bifacial_radiance.ModuleObj.__init__#

ModuleObj.__init__(name=None, x=None, y=None, z=None, bifi=1, modulefile=None, text=None, customtext='', customObject='', xgap=0.01, ygap=0.0, zgap=0.1, numpanels=1, rewriteModulefile=True, cellModule=None, glass=False, glassEdge=0.01, modulematerial='black', tubeParams=None, frameParams=None, omegaParams=None, CECMod=None, hpc=False)[source]#

Add module details to the .JSON module config file module.json. Module definitions assume that the module .rad file is defined with zero tilt, centered along the x-axis and y-axis for the center of rotation of the module (+X/2, -X/2, +Y/2, -Y/2 on each side). Tip: to define a module that is in ‘portrait’ mode, y > x.

Parameters:

  • name (str) – Input to name the module type

  • x (numeric) – Width of module along the axis of the torque tube or rack. (meters)

  • y (numeric) – Length of module (meters)

  • z (numeric) – Thickness of the module (meters), or of the glass if glass = True, in which case absorber thickness will be 0.001 and glass whatever thickness is given, with absorber in the middle of the glass.

  • bifi (numeric) – Bifaciality of the panel (used for calculatePerformance). Between 0 (monofacial) and 1, default 1.

  • modulefile (str) – Existing radfile location in objects. Otherwise a default value is used

  • text (str) – Text used in the radfile to generate the module. Manually passing this value will overwrite module definition

  • customtext (str) – Added-text used in the radfile to generate any extra details in the racking/module. Does not overwrite generated module (unlike “text”), but adds to it at the end.

  • customObject (str) – Append to the module object file a pre-genereated radfile. This must start with the file path name. Does not overwrite generated module (unlike “text”), but adds to it at the end. It automatically inserts radiance’s text before the object name so its inserted into scene properly (‘!xform -rz 0’)

  • rewriteModulefile (bool) – Default True. Will rewrite module file each time makeModule is run.

  • numpanels (int) – Number of modules arrayed in the Y-direction. e.g. 1-up or 2-up, etc. (supports any number for carport/Mesa simulations)

  • xgap (float) – Panel space in X direction. Separation between modules in a row.

  • ygap (float) – Gap between modules arrayed in the Y-direction if any.

  • zgap (float) – Distance behind the modules in the z-direction to the edge of the torquetube (m)

  • glass (bool) – Add 5mm front and back glass to the module (glass/glass). Warning: glass increases the analysis variability. Recommend setting accuracy=’high’ in AnalysisObj.analysis()

  • glassEdge (float) – Difference in space between module size and absorber part of the module (or if cell-level module, full cell-level module size; value will be applied as extra glass 1/2 to each side on x and y.

  • cellModule (dict) – Dictionary with input parameters for creating a cell-level module. Shortcut for ModuleObj.addCellModule()

  • tubeParams (dict) – Dictionary with input parameters for creating a torque tube as part of the module. Shortcut for ModuleObj.addTorquetube()

  • frameParams (dict) – Dictionary with input parameters for creating a frame as part of the module. Shortcut for ModuleObj.addFrame()

  • omegaParams (dict) – Dictionary with input parameters for creating a omega or module support structure. Shortcut for ModuleObj.addOmega()

  • CECMod (Dictionary with performance parameters needed for self.calculatePerformance()) – lpha_sc, a_ref, I_L_ref, I_o_ref, R_sh_ref, R_s, Adjust

  • hpc (bool (default False)) – Set up module in HPC mode. Namely turn off read/write to module.json and just pass along the details in the module object. Note that calling e.g. addTorquetube() after this will tend to write to the module.json so pass all geometry parameters at once in to makeModule for best response.