pvlib.snow.loss_townsend#
- pvlib.snow.loss_townsend(snow_total, snow_events, surface_tilt, relative_humidity, temp_air, poa_global, slant_height, lower_edge_height, angle_of_repose=40)[source]#
Calculates monthly snow loss based on the Townsend monthly snow loss model 1.
- Parameters
snow_total (array-like) – Snow received each month. Referred to as S in 1. [cm]
snow_events (array-like) – Number of snowfall events each month. Referred to as N in 1. [-]
surface_tilt (float) – Tilt angle of the array. [deg]
relative_humidity (array-like) – Monthly average relative humidity. [%]
temp_air (array-like) – Monthly average ambient temperature. [C]
poa_global (array-like) – Monthly plane of array insolation. [Wh/m2]
slant_height (float) – Row length in the slanted plane of array dimension. [m]
lower_edge_height (float) – Distance from array lower edge to the ground. [m]
angle_of_repose (float, default 40) – Piled snow angle, assumed to stabilize at 40°, the midpoint of 25°-55° avalanching slope angles. [deg]
- Returns
loss (array-like) – Monthly average DC capacity loss fraction due to snow coverage.
Notes
This model has not been validated for tracking arrays; however, for tracking arrays 1 suggests using the maximum rotation angle in place of
surface_tilt
.References
- 1(1,2,3,4)
Townsend, Tim & Powers, Loren. (2011). Photovoltaics and snow: An update from two winters of measurements in the SIERRA. 37th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, Seattle, WA, USA. DOI: 10.1109/PVSC.2011.6186627