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Tracking

This tutorial introduces the pvlib.tracking module. This module currently only contains one function, tracking.singleaxis, but we hope to add dual axis tracking support in the future.

The tracking.singleaxis function is a port of the PVLIB MATLAB file pvl_singleaxis.m. The algorithm is based on Lorenzo et al, Tracking and back-tracking, Prog. in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 19, 747-753 (2011). Most of the Python and MATLAB algorithms are identical except for name changes to conform to the PEP8 Python style guide. There are few spots, noteably in the calculation of surface_azimuth, that our implementation differs from the MATLAB implementation.

Table of contents:

  1. Standard Python and pvlib setup.
  2. Walk through each step of the single axis tracking algorithm.
  3. Use the tracking.singleaxis function to explore the impacts of tracker tilt, tracker azimuth, and backtracking.

This tutorial has been tested against the following package versions:

  • pvlib 0.3.0
  • Python 3.5.1
  • IPython 4.1
  • Pandas 0.18

It should work with other Python and Pandas versions. It requires pvlib > 0.3.0 and IPython > 4.0.

This tutorial was written by

  • Will Holmgren (@wholmgren), University of Arizona. March, 2015, July 2015, March 2016, April 2016.
  • Some of the text is based on the comments in pvl_singleaxis.m, presumably written by the PVLIB_MATLAB team at Sandia National Laboratory.

Setup

Standard scientific Python imports.





In [1]:



    


# plotting modules
%matplotlib inline
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
try:
    import seaborn as sns
    sns.set(rc={"figure.figsize": (12, 6)})
except ImportError:
    print('We suggest you install seaborn using conda or pip and rerun this cell')
    
# built in python modules
import datetime

# python add-ons
import numpy as np
import pandas as pd



    











In [2]:



    


import pvlib
from pvlib.tools import cosd, sind
from pvlib.location import Location

Make some pvlib Location objects. These are the standard inputs to the solar position calculator.





In [3]:



    


tus = Location(32.2, -111, 'US/Arizona', 700, 'Tucson')
print(tus)
johannesburg = Location(-26.2044, 28.0456, 'Africa/Johannesburg', 1753, 'Johannesburg')
print(johannesburg)



    


















    






Location: 
  name: Tucson
  latitude: 32.2
  longitude: -111
  altitude: 700
  tz: US/Arizona
Location: 
  name: Johannesburg
  latitude: -26.2044
  longitude: 28.0456
  altitude: 1753
  tz: Africa/Johannesburg

Calculate solar position at those locations. To start, we'll choose times near an equinox. Later, we'll test against times near a solstice.





In [4]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,3,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,3,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)
ephemout = ephem_tus # default for notebook

Single axis tracker algorithm

The steps of the tracking algorithm are:

  1. Define input parameters.
  2. Transform solar position to South facing coordinate system.
  3. Transform solar position to panel coordinate system.
  4. Determine the ideal tracking angle when ignoring backtracking.
  5. Correct the tracking angle to account for backtracking.
  6. Calculate the panel normal vector based on tracking angle.
  7. Calculate the solar angle of incidence.
  8. Calculate the panel tilt and azimuth.

Inputs

First, define the input parameters. From the tracking.singleaxis docstring...

apparent_zenith : Series
    Solar apparent zenith angles in decimal degrees. 

azimuth : Series
    Solar azimuth angles in decimal degrees.

latitude : float
    A value denoting which hempisphere the tracker is
    in. The exact latitude is NOT required, any positive number denotes
    the northern hemisphere, any negative number denotes the southern
    hemisphere, a value of 0 is assumed to be northern hemisphere.

axis_tilt : float
    The tilt of the axis of rotation
    (i.e, the y-axis defined by axis_azimuth) with respect to horizontal, 
    in decimal degrees.

axis_azimuth : float
    A value denoting the compass direction along which
    the axis of rotation lies, in decimal degrees. 

max_angle : float
    A value denoting the maximum rotation angle, in
    decimal degrees, of the one-axis tracker from its horizontal position
    (horizontal if axis_tilt = 0). 
    A max_angle of 90 degrees allows the tracker to rotate to a vertical
    position to point the panel towards a horizon.  
    max_angle of 180 degrees allows for full rotation.

backtrack : bool
    Controls whether the tracker has the
    capability to "backtrack" to avoid row-to-row shading. 
    False denotes no backtrack capability. 
    True denotes backtrack capability. 

gcr : float
    A value denoting the ground coverage ratio of a tracker
    system which utilizes backtracking; i.e. the ratio between the PV
    array surface area to total ground area. A tracker system with modules 2
    meters wide, centered on the tracking axis, with 6 meters between the
    tracking axes has a gcr of 2/6=0.333. If gcr is not provided, a gcr
    of 2/7 is default. gcr must be <=1.




