New feature of Candela3D software: Transformer location adjustment, one-click solution!

In the intricate process of photovoltaic project design and construction, determining and adjusting the location of transformers has always been a crucial step that requires meticulous attention. Whether it's during the early planning stage or during changes during the construction process, precise control over the transformer location plays a significant role in the smooth progression of the project. The Candela3D software has newly introduced the "Batch Modify Transformer Locations or Import New Transformers" feature, providing users with an efficient and convenient operation experience. The location and usage introduction of the function are shown in the following pictures and videos: Here are a few efficient usage scenarios for this feature: Scenario 1: The Transformer location has been determined in the early stage, and rapid batch Import is required At the beginning of a project, if the locations of transformers have been determined by other means, this feature can be used to…

Seamless collaboration: Import and Export of interface configuration parameters

During team collaboration or project handover, different members (or departments) may need to handle different stages of the same project. The numerous interfaces in Candela3D software (such as Project settings, Hill-shading analysis, Array layout, User settings, etc.) often contain a large number of user-defined configurations. To ensure the continuity of the workflow and consistency of the interface settings, and to avoid users having to repeatedly set parameters when taking over a project, Candela3D has added a function for importing/exporting interface parameters. This feature allows users to export the selected interface parameters from the current project as a standalone parameter configuration file (*.json). Other users can import this configuration file into a new project, quickly restoring the interface environment and working state to match the source project. Typical application scenarios Project Handover: After User A completes the initial settings for the project, they export the key interface parameters. When User B…

Exporting to PVsyst automatically simplifies terrain and enhances the import speed

1. The problems of importing terrain without simplified Calculating the shade table in PVsyst is particularly slow. For example, when the number of terrain faces exceeds 200,000, it may take several hours. 2. Export the DAE and simplify it With the new version of Candela3D, you can Export *.dae files and Auto simplify mountains. 3. Why should the array be automatically elevated to a certain height Due to the simplification of terrain, some arrays may be embedded into the terrain, and PVsyst will report an error: the array penetrating with the terrain. If adjustments are made one by one according to the prompts, it is very time-consuming and may affect the simulation results. The entire array can be lifted a certain height, so that the mutual shading relationship between arrays remains unchanged. When the lifting height is small, the impact of terrain on the shading of the array is also minimal. 4. Improve the speed of…

Cable list is set with buried depth in layers

1.Added cable burial depth function In the design of photovoltaic power stations, the quantity of cables is crucial for controlling project costs. Previously, when calculating the length of cables for strings or inverter outgoing lines, Candela3D used a uniform "length margin" to simulate the part of the cable that goes into and out of the ground (such as adding a 2-meter margin for a 1-meter deep direct burial). However, this method had certain issues: some cables that do not need to be buried were also given a margin, causing deviations in cost estimation. To address this crucial issue, Candela3D has introduced an independent parameter setting function for 'Cable Burial Depth'. Key improvements: a. Independent Layer Settings: The cable burial depth values can be precisely set for both the "String Cable Level" and the "Inverter Cable Level". b. Flexible definition of laying type: c. Precise projection calculation: The software will strictly adhere to the set burial depth values, calculating the…

Comparison of flat single-axis site leveling – earthwork balance plans

Background of the problem The length of the horizontal tracker can exceed 100 meters, and even slight terrain undulations can cause excessive height differences in the north-south direction of the tracker; this can result in shadow obstruction and prevent the cleaning robot from moving. For this reason, adjustments are generally needed to the racks to ensure that the height difference between adjacent racks in the north and south is within the Setting range (typically around 0.3 meters). However, the adjustable range of the rack Pile is generally only around 0.3 meters, which inevitably results in Pile lengths that do not meet the requirements. Therefore, it is generally necessary to level the site. The earthwork volumes vary significantly among different site leveling schemes. For details, please refer to "Comparison of Different Site Leveling Schemes for Horizontal N-S Axis Racks". The site leveling scheme discussed in this article does not consider earthwork…

Discussion on Array Layout in Narrow and Long Ridge Areas

For photovoltaic projects in complex terrain, many of the feasible areas for layout are often the narrow strips near mountain ridges, as illustrated in the figure below: 1. Create zones In such a long and narrow Layout area, if the southern slope and the northern slope are each divided into Layout areas, that is, divided into two Layout areas, there may be three problems: Therefore, it is recommended to divide it into a layout area, as shown in the above figure. 2. Standard layout The conventional layout involves arranging by row, with each array following a specific gap control. This may result in arrays spanning ridges, as illustrated in the figure below (dark blue arrays): This brings two problems: 3. Control the Max. pile height difference Candela3D software supports the control of the maximum pile length difference for individual arrays. When the pile length difference at the array's location exceeds…

Design of medium voltage collection line based on the shortest total cable length

Compared to low voltage collector lines, medium voltage collector lines exhibit the following characteristics: The design function of the new version of the medium voltage power collection line is precisely based on the above characteristics. The specific design steps can be divided into the following seven steps: Below, a specific project involving the combination of Double circuit, Cable, and Overhead on the same tower will be demonstrated. 1. Put Start point 2. Place the Iron tower 3. Draw the public Cable route 4. Manually specify which transformers and iron towers belong to which grid connection point 5. Automatically find the connection path with the shortest Total Length 6. Verify connection relationships 7. Export cable list 8. Export the medium voltage cable route to CAD and automatically draw the medium voltage connection diagram Summary: The new version of the medium voltage cable collection line design feature aims to optimize the total cable…

New version of Combine function

The new version of Combine allows users to complete this task more conveniently and efficiently. The main updates are as follows: 1. Try your hand - divide according to the plan, using brute force and speed 2. Try your hand - Redesign the plan, use brute force to quickly divide 3. Advanced difficulty - two areas are independent of each other 4. Advanced difficulty - rope set selection, attempt to redesign the plan 5. Advanced difficulty - minimize the number of inputs as far away from the transformer as possible 6. Advanced difficulty - practical operation of scattered projects in Complex Terrain

New pile length filtering, new electrical connection, new medium voltage cable connection, cable tray piles, and a wave of feature updates are coming

The latest version of Candela3D software, version 3.8, has been officially released after four months of development. The main updates are as follows: 1. User-defined Slope and Aspect Range for Coloring Terrain 2. The phalanx has been equipped with a brand-new interface and undergone improvements in related functions 3. Terrace layout features comprehensive functions 4. New Combine Divide function 5. Brand-new Medium voltage cable connection function 6. The Cable list is layered to set the burial depth, ensuring a more accurate calculation of cable quantities 7. Brand-new Find pile length function 8. Exporting to PVsyst automatically simplifies mountains and elevates arrays, speeding up the import of DAE 9. Selection of laying materials for Cable laying: New interface and related functional improvements 10. Add the function to generate cable bridge piles 11. Adjust arrays and generate site leveling general plan to support setting earthwork balance 12. Add the function of importing…

Auto wiring, with dozens of plans to choose from

Following completion of creating power block, the subsequent engineering challenge resides in implementing rational combiner configuration for each unit - a process widely acknowledged as one of the most time-intensive phases in photovoltaic system design. In version 3.6.1, we have improved the algorithm for automatic wiring, enabling the calculation of thousands of plans at once, and providing dozens of final plans for users to choose from. 1. Please watch the video below to learn about the relevant feature introductions 2. Function introduction (1) Users can freely set the calculation method for the number of inputs of the Combine device, such as calculating based on the number of Combine devices, the maximum number of inputs, or the capacity ratio, and choose whether to balance the inputs. The software will automatically perform these calculations. (2) The software is capable of generating multiple division plans based on the Foundation parameters set by the…