Import PVcase Tracker Layout with Gaps

[audlau]

I am currently trying to import a PVcase tracker layout with each tracker consisting of 3-strings and multiple gaps (central motor gap and 2 smaller gaps). Is there anyway to import this directly into PVsyst or add the gaps manually once in PVsyst? I can see the option of "central gap" within PVsyst however it is greyed out and won't let me edit.

 

The other issues this is causing is that the tracker consists of 81 panels (3 x 27) however PVsyst recognises it as a tracker with 84 panels and no gaps.

 

[dtarin]

The central gap in PVsyst is for 2P trackers, and defines the spacing between the two modules in portrait. It does not define gaps for motors or bearings . 

[Michele Oliosi]

Indeed, you cannot establish a gap between each string length in a PVsyst 3D table or tracker.  Only a homogeneous gap between each module, and an extra gap for the torque tube / longitudinal central spacing (central gap) if needed.

I would suggest splitting the tracker into three trackers, already in the PVcase design. Is that an option for you ?

[sgf20]

Is it possible to create a central gap for 2L trackers when importing a 3D scene? 

[Michele Oliosi]

18 hours ago, sgf20 said:

Is it possible to create a central gap for 2L trackers when importing a 3D scene? 

I see no reason why it shouldn't be possible. But please let us know if it doesn't work out.

[sgf20]

On 8/17/2023 at 3:46 PM, sgf20 said:

Is it possible to create a central gap for 2L trackers when importing a 3D scene? 

When I create the 2L trackers in PVcase with a central gap and import to PVsyst, the gap disappears. This results in an error message, since PVsyst incorrectly interprets the imported scene: 
"The area of the 3D fields is lower than the area of the modules defined in the subarrays."

According to PVcase: PVsyst does not support the center gap. They take the total size of the frame from PVcase and divide by the size of the module to get the number of modules in the frame.

Do you have any suggestions on how to properly run a 2L simulation with a central gap in PVsyst based on an imported scene from PVcase? 

Edited December 7, 2023 by sgf20
spacing

[Stéphane]

Hello,

We have the notion of central gap in PVsyst but maybe this information is not in the PVC file that you are trying to import. Can you please send us the PVC file by email at support@pvsyst.com ? This way we will check and if the information is missing we will reach out to PVCase to see how we can improve our integration in future versions.

Thanks in advance.

[LauraH]

With respect to the original question, will PVsyst eventually be able represent tracker gaps if they're included in an imported PVC scene?  We can break the trackers into one per string, but this may allow the trackers to accommodate terrain better than the would in reality.

Edited January 7 by LauraH

[Stéphane]

PVCase now has an option called "Terrain-following trackers" that splits trackers into smaller trackers according to gaps. Those trackers are therefore correctly positionned.

This is the easiest option for now because the PVC format doesn't support the motor and joint gaps so this information is not included in the PVC file. However there is currently an initiative to define a new version of the PVC format. This version should support such gaps. However, currently there is no release date available for this new version.

[LauraH]

6 hours ago, Stéphane said:

PVCase now has an option called "Terrain-following trackers" that splits trackers into smaller trackers according to gaps. Those trackers are therefore correctly positioned.

I'm unclear.  If you apply the TFT option to trackers that aren't terrain-following, how does that position the trackers correctly?  

[Stéphane]

The PVC file contains only coordinates of each corner of the trackers, so they will be placed in PVsyst according to those coordinates. Now how PVcase generates those coordinates based on the TFT option is a question I cannot answer. But my understanding is that you can adjust the "maximum allowed angles between section parts %" parameter in PVCase to make sure the scenario is realistic.