twoaxistracking.layout.max_shading_elevation#

twoaxistracking.layout.max_shading_elevation(total_collector_geometry, tracker_distance, relative_slope)#

Calculate the maximum elevation angle for which shading can occur.

Parameters
  • total_collector_geometry (Shapely Polygon) – Polygon corresponding to the total collector area.

  • tracker_distance (array-like) – Distances between neighboring trackers and the reference tracker.

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

Returns

max_shading_elevation – The highest solar elevation angle for which shading can occur for a given field layout and collector geometry [degrees]

Return type

float

Note

The maximum shading elevation angle is calculated for all neighboring trackers using the bounding box geometry and the bounding circle. For rectangular collectors (as approximated when using the bounding box), the maximum shading elevation occurs when one of the upper corners of the projected shading geometry and the lower corner of the reference collector intersects. For circular collectors (as approximated by the bounding cirlce), the maximum elevation occurs when the projected shadow is directly below the reference collector and the two circles tangent to each other.

The maximum elevation is calculated using both the bounding box and the bounding circle, and the minimum of these two elevations is returned. For rectangular and circular collectors, the maximum elevation is exact, whereas for other geometries, the returned elevation is a conservative estimate.