Overview
Hydrology Analysis, previously called Drainage Analysis, evaluates water flow directions and flood-risk areas before you start designing. It maps drainage channels, flags assets at risk, and color-codes ground suitability for transformer placement.
Prerequisites
Terrain must be loaded, and you need a PV Area, KML boundary, or closed polyline to analyze.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the analysis
Click the Civil Analysis group button on the PVX.AI ribbon, then click Hydrology Analysis on the Analysis panel of the Civil sub-tab. Review the overview dialog.
2. Select the area
Click Select Area in Drawing and pick a PV Area, KML boundary, or closed polyline. PVX.AI analyzes the terrain to identify natural drainage channels and predict water flow.
3. Review the drainage map
Dark blue drainage channels on the DrainingSystem layer mark natural and concentrated drainage paths. Cyan flow-direction lines with magenta arrows show the predicted direction of water flow, and subcatchment polygons with pour-point markers show watershed boundaries and outlets.
4. Check assets at risk
An asset risk exposure table flags transformers, racks, and roads that sit in flood-risk positions. Use it to revisit those positions before the design goes further.
5. Place equipment on suitable ground
Transformer placement suitability zones color-code the ground as green (suitable), yellow (caution), and red (avoid), drawn on dedicated suitability layers with a percentage breakdown reported on the command line. Use them to land transformers and inverters on ground that drains and supports them.
Tips & Recommendations
- Run the analysis before you build the layout, so pooling and concentrated flow shape the design rather than interrupt it.
- Keep racks and roads clear of the dark blue drainage channels.
- Re-run it after grading: a graded surface drains differently.