded as “offset”and must be added to the raw wind vane
data to correct the dataset, as described in section 3.1. In the case of wind turbines, the
Geovane’s output indicates the orientation of the rotor axis of the wind turbine, as
explained in section 3.2.
3.1 Geovane MM + wind vane
Assuming proper alignment between the Geovane and the wind vane (refer to section
5.1), the Geovane will provide the offset of its attached wind vane with respect to True
North. Therefore, the true wind direction can be obtained by means of the following
equation:
  
The True North offset measurement is given in positive degrees, from 0° to 360°, and
clockwise from the True North, as describe in the next image.
    
True North
S

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A common oversight consists of applying to the raw wind direction, besides the offset
that the Geovane has provided, the boom orientation offset provided by the met mast
installer. This is completely wrong, and the final wind direction value will have an error
equal to the boom orientation inputted by the installer.
Refer to chapter 12 for further information on this topic.
3.2 Geovane WT
Assuming proper alignment between the Geovane and the wind turbine’s rotor axis
(refer to section 4.6), the Geovane will provide the instantaneous orientation of wind
turbine with respect to True North, provided sunny conditions.
󰆒  
The True North orientation measurement is given in positive degrees, from 0° to 360°,
and clockwise from the True North, as describe in the next image.
True North
S
Nacelle s
orientation
(Geovane)
GeovaneWT
0°
256°

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4GEOVANE INSTALLATION (MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL)
If you have ordered the Geovane together with a wind vane, the unit (Geovane + wind
vane) has already been aligned by Kintech Engineering and the unit is ready for
installation in the field.
The Geovane has been designed specifically to comply with the highest industry
requirements for wind resourse assessment in remote locations. This means, among
other things, that cable lenghts up to 140m are supported, regardless of whatever
output option is selected.
4.1 Installation overview and tips
The wind vane and the Geovane are not electrically connected in any way. From the
point of view of the wind vane, the Geovane is simply seen as mechanical support. This
means that the wind vane and the Geovane are individually connected to the datalogger
by means of two separate cables.
The typical configuration for a met mast is described in the drawing below, where D1
displays the connection inside an IP68-protected in-line connector between the short
cable coming from the wind vane and the long cable that goes down to the data logger,
whereas D2 shows the Geovane’s 8-pole connector soldered to the a wire that runs
straight down to the data logger.
It is suggested that the wind vane’s cable is positioned in such a way that it runs down
the side of the Geovane facing the nearest Earth’s pole or the met mast. This is to reduce