In [5]:



    


azimuth = ephemout['azimuth']
apparent_azimuth = ephemout['azimuth']
apparent_zenith = ephemout['apparent_zenith']
axis_tilt = 10
axis_azimuth = 170
latitude = 32
max_angle = 65 
backtrack = True
gcr = 2.0/7.0

times = azimuth.index

Transform to south facing coordinate system

The reference that this algorithm is based on used an Earth coordinate system where y points south. So, we first transform our solar position vector to this new coordiante system.





In [6]:



    


az = apparent_azimuth - 180
apparent_elevation = 90 - apparent_zenith
x = cosd(apparent_elevation) * sind(az)
y = cosd(apparent_elevation) * cosd(az)
z = sind(apparent_elevation)

earth_coords = pd.DataFrame({'x':x,'y':y,'z':z})

earth_coords.plot()
plt.title('sun position in Earth coordinate system')



    


















    
Out[6]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x111954b70>

Transform to panel coordinate system

Transform solar vector to panel coordinate system. For North-South oriented trackers parallel to the ground, the only difference is the sign of the x component. The x components are the same if axis_azimuth=180 and opposite if axis_azimuth=0.





In [7]:



    


axis_azimuth_south = axis_azimuth - 180

print('cos(axis_azimuth_south)={}, sin(axis_azimuth_south)={}'
      .format(cosd(axis_azimuth_south), sind(axis_azimuth_south)))
print('cos(axis_tilt)={}, sin(axis_tilt)={}'
      .format(cosd(axis_tilt), sind(axis_tilt)))

xp = x*cosd(axis_azimuth_south) - y*sind(axis_azimuth_south);
yp = (x*cosd(axis_tilt)*sind(axis_azimuth_south) +
      y*cosd(axis_tilt)*cosd(axis_azimuth_south) -
      z*sind(axis_tilt))
zp = (x*sind(axis_tilt)*sind(axis_azimuth_south) +
      y*sind(axis_tilt)*cosd(axis_azimuth_south) +
      z*cosd(axis_tilt))

panel_coords = pd.DataFrame({'x':xp,'y':yp,'z':zp})

panel_coords.plot()
plt.title('sun position in panel coordinate system')



    


















    






cos(axis_azimuth_south)=0.984807753012208, sin(axis_azimuth_south)=-0.17364817766693033
cos(axis_tilt)=0.984807753012208, sin(axis_tilt)=0.17364817766693033










    
Out[7]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x113ef4048>

Tracking angle

The ideal tracking angle wid is the rotation to place the sun position vector (xp, yp, zp) in the (y, z) plane; i.e. normal to the panel and containing the axis of rotation. wid = 0 indicates that the panel is horizontal. Here, our convention is that a clockwise rotation is positive, to view rotation angles in the same frame of reference as azimuth. For example, for a system with tracking axis oriented south, a rotation toward the east is negative, and a rotation to the west is positive.

We use arctan2, but PVLIB MATLAB uses arctan. Here prove that we get the same result.





In [8]:



    


# Calculate angle from x-y plane to projection of sun vector onto x-z plane
# and then obtain wid by translating tmp to convention for rotation angles.
wid = pd.Series(90 - np.degrees(np.arctan2(zp, xp)), index=times)

# filter for sun above panel horizon
wid[zp <= 0] = np.nan

wid.plot(label='tracking angle')
ephemout['apparent_elevation'].plot(label='apparent elevation')
plt.legend()
plt.title('Ideal tracking angle without backtracking')



    


















    
Out[8]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x113f844a8>

arctan version





In [9]:



    


tmp = np.degrees(np.arctan(zp/xp))  # angle from x-y plane to projection of sun vector onto x-z plane

# Obtain wid by translating tmp to convention for rotation angles.
# Have to account for which quadrant of the x-z plane in which the sun 
# vector lies.  Complete solution here but probably not necessary to 
# consider QIII and QIV.
wid = pd.Series(index=times)
wid[(xp>=0) & (zp>=0)] =  90 - tmp[(xp>=0) & (zp>=0)];  # QI
wid[(xp<0)  & (zp>=0)] = -90 - tmp[(xp<0)  & (zp>=0)];  # QII
wid[(xp<0)  & (zp<0)]  = -90 - tmp[(xp<0)  & (zp<0)];   # QIII
wid[(xp>=0) & (zp<0)]  =  90 - tmp[(xp>=0) & (zp<0)];   # QIV

# filter for sun above panel horizon
wid[zp <= 0] = np.nan

wid.plot(label='tracking angle')
ephemout['apparent_elevation'].plot(label='apparent elevation')
plt.legend()
plt.title('Ideal tracking angle without backtracking')



    


















    
Out[9]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x114a2d6a0>

Backtracking

Account for backtracking; modified from [1] to account for rotation angle convention being used here.





