TFT Placement Limits
A while ago, we introduced the Terrain-following Tracker, and we are pleased to see it being used so regularly by you all. Today, we're excited to announce an update that will further increase the usefulness of this type of single-axis tracker structure.
When generating, it will now be possible to respect the limits of the angle between the tracker sections. In practice, this means that by respecting these angle limits, the piles might need to be adjusted to be shorter or longer than the default value, and ground grading could become necessary.
Now, you can have even greater confidence in the accuracy of pile lengths, ground grading quantities, and the overall structural validity of your Terrain-following Tracker layouts.
Where
In the Frame and Park settings, navigate to the Frame creation tab and select Terrain-following Trackers. Then, click on Settings.
How
Simply activate the "Generates respecting allowed angles" setting. Generate your PV area, and the Trackers will follow the terrain, but only up to the maximum allowed angle between sections.
Prototype for Testing - Adapt with Height Range
After generating your layout, you might find it necessary to move the height of the frame for a better fit with the terrain. This can be particularly useful for avoiding ground grading in small areas that affect only a few frames.
We've developed a prototype to address this issue. However, please be aware of its current limitations:
Fine print:
- This feature does not work with Terrain-following Trackers (TFT).
- It does not automatically update lengths in the Pile numbering or Analysis details; a manual refresh is required.
- The Cross Section and Front Views are not automatically updated.
Where
Input the command PVcaseAdaptWithPileRange in the AutoCAD command line.
How
Enter the positive extra amount and negative extra amount, referred to as "delta," that can be applied to the Frame reveal height. For instance, if the Frame reveal is 1.9m, and you want a maximum of 2.1m, your positive delta would be 0.2m.
Choose the frames you wish to adjust. If feasible, these frames will be raised or lowered accordingly. In cases where a suitable adjustment can't be made, you will receive a notification, and the frames with issues will be highlighted for your attention.
Multirow Trackers
We've upgraded our dual-row tracker feature to support multi-row configurations. Now, you can add up to 10 frames in a row, all connected by a drive line. Frames are placed in the same way as before.
Where
Under Frame creation, enable multi-row trackers.
How
Under Settings, you can specify the number of rows and the location of the motor.
The Allowed angles functionality continues to operate as it did previously.
Capacity Iterations Export to BOM
Having completed several Capacity iterations, you can export the results directly into your BOM file.
Simply run the Iterations as usual. You can pin scenarios if you want to keep them after successive iterations. Everything on the Scenario list will be exported.
Where
On Layout Information, select the fields and switch to the Bill of Materials tab.
How
Export to XLSX format. You'll find your Iteration scenarios listed on a separate tab within the exported file.
Import AO Data without Changing Coordinate System
For AO Prospect tool users, importing your project into Ground Mount has become even easier. You can now import AO data using your specified coordinate system in AutoCAD. If you haven’t set a coordinate system, Ground Mount will automatically import the data using the relevant UTM-based coordinate system.
Where
Click Import AO Data and select your AO data file.
How
If a coordinate system is already specified in your setup, you'll be asked whether to retain it. If not, the import will default to using the UTM-based coordinate system.
Find Alignment Line
Navigating projects with multiple fields and complex alignment lines can be challenging when trying to determine which line corresponds to which field.
Where
In the modelspace, simply select the PV area you are working with.
How
Right-click and choose "Find alignment line." The relevant alignment for the chosen PV area will be selected.
Corridors Update
We've standardized corridor behavior to be consistent across the frame types and alignments. Now, all corridors behave the same way.
When you draw the alignment through the field, the corridor will be placed on the line.
In addition, variable pitch fixed tilt systems will now work with corridors.
The main gap is always calculated as the width of the road.
Regardless of the frame orientation, this gap will be respected. In practice, it means that a vehicle can be driven along this corridor with sufficient clearance.
By contrast, the second gap is used for mechanical expansion.
This gap allows for the expansion and contraction of the framework on long rows. This gap is aligned with the framework direction. It doesn't create a fixed-width corridor for vehicles to drive through.
Where
Under Park Settings, activate Corridors.
How
When you hover over the field to enter the corridor gap width, an explanatory image will pop up, illustrating how the gap is calculated.
Frame Presets Management Update
Now in Frame creation tab, it is easier to import and export Presets.
Module Power Class shown in Layout Information
In Layout Information, we added a nested menu, so it is now easier to see the number and power of different PV module power classes in each area.
