Helios 3D software

Project Engineering

Electric: After finishing the layout of a PV plant, the next important and time consuming task ist the electrical design. This is a very complex task and needs a sophisticated and intelligent integrated software solution to be applicable for the individual layouts. Each company or even the developer has kind of its own scheme to design an electric layout, so the software should be as flexible as possible. To achieve this, a unique concept was developed for HELIOS 3D. The workflow starts with the definition of several basic structures, describing first an abstract, logical electrical connection. This structure is later on refined by assigning the specific parameters of physical components and real world devices. So finally the physical rack layout can be connected to an electrical cable layout.

Project Development

Evaluation of suitable terrains for solar plants becomes an essential part in solar project development. Therefore a system that can do this, is of high value. HELIOS 3D has functions to qualify land with ease, that you normally would not consider to be in the useable range. With a few mouse clicks all essential values are checked.

Project Layout

The core functionality: The core functionality of HELIOS 3D is, to place the racks without shadows casted on them on any suitable terrain. This is done in connection with the knowledge about the geographical position of the project area and a reference date and time, that defines the actual angle of the sun. To achieve a shadow free placement, the longest shadow casted in a row is calculated, and the distance for the next row is set to this value. The red shadow lines show the influence of the terrain on the layout and can be interpreted to recognize areas, which could perhaps lead to higher yield, if they are graded to a better shape.

Powerful Layout Tools

HELIOS 3D is one of the most powerful layout tools for utility scale solar plants available on the market. It is successfully production proven worldwide for nearly 7 years. Furthermore several Gigawatts of installed peak power will be completed using HELIOS 3D. Users comment that layouts and designs done by HELIOS 3D can be completed in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods. The SQL database framework supports team oriented work in a network environment and stores all essential basic and project data. Autodesk‘s Civil 3D is the platform CAD system, which includes highly productive functions for creating and modeling digital terrains, used to complete a broad range of civil engineering tasks.