In [10]:



    


if backtrack:
    axes_distance = 1/gcr
    temp = np.minimum(axes_distance*cosd(wid), 1)

    # backtrack angle
    # (always positive b/c acosd returns values between 0 and 180)
    wc = np.degrees(np.arccos(temp))

    v = wid < 0
    widc = pd.Series(index=times)
    widc[~v] = wid[~v] - wc[~v]; # Eq 4 applied when wid in QI
    widc[v] = wid[v] + wc[v];    # Eq 4 applied when wid in QIV
else:
    widc = wid

widc.plot(label='tracking angle')
#pyephemout['apparent_elevation'].plot(label='apparent elevation')
plt.legend(loc=2)
plt.title('Ideal tracking angle with backtracking')



    


















    
Out[10]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x114c950b8>

Compare tracking angle with and without backtracking.





In [11]:



    


tracking_angles = pd.DataFrame({'with backtracking':widc,'without backtracking':wid})
tracking_angles.plot()
#pyephemout['apparent_elevation'].plot(label='apparent elevation')
plt.legend()



    


















    
Out[11]:








<matplotlib.legend.Legend at 0x113f49908>

Max angle

Apply angle restriction.





In [12]:



    


tracker_theta = widc.copy()
tracker_theta[tracker_theta > max_angle] = max_angle
tracker_theta[tracker_theta < -max_angle] = -max_angle

tracking_angles['with restriction'] = tracker_theta
tracking_angles.plot()



    


















    
Out[12]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x114f36080>

Calculate panel normal

Calculate panel normal vector in panel x, y, z coordinates. y-axis is axis of tracker rotation. tracker_theta is a compass angle (clockwise is positive) rather than a trigonometric angle.





In [13]:



    


panel_norm = np.array([sind(tracker_theta), 
                       tracker_theta*0,
                       cosd(tracker_theta)])

panel_norm_df = pd.DataFrame(panel_norm.T, columns=('x','y','z'), index=times)
panel_norm_df.plot()
plt.title('panel normal vector components in panel coordinate system')
plt.legend()



    


















    
Out[13]:








<matplotlib.legend.Legend at 0x114a10e48>

sun position in vector format in panel-oriented x, y, z coordinates. We've already seen this above, but it's good to look at it again after calculating the tracker normal vector.





In [14]:



    


sun_vec = np.array([xp, yp, zp])

panel_coords = pd.DataFrame(sun_vec.T, columns=('x','y','z'), index=times)

panel_coords.plot()
plt.title('sun position in panel coordinate system')



    


















    
Out[14]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x115584588>

AOI

Calculate angle-of-incidence on panel





In [15]:



    


aoi = np.degrees(np.arccos(np.abs(np.sum(sun_vec*panel_norm, axis=0))))
aoi = pd.Series(aoi, index=times)

aoi.plot()
plt.title('angle of incidence')



    


















    
Out[15]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x115c26400>

The power produced by the tracker will be primarily determined by the cosine of the angle of incidence.





In [16]:



    


cosd(aoi).plot()



    


















    
Out[16]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x115e49f28>

Surface tilt and azimuth

Calculate panel tilt surface_tilt and azimuth surface_azimuth in a coordinate system where the panel tilt is the angle from horizontal, and the panel azimuth is the compass angle (clockwise from north) to the projection of the panel's normal to the earth's surface. These outputs are provided for convenience and comparison with other PV software which use these angle conventions.

Project normal vector to earth surface. First rotate about x-axis by angle -axis_tilt so that y-axis is also parallel to earth surface, then project.





In [17]:



    


# Calculate standard rotation matrix
print('cos(axis_azimuth_south)={}, sin(axis_azimuth_south)={}'
      .format(cosd(axis_azimuth_south), sind(axis_azimuth_south)))
print('cos(axis_tilt)={}, sin(axis_tilt)={}'
      .format(cosd(axis_tilt), sind(axis_tilt)))

rot_x = np.array([[1, 0, 0], 
                  [0, cosd(-axis_tilt), -sind(-axis_tilt)], 
                  [0, sind(-axis_tilt), cosd(-axis_tilt)]])

# panel_norm_earth contains the normal vector expressed in earth-surface coordinates
# (z normal to surface, y aligned with tracker axis parallel to earth)
panel_norm_earth = np.dot(rot_x, panel_norm).T

# projection to plane tangent to earth surface,
# in earth surface coordinates
projected_normal = np.array([panel_norm_earth[:,0], panel_norm_earth[:,1], panel_norm_earth[:,2]*0]).T

