Overview
PVX.AI places lightning masts and analyzes their coverage using the rolling-sphere method per IEC 62305-3.
Prerequisites
Racks placed in the drawing, since the protected height reference plane is taken from the highest rack top.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Set the protection level
Open Lightning Protection on the Electrical sub-tab and set the IEC 62305 lightning protection level (LPL). The level fixes the rolling-sphere radius, so a stricter class protects less volume per mast. LPL III is the usual level for a plant with no explicit risk-assessment result.
2. Review the mast defaults
Check Mast height, Pole diameter and Restriction radius. No modules are placed inside the restriction radius, and at least 1 m is always kept clear around the base for the footing, earth electrode and maintenance access.
3. Place the masts
Click Place Masts, pick the mast positions in the drawing, and press Enter.
4. Analyze coverage
Click Run Coverage Analysis. Results show the mast count, the PV area protected and the equipment not protected, listing everything outside the protected volume, plus any modelling caveats. A coverage overlay is drawn in the drawing; Clear Overlay removes it.
Tips & Recommendations
- On sloping ground the reference plane is fixed by the tallest rack anywhere, so masts standing lower report a smaller protected radius. Override the reference plane if that is not what you want.
- Export the analysis as HTML or CSV for the design file.