Shadings and Module Layout vocabulary

The definition of the PV array, 3D shadings and Module Layout involves several different objects that should be carefully defined.

We will try to define the terms used in the different parts of the program.

PV-array or sub-array

will design the electrical set of modules, as defined at the input of the inverter in the "System" dialog. It is characterized by the Module type, the number of modules in series in a string, and the number of strings in parallel.

A sub-array is an homogeneous set of modules (N strings of M identical modules in series) which may be applied to one or several Inverter inputs (MPPT inputs).

In version 7 the number of possible sub-arrays is not limited.

3D-field

represents a given object in the 3D shading scene. This object is defined as a whole: it may be a set of rectangles (within a same geometrical plane), a polygonal area, a set of "sheds"(rows) or trackers defined as a whole.

Table or 3D subfield

is an element of a PV plane in the 3D scene: an area (usually rectangular) aimed to receive a set of PV modules. It is one "shed" (row), one tracker, one elementary rectangle, etc.

Submodule

is the part of a PV module protected by one by-pass diode. The sub-modules usually divide the module in length (3 sets of 10x2 or 12x2 cells). See also the new modules technology in "Twin half-cut cells" configuration.