# calculate magnitudes
panel_norm_earth_mag = np.sqrt(np.nansum(panel_norm_earth**2, axis=1))
projected_normal_mag = np.sqrt(np.nansum(projected_normal**2, axis=1))
#print('panel_norm_earth_mag={}, projected_normal_mag={}'.format(panel_norm_earth_mag, projected_normal_mag))

projected_normal = (projected_normal.T / projected_normal_mag).T

panel_norm_earth_df = pd.DataFrame(panel_norm_earth, columns=('x','y','z'), index=times)
panel_norm_earth_df.plot()
plt.title('panel normal vector components in Earth coordinate system')

projected_normal_df = pd.DataFrame(projected_normal, columns=('x','y','z'), index=times)
projected_normal_df.plot()
plt.title('panel normal vector projected to surface in Earth coordinate system')



    


















    






cos(axis_azimuth_south)=0.984807753012208, sin(axis_azimuth_south)=-0.17364817766693033
cos(axis_tilt)=0.984807753012208, sin(axis_tilt)=0.17364817766693033










    
Out[17]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x1162c97b8>

Surface azimuth

Calculate surface_azimuth. This takes a few steps. We need to take the arctan, rotate from the panel system to the south-facing Earth system and then rotate the Earth system to a north-facing Earth system. We use the arctan2 function, but PVLIB MATLAB uses arctan.





In [18]:



    


# calculation of surface_azimuth
# 1. Find the angle.
surface_azimuth = pd.Series(np.degrees(np.arctan2(projected_normal[:,1], projected_normal[:,0])), index=times)
surface_azimuth.plot(label='orig')

# 2. Rotate 0 reference from panel's x axis to it's y axis and
#    then back to North.
surface_azimuth = 90 - surface_azimuth + axis_azimuth

# 3. Map azimuth into [0,360) domain.
surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth<0] += 360
surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth>=360] -= 360
surface_azimuth.plot(label='compass angle north')

plt.legend()



    


















    
Out[18]:








<matplotlib.legend.Legend at 0x111980b70>

arctan version





In [19]:



    


# calculation of surface_azimuth
# 1. Find the angle.
surface_azimuth = pd.Series(np.degrees(np.arctan(projected_normal[:,1]/projected_normal[:,0])), index=times)
surface_azimuth.plot(label='orig')

# 2. Clean up atan when x-coord or y-coord is zero
surface_azimuth[(projected_normal[:,0]==0) & (projected_normal[:,1]>0)] =  90
surface_azimuth[(projected_normal[:,0]==0) & (projected_normal[:,1]<0)] =  -90
surface_azimuth[(projected_normal[:,1]==0) & (projected_normal[:,0]>0)] =  0
surface_azimuth[(projected_normal[:,1]==0) & (projected_normal[:,0]<0)] = 180
surface_azimuth.plot(label='x or y 0 corrected')

# 3. Correct atan for QII and QIII
surface_azimuth[(projected_normal[:,0]<0) & (projected_normal[:,1]>0)] += 180 # QII
surface_azimuth[(projected_normal[:,0]<0) & (projected_normal[:,1]<0)] += 180 # QIII
surface_azimuth.plot(label='q2, q3 corrected')

# 4. Skip to below

# From PVLIB MATLAB...
# at this point surface_azimuth contains angles between -90 and +270,
# where 0 is along the positive x-axis,
# the y-axis is in the direction of the tracker azimuth,
# and positive angles are rotations from the positive x axis towards
# the positive y-axis.
# Adjust to compass angles
# (clockwise rotation from 0 along the positive y-axis)
#    surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth<=90] = 90 - surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth<=90]
#    surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth>90] = 450 - surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth>90]

# finally rotate to align y-axis with true north
# PVLIB_MATLAB has this latitude correction,
# but I don't think it's latitude dependent if you always
# specify axis_azimuth with respect to North.
#     if latitude > 0 or True:
#         surface_azimuth = surface_azimuth - axis_azimuth
#     else:
#         surface_azimuth = surface_azimuth - axis_azimuth - 180
#     surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth<0] = 360 + surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth<0]

# the commented code above is mostly part of PVLIB_MATLAB.
# My (wholmgren) take is that it can be done more simply.
# Say that we're pointing along the postive x axis (likely west).
# We just need to rotate 90 degrees to get from the x axis
# to the y axis (likely south),
# and then add the axis_azimuth to get back to North.
# Anything left over is the azimuth that we want,
# and we can map it into the [0,360) domain.


