Here the PV modules are grouped and dimensioned into module fields. The module fields are arranged on a roof surface, even if different inclination and orientation are defined for the module fields. The roof area is only used to monitor a possible overcrowding, in which case a corresponding message is displayed. The module arrays can have different module types. Module arrays can be distinguished in:

• Alignment
• Inclination
• Number of modules
• Elevation
• Cable lengths
• if needed different inverters and different connections
• if necessary different module types

The module fields can either be transferred from HottCAD or created in tabular form directly in the PV simulation.

Module fields - from HottCAD

In the project mode "extended capture" the modules and module fields are defined via the "graphical building capture CAD". Only there the orientation, inclination, module selection and number of modules can be defined. When defining the PV module in "CAD" the module catalog is opened. After the transfer from HottCAD to the simulation the number of modules cannot be changed. The following data must still be entered here:

• Tracking - available for selection:
• oriented
• Inclination
• biaxial
• fixed - permanently installed modules
• Rear ventilation - depending on elevation:
• bad
• medium
• well
• Wind incidence - for the calculation of the module temperature the cooling by the wind incidence is taken into account. 100% wind incidence means an extremely good cooling of the modules. The wind data are generated from the location data.
  
  

Further information on the module fields also includes "losses". Here, data is recorded which can affect the output and thus the profit:

• Shade/pollution - Input of the percentage losses due to shade or pollution, which are deducted from the DC output in each calculation step
• Damage - Input of the percentage losses due to damage (aging) of the PV modules, which are deducted from the DC yield in each calculation step

"Cable losses on the DC-side" concerns the calculation of the cable losses of the lines from the PV-modules to the inverter. The power loss in relation to the nominal power of the module field is deducted from the module field power as a percentage.

• simple cable length - the simple cable length of DC lines between PV modules and inverter. The double cable length is calculated
• Conductor cross section - Selection of the conductor cross section
• Conductor material - choice between copper or aluminum cables

The different resistances and losses of the selected cable are displayed directly. Via the entry "Modules" information about the selected module is displayed again.

Tabular acquisition of module fields in the simulation

In the "Functions" area, any number of module fields can be added using the "Add module field" button. In the system overview the "Roof area" must be marked. Now you can add a new module field using the right mouse button or the button under Functions.

If a module field is to be removed again, it must be marked and can then also be deleted using the right mouse button or the button.

It is mandatory to create at least one module field. The following information must be entered for each module field:

Further information on the module fields also includes "Losses". Here, data is recorded which may affect the performance and thus the income: