Aplitop and Soltec have collaborated to develop a plug-in computer-aided design (CAD) application aimed at simplifying the planning process and reducing earthmoving work, surveying and the relocation of solar trackers in ground-mounted PV projects.
Aplitop, a Spain-based civil engineering software developer, has collaborated with Soltec to launch TcpMDT Photovoltaic, an application designed to optimize topographic work on solar installation projects.
Created as a CAD plug-in, the app aims to streamline planning, reduce earthmoving work and simplify measurements and the movement of solar trackers in PV installations.
“Essentially, this tool seeks to simplify the tasks involved in the design and maintenance of solar installations, leading to savings of time and resources,” an Aplitop spokesperson told us. pv magazine.
The new tool enables accurate calculation of earthworks early in project development. It performs a 3D terrain analysis, dividing the project into areas based on maximum slopes, tolerance and elevation differences.
The tool also analyzes longitudinal (north-south) and transverse (east-west) slopes, calculates 3D topographic surfaces for natural, design and end terrain, and creates configurable profiles.
It includes advanced terrain modeling tools that automatically calculate the axis, slope and profiles for each tracker. Additional interactive tools detect and resolve non-compliance with criteria, while dike and cutting volumes are calculated and drawn for tracks requiring earthwork.
The application provides tailor-made, supported design with automatic distribution of mono-, bi- and articulated tracks or conversion of designs created with other applications.
It contains a tracker catalog with details such as physical dimensions, panel numbers, nominal clearance and support definition, including height, entry depth and longitudinal distribution. It also automatically numbers tracks and supports and links them to project references.
It generates detailed reports on areas, trackers, supports, slopes and volumes, and sends data to field equipment for stakeout. The tool creates a 3D model of the installation, provides a realistic final site representation and exports to the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format for integration into OpenBIM workflows.
TcpMDT Photovoltaic Powered by Soltec is available through Aplitop’s global distributor network.
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