# 4. Rotate 0 reference from panel's x axis to it's y axis and
#    then back to North.
surface_azimuth = 90 - surface_azimuth + axis_azimuth

# 5. Map azimuth into [0,360) domain.
surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth<0] += 360
surface_azimuth[surface_azimuth>=360] -= 360
surface_azimuth.plot(label='compass angle north')

plt.legend()



    


















    






/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:7: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in greater
/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:8: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in less
/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:9: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in greater
/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:10: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in less
/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:14: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in less
/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:14: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in greater
/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/ipykernel/__main__.py:15: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in less










    
Out[19]:








<matplotlib.legend.Legend at 0x116830e80>

The final surface_azimuth is given by the curve labeled "compass angle north". This is in degrees East of North.

Surface tilt

Calculate surface_tilt.





In [20]:



    


surface_tilt = (90 - np.degrees(np.arccos(
            pd.DataFrame(panel_norm_earth * projected_normal, index=times).sum(axis=1))))

surface_tilt.plot()



    


















    
Out[20]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x11680d9b0>

According to the MATLAB code, surface_tilt is "The angle between the panel surface and the earth surface, accounting for panel rotation."

tracking.singleaxis examples

With backtracking





In [21]:



    


tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)



    











In [22]:



    


tracker_data.plot()



    


















    
Out[22]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x1162c9dd8>

Without backtracking





In [23]:



    


tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()



    


















    
Out[23]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x116f1f438>

Explore ground cover ratio





In [24]:



    


aois = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)

for gcr in np.linspace(0, 1, 6):
    tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                             axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                             backtrack=True, gcr=gcr)
    aois[gcr] = tracker_data['aoi']



    


















    






/Users/holmgren/git_repos/pvlib-python/pvlib/tracking.py:365: RuntimeWarning: divide by zero encountered in double_scalars
  axes_distance = 1/gcr

















In [25]:



    


aois.plot()



    


















    
Out[25]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x116f25cc0>

Ensure that max_angle works.





In [26]:



    


tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=45,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()



    


















    
Out[26]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x1175824e0>

Play with axis_tilt.





In [27]:



    


aois = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
tilts = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
azis = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
thetas = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)

for tilt in np.linspace(0, 90, 7):
    tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                             axis_tilt=tilt, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                             backtrack=True, gcr=2/7.)
    aois[tilt] = tracker_data['aoi']
    tilts[tilt] = tracker_data['surface_tilt']
    azis[tilt] = tracker_data['surface_azimuth']
    thetas[tilt] = tracker_data['tracker_theta']
    
fig, axes = plt.subplots(2, 2, figsize=(16,12), sharex=True)
ax = axes[0,0]
aois.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_ylim(0,90)
ax.set_title('aoi')

ax = axes[0,1]
thetas.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_ylim(-90,90)
ax.set_title('tracker theta')

ax = axes[1,1]
tilts.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_title('surface tilt')
ax.set_ylim(0,90)

ax = axes[1,0]
azis.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_title('surface azimuth')
ax.set_ylim(0,360)
#ax.hlines([0, 90, 180, 270, 360], *ax.get_xlim(), colors='0.25', lw=1, alpha=0.25)



    


















    






/Users/holmgren/git_repos/pvlib-python/pvlib/tracking.py:506: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in arccos
  index=times).sum(axis=1))))










    
Out[27]:








(0, 360)

The simple case of axis_tilt = 0 shows the panels pointing directly East in the morning and directly West in the afternoon. If axis_tilt > 0 then the panels always point South of East and South of West. The panels point towards South near sunrise, rotate towards East in mid-morning, then back towards Sorth around noon, continuing towards West in the mid-afternoon, and finally back towards Sorth near sunset.

Next, what happens if we try to point the panels North?





In [28]:



    


aois = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
tilts = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
azis = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
thetas = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)

for tilt in np.linspace(0, -90, 7):
    tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                             axis_tilt=tilt, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                             backtrack=True, gcr=2/7.)
    aois[tilt] = tracker_data['aoi']
    tilts[tilt] = tracker_data['surface_tilt']
    azis[tilt] = tracker_data['surface_azimuth']
    thetas[tilt] = tracker_data['tracker_theta']
    
fig, axes = plt.subplots(2, 2, figsize=(16,12), sharex=True)
ax = axes[0,0]
aois.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_ylim(0,90)
ax.set_title('aoi')

ax = axes[0,1]
thetas.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_ylim(-90,90)
ax.set_title('tracker theta')

ax = axes[1,1]
tilts.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_title('surface tilt')
ax.set_ylim(0,90)

ax = axes[1,0]
azis.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_title('surface azimuth')
ax.set_ylim(0,360)
#ax.hlines([0, 90, 180, 270, 360], *ax.get_xlim(), colors='0.25', lw=1, alpha=0.25)



    


















    






/Users/holmgren/git_repos/pvlib-python/pvlib/tracking.py:506: RuntimeWarning: invalid value encountered in arccos
  index=times).sum(axis=1))))










    
Out[28]:








(0, 360)

The 0 tilt case is repeated for reference. For small Northward tilts, such as -15, the panels point towards North near sunrise, rotate towards the east in mid-morning, then back towards North around noon, continuing towards West in the mid-afternoon, and finally back towards North near sunset.

