Model step
Backtracking width
Width used in the backtracking angle
Inputs used: Collector band width, GCR (ground cover ratio), Top inactive band, Bottom inactive band, Custom backtracking width
What it is
A backtracking tracker rotates back toward flat when the sun is low, so that the shadow of one row just misses the next. The angle at which that happens depends on the width the controller assumes for the row, and the options set that width.
Options
- Active band width: the collector width plus the inactive band on the upper edge of the row
- GCR: the collector width as given by the ground cover ratio
- Custom: an explicit width from the tracker controller settings
References
- Lorenzo, Narvarte & Muñoz 2011, Tracking and back-tracking, Progress in Photovoltaics 19(6) 747–753
API
array.backtracking_width_method = active_band | gcr | custom, array.backtracking_width_m