Interpreting loss diagram for CPV

[david.stone]

Where can I find a description or documentation that tells me how the "focusing loss" values are calculated for a CPV system analysis in PVsyst?

[André Mermoud]

See the Help "Project design > Concentrating systems".

In the CPV definitions, you have a "full acceptance angle" and a "null acceptance angle" (here angles are cone radius). This defines a trapezoidal acceptance function (usually less than 1° aperture).

All beam rays outside of this acceptance function will be lost.

- In the simulation, this is the case when the trackers attain their mechanical limits.

- Moreover, in the reality there may be tracking inaccuracies (for example due to wind). PVsyst doesn't take these unexpected effects into account, very difficult to evaluate.