The algorithm returns nan for larger Northward tilts at midday since the beam component of the irradiance would be 0.

Play with axis_azimuth.





In [29]:



    


aois = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
tilts = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
azis = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)
thetas = pd.DataFrame(index=ephemout.index)

for azi in np.linspace(90, 270, 5):
    tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephemout['apparent_zenith'], ephemout['azimuth'],
                                             axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=azi, max_angle=90,
                                             backtrack=True, gcr=2/7.)
    aois[azi] = tracker_data['aoi']
    tilts[azi] = tracker_data['surface_tilt']
    azis[azi] = tracker_data['surface_azimuth']
    thetas[azi] = tracker_data['tracker_theta']
    
fig, axes = plt.subplots(2, 2, figsize=(16,12), sharex=True)
ax=axes[0,0]
aois.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_ylim(0,90)
ax.set_title('aoi')

ax=axes[0,1]
thetas.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_ylim(-90,90)
ax.set_title('tracker theta')

ax=axes[1,1]
tilts.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_title('surface tilt')
ax.set_ylim(0,90)

ax=axes[1,0]
azis.plot(ax=ax)
ax.set_title('surface azimuth')
ax.set_ylim(0,360)



    


















    
Out[29]:








(0, 360)

This discussion of the axis_azimuth parameter assumes axis_tilt=0 and no backtracking.

Say that your axis_azimuth=90 or 270. Your surface_azimuth has no choice but to point to North (0), or South (180). Near the equinox, the solar azimuth is very nearly 90 at sunrise and sunset, so the surface_tilt is going to be poorly defined until the sun is a bit above the horizon. At midday, the surface_azimuth should definitely point South (180), surface_tilt will very nearly equal the latitude, and AOI should be nearly 0.

Next, let's study the axis_azimuth=135 case. This corresponds to a tracker oriented from SSE-NNW. At sunrise, on the equinox, the tracker is going to point East of North by 45 degrees. Sometime before solar noon, the panels should lay flat, and then point West of South by 45 degrees, or East of North by 225.

Test the southern hemispere.





In [30]:



    


tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_joh['apparent_zenith'], ephem_joh['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()



    


















    
Out[30]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x11971b6a0>

Test different seasons.





In [31]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,3,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,3,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.title('Tucson, March')
plt.ylim(-100,100)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_joh['apparent_zenith'], ephem_joh['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.title('Johannesburg, March')
plt.ylim(-100,100)



    


















    
Out[31]:








(-100, 100)










    

















    
























In [32]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,6,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,6,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.title('Tucson, June')
plt.ylim(-100,100)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_joh['apparent_zenith'], ephem_joh['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.title('Johannesburg, June')
plt.ylim(-100,100)



    


















    
Out[32]:








(-100, 100)










    

















    
























In [33]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,12,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,12,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.title('Tucson, December')
plt.ylim(-100,100)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_joh['apparent_zenith'], ephem_joh['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.title('Johannesburg, December')
plt.ylim(-100,100)



    


















    
Out[33]:








(-100, 100)










    

















    
























In [34]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,12,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,12,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data['aoi'].plot()
plt.title('Tucson, December, no backtrack')

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_joh['apparent_zenith'], ephem_joh['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
plt.figure()
tracker_data['aoi'].plot()
plt.title('Johannesburg, December, no backtrack')



    


















    
Out[34]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x117ccf0b8>










    

















    
























In [35]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,5,5), end=datetime.datetime(2014,5,6), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data['aoi'].plot()
plt.title('Tucson, May, no backtrack')

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_joh['apparent_zenith'], ephem_joh['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
plt.figure()
tracker_data['aoi'].plot()
plt.title('Johannesburg, May, no backtrack')



    


















    
Out[35]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x118e90dd8>

Calculate full POA irradiance

Finally, we'll put the tracker data together with the irradiance algorithms to determine plane-of-array irradiance.





