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