twoaxistracking.generate_field_layout#

twoaxistracking.generate_field_layout(gcr, total_collector_area, min_tracker_spacing, neighbor_order, aspect_ratio, offset, rotation, slope_azimuth=0, slope_tilt=0)#

Generate a regularly-spaced collector field layout.

Field layout parameters and limits are described in 1.

Any length unit can be used as long as the usage is consistent with the collector geometry.

Parameters
  • gcr (float) – Ground cover ratio. Ratio of collector area to ground area.

  • total_collector_area (float) – Surface area of one collector.

  • min_tracker_spacing (float) – Minimum distance between collectors.

  • neighbor_order (int) – Order of neighbors to include in layout. It is recommended to use a neighbor order of 2.

  • aspect_ratio (float) – Ratio of the spacing in the primary direction to the secondary.

  • offset (float) – Relative row offset in the secondary direction as fraction of the spacing in the primary direction. -0.5 <= offset < 0.5.

  • rotation (float) – Counterclockwise rotation of the field in degrees. 0 <= rotation < 180

  • slope_azimuth (float, optional) – Direction of normal to slope on horizontal [degrees]

  • slope_tilt (float, optional) – Tilt of slope relative to horizontal [degrees]

Returns

  • X (array of floats) – Distance of neighboring trackers to the reference tracker in the east- west direction. East is positive.

  • Y (array of floats) – Distance of neighboring trackers to the reference tracker in the north- south direction. North is positive.

  • Z (array of floats) – Relative heights of neighboring trackers.

  • tracker_distance (array of floats) – Distances between neighboring trackers and the reference tracker.

  • relative_azimuth (array of floats) – Relative azimuth of neighboring trackers - measured clockwise from north [degrees].

  • relative_slope (array of floats) – Slope between neighboring trackers and reference tracker. A positive slope means neighboring collector is higher than reference collector.

References

1

Shading and land use in regularly-spaced sun-tracking collectors, Cumpston & Pye.