In [36]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,3,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,3,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.ylim(-100,100)



    


















    
Out[36]:








(-100, 100)










    
























In [37]:



    


irrad_data = tus.get_clearsky(times.tz_localize(tus.tz))
dni_et = pvlib.irradiance.extraradiation(irrad_data.index, method='asce')
irrad_data.plot()
dni_et.plot(label='DNI ET')



    


















    
Out[37]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x118e4c710>










    
























In [38]:



    


ground_irrad = pvlib.irradiance.grounddiffuse(tracker_data['surface_tilt'], irrad_data['ghi'], albedo=.25)
ground_irrad.plot()



    


















    
Out[38]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x117d3f668>










    
























In [39]:



    


ephem_data = ephem_tus

haydavies_diffuse = pvlib.irradiance.haydavies(tracker_data['surface_tilt'], tracker_data['surface_azimuth'], 
                                                irrad_data['dhi'], irrad_data['dni'], dni_et,
                                                ephem_data['apparent_zenith'], ephem_data['azimuth'])
haydavies_diffuse.plot(label='haydavies diffuse')



    


















    
Out[39]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x11783f2e8>










    
























In [40]:



    


global_in_plane = cosd(tracker_data['aoi'])*irrad_data['dni'] + haydavies_diffuse + ground_irrad
global_in_plane.plot()



    


















    
Out[40]:








<matplotlib.axes._subplots.AxesSubplot at 0x118cbc080>

Do it again for another time of year.





In [41]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,6,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,6,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.ylim(-100,100)

irrad_data = tus.get_clearsky(times.tz_localize(tus.tz))
dni_et = pvlib.irradiance.extraradiation(irrad_data.index, method='asce')
plt.figure()
irrad_data.plot()
dni_et.plot(label='DNI ET')

ground_irrad = pvlib.irradiance.grounddiffuse(tracker_data['surface_tilt'], irrad_data['ghi'], albedo=.25)
ground_irrad.plot()

ephem_data = ephem_tus

haydavies_diffuse = pvlib.irradiance.haydavies(tracker_data['surface_tilt'], tracker_data['surface_azimuth'], 
                                                irrad_data['dhi'], irrad_data['dni'], dni_et,
                                                ephem_data['apparent_zenith'], ephem_data['azimuth'])
haydavies_diffuse.plot(label='haydavies diffuse')

global_in_plane = cosd(tracker_data['aoi'])*irrad_data['dni'] + haydavies_diffuse + ground_irrad
global_in_plane.plot(label='global in plane')

plt.legend()



    


















    
Out[41]:








<matplotlib.legend.Legend at 0x1185cc390>










    

















    








<matplotlib.figure.Figure at 0x118e51cc0>










    
























In [42]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,12,23), end=datetime.datetime(2014,12,24), freq='5Min')

ephem_tus = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(tus.tz), tus.latitude, tus.longitude)
ephem_joh = pvlib.solarposition.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(johannesburg.tz),
                                                  johannesburg.latitude, johannesburg.longitude)

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_tus['apparent_zenith'], ephem_tus['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.ylim(-100,100)

irrad_data = tus.get_clearsky(times.tz_localize(tus.tz))
dni_et = pvlib.irradiance.extraradiation(irrad_data.index, method='asce')
plt.figure()
irrad_data.plot()
dni_et.plot(label='DNI ET')

ground_irrad = pvlib.irradiance.grounddiffuse(tracker_data['surface_tilt'], irrad_data['ghi'], albedo=.25)
ground_irrad.plot()

ephem_data = ephem_tus

haydavies_diffuse = pvlib.irradiance.haydavies(tracker_data['surface_tilt'], tracker_data['surface_azimuth'], 
                                                irrad_data['dhi'], irrad_data['dni'], dni_et,
                                                ephem_data['apparent_zenith'], ephem_data['azimuth'])
haydavies_diffuse.plot(label='haydavies diffuse')

global_in_plane = cosd(tracker_data['aoi'])*irrad_data['dni'] + haydavies_diffuse + ground_irrad
global_in_plane.plot(label='global in plane')

plt.legend()



    


















    
Out[42]:








<matplotlib.legend.Legend at 0x104a23eb8>










    

















    








<matplotlib.figure.Figure at 0x10668d470>

Reproduce examples from pvl_singleaxis.m





In [43]:



    


abq = Location(35, -106, 'US/Mountain', 0, 'Albuquerque')
print(abq)



    


















    






Location: 
  name: Albuquerque
  latitude: 35
  longitude: -106
  altitude: 0
  tz: US/Mountain

Example 1:

Horizontal single axis tracking without back-tracking (max angle = 45 deg)





In [44]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,6,1), end=datetime.datetime(2014,6,2), freq='5Min')

ephem_abq = abq.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(abq.tz))

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_abq['apparent_zenith'], ephem_abq['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=45,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.ylim(-100,100)
plt.title('June 1, Albuquerque, NS Horizontal Single-Axis, no backtrack')



    


















    
Out[44]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x1185e6860>

Example 2:

Horizontal single axis tracking with back-tracking (assumes GCR of 0.3)





In [45]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,6,1), end=datetime.datetime(2014,6,2), freq='5Min')

ephem_abq = abq.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(abq.tz))

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_abq['apparent_zenith'], ephem_abq['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=45,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=.3)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.ylim(-100,100)
plt.title('June 1, Albuquerque, NS Horizontal Single-Axis, with backtracking')



