Input file encryption

Input file encryption#

DLL format#

As of version 13.2, the DLL format is deprecated, and it will be removed in the next release of HAWC2. Users are advised to use the encrypted binary format instead. If you need any help converting files, or getting started using the binary encrypted format, feel free to contact the HAWC2 support.

From version 11.6 it is possible to attach a DLL from where the blade data can be extracted. In doing so, the user is not able to inspect the blade input data from a readable text file. This approach requires a Fortran Intel compiler setup (when using a DTU provided template) from the data owner in order to compile the blade data into a DLL. The user refers to the external blade data in DLL format in the new_htc_structure and aero sections using the external_bladedata_dll command (as described earlier in this manual in the relevant sections).

Encrypted binary format#

Starting from version 12.8, a new method to hide confidential input data is offered. This approach allows the data owner to encrypt normal HAWC2 input data files into files that only HAWC2 is able to read. The encryption is performed by an executable, which is provided by the HAWC2 support, hawc2@windenergy.dtu.dk, upon request. Note, the executable is only needed to generate the encrypted input data, i.e. no additional tools are needed by the end user to use the encrypted data files.

How to encrypt data files#

Data files are encrypted from command line as follows:


> EncryptDataFile.exe mydatafile.dat

This will generate the encrypted file mydatafile.dat.enc

Using encrypted data files#

To use the data file with HAWC2, simply replace the data file name in the htc file.

HAWC2 will recognize and decrypt *.enc files for the following types of files:

  • Timoschenko input (new_htc_structure/main_body/timoschenko_input/filename)

  • Aerodynamic layout (aero/ae_filename)

  • Profile coefficients (aero/pc_filename)

  • HTC sub files (continue_in_file). NOTE: No output options are disabled. The user may be able to output your confidential data via output sensors or other output options

Disabled output#

When the aerodynamic layout or profile coefficients are encrypted, the following output options are unavailable:

  • output:

  • cl, cd, cm

  • lift, drag, moment

  • induc

  • induc_sector_ct, induc_sector_cq

  • induc_sector_a, induc_sector_am

  • induc_a_norm

  • induc_am_norm

  • dcldalfa, dcddalfa

  • secforce, secmoment

  • int_force, int_moment

  • vawt_induc_x, vawt_induc_y

  • grid_all_ct, grid_all_induc_u

  • Output_at_time:

  • cl, cd, cm

  • lift, drag, moment

  • ct_local, cq_local

  • chord, twist

  • dcldalfa, dcddalfa

  • induc

  • secforce, secmoment

  • int_force, int_moment

  • vawt_qn, vawt_qt

  • vawt_induc_x, vawt_induc_y

  • output_profile_coef_filename

When the Timoschenko input file is encrypted, the following output options are unavailable:

  • new_htc_structure

  • beam_output_file_name

  • body_output_file_name

  • struct_inertia_output_file_name

  • body_matrix_output

  • element_matrix_output