    


















    
Out[45]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x117c5d1d0>

Example 3:

20 deg titled single axis tracking with back-tracking (assumes GCR of 0.3)





In [46]:



    


times = pd.date_range(start=datetime.datetime(2014,6,1), end=datetime.datetime(2014,6,2), freq='5Min')

ephem_abq = abq.get_solarposition(times.tz_localize(abq.tz))

tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(ephem_abq['apparent_zenith'], ephem_abq['azimuth'],
                                         axis_tilt=20, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=45,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=.3)
tracker_data.plot()
plt.ylim(-50,300)
plt.title('June 1, Albuquerque, 20 deg S-Tilted Single-Axis, with backtracking')



    


















    
Out[46]:








<matplotlib.text.Text at 0x104612dd8>

sketch of automated tests

test solar noon





In [47]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([10])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([180])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[47]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      10.0
      90.0
      0.0
      0.0
    

  




















In [48]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([60])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[48]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      0.0
      90.0
      60.0
      -60.0
    

  




















In [49]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([60])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[49]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      0.0
      90.0
      60.0
      60.0

Test max





In [50]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([60])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=45,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[50]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      15.0
      90.0
      45.0
      45.0

Test backtrack bool





In [51]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([80])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=False, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[51]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      8.537736e-07
      90.0
      80.0
      80.0
    

  




















In [52]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([80])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[52]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      52.571666
      90.0
      27.428334
      27.428334

Test axis_tilt





In [53]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([135])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=30, axis_azimuth=180, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[53]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      7.286245
      142.6573
      35.987415
      -20.88121
    

  




















In [54]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([135])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=30, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[54]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      47.66322
      50.969695
      42.515219
      31.665508

Test axis_azimuth





In [55]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=90, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[55]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      30.0
      180.0
      0.0
      0.0
    

  




















In [56]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([180])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=90, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[56]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      0.0
      180.0
      30.0
      30.0
    

  




















In [57]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([180])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=90, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[57]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      0.0
      180.0
      30.0
      30.0
    

  




















In [58]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([150])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=170, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[58]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      28.024321
      80.0
      11.170229
      -11.170229
    

  




















In [59]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([30])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([180])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=170, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[59]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      29.498704
      260.0
      5.725105
      5.725105
    

  




















In [60]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([10])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([180])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    
Out[60]:










  
    

      
      aoi
      surface_azimuth
      surface_tilt
      tracker_theta
    

  
  
    

      0
      10.0
      90.0
      0.0
      0.0

This is supposed to fail...





In [61]:



    


apparent_zenith = pd.Series([10])
apparent_azimuth = pd.Series([180,90])
tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
                                         axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
                                         backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
tracker_data



    


















    






---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AssertionError                            Traceback (most recent call last)
/Users/holmgren/git_repos/pvlib-python/pvlib/tracking.py in singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth, axis_tilt, axis_azimuth, max_angle, backtrack, gcr)
    282         pd.util.testing.assert_index_equal(apparent_azimuth.index,
--> 283                                            apparent_zenith.index)
    284     except AssertionError:

/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/pandas/util/testing.py in assert_index_equal(left, right, exact, check_names, check_less_precise, check_exact, check_categorical, obj)
    771                             '{0}, {1}'.format(len(left), left),
--> 772                             '{0}, {1}'.format(len(right), right))
    773 

/Users/holmgren/miniconda3/envs/pvlib35/lib/python3.5/site-packages/pandas/util/testing.py in raise_assert_detail(obj, message, left, right, diff)
   1017 
-> 1018     raise AssertionError(msg)
   1019 

AssertionError: Index are different

Index length are different
[left]:  2, RangeIndex(start=0, stop=2, step=1)
[right]: 1, RangeIndex(start=0, stop=1, step=1)

During handling of the above exception, another exception occurred:

ValueError                                Traceback (most recent call last)
<ipython-input-61-8bb6c34b0149> in <module>()
      3 tracker_data = pvlib.tracking.singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth,
      4                                          axis_tilt=0, axis_azimuth=0, max_angle=90,
----> 5                                          backtrack=True, gcr=2.0/7.0)
      6 tracker_data

/Users/holmgren/git_repos/pvlib-python/pvlib/tracking.py in singleaxis(apparent_zenith, apparent_azimuth, axis_tilt, axis_azimuth, max_angle, backtrack, gcr)
    284     except AssertionError:
    285         raise ValueError('apparent_azimuth.index and ' +
--> 286                          'apparent_zenith.index must match.')
    287 
    288     times = apparent_azimuth.index

ValueError: apparent_azimuth.index and apparent_zenith.index must match.
















In [ ]:

Content source: uvchik/pvlib-python

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