Synchronization with CAD

This feature enables real-time bidirectional data synchronization and interaction between Candela3D and CAD software.

Below are some application scenarios:

Reverse import	The photovoltaic array, transformer, Level1 devices, and Combine relationships in the CAD drawings can be reversely imported into Candela3D
Comparison	The CAD drawings generated by Candela3D will undergo modifications during on-site construction (such as adding, reducing, moving devices, modifying numbers, and changing string or combine relationships). This feature visually displays the differences between the two, facilitating synchronization between them
Synchronize location	Update SU based on CAD with one click Update CAD based on SU with one click Delete, Create, and Move specified devices in SU/CAD
Synchronize number	Based on CAD/SU, update the Device number in SU/CAD
Synchronized Combine Relationship	Modify the electrical connections in SU based on the electrical connections in CAD
Import or export polylines and lines	Import polylines and lines directly from CAD, without relying on importing CAD files. Through communication, directly read polylines and lines from specified layers in CAD Export polylines and lines from SU to CAD without relying on c2c files as an intermediary, directly enabling CAD to generate polylines and lines on specified layers through communication

Preliminary preparation and function activation

Open the SKP format 3D model file of the project in SU, and open the DWG format design file of the same project in CAD.

Click the "Synchronize with CAD" function button, select the CAD project file corresponding to the current SKP model in the pop-up box, and then click "Are you sure to". At this time, pay attention to the legend "Communication status" in the upper left corner of the interface, which should display as "Normal".

Compare locations of PV arrays

This function is primarily designed to verify whether the positions of the photovoltaic arrays in the SU 3D model align with those in the CAD design files, highlighting any discrepancies and enabling synchronous operations.

The use of this function is subject to the following prerequisites:

Condition 1: When relating arrays by layer, each layer in CAD can only have arrays of one size;

Condition 2:  Before synchronization, if a certain type of array does not exist in SU, it is necessary to first create an array of that type on the "Create array" interface.

Comparison of Parameter settings

Under the premise of normal communication status, right-click the mouse and select the first menu "Compare locations of PV arrays" from the pop-up right-click menu. After the parameter settings pop-up appears, configure the following parameters one by one according to the project design requirements:

Compare range: You can select "Show all" (to compare the locations of all photovoltaic arrays in SU and CAD), "Specified range" (to specify the arrays within a specific area for comparison by drawing, selecting layers in SU or CAD, which is suitable for verification after local adjustments in large projects), or "Specified power block". ​

Definition of arrays in CAD: Used to specify the identification basis for photovoltaic arrays in CAD files. You can choose "By block name" or "By layer". ​

Associate numbers with arrays in CAD: Used to show the number of the related array. ​

CAD array layer and number: It is necessary to select the correct layer where the photovoltaic array is located in the CAD file, and then select the corresponding array number layer (the unselected photovoltaic array will not be involved in the comparison).

SU array name: Select the name corresponding to the photovoltaic array in SU.

Tilt: When no Value is entered, the parameter will be automatically identified and calculated based on the corresponding Layer information after selection; once a Value is entered, the software will not automatically Refresh the parameter.

Ground clearance: The ground clearance of the lowest point of the PV array, similar to the tilt.

Allowable deviation of array size: Set the allowable error range for the array size in SU and CAD. ​

Allowable deviation of positions: Set the allowable error range for the positions of arrays in SU and CAD. ​

Azimuth Volatility: Set the allowable deviation range for the array azimuth in SU and CAD. ​

After all parameter settings are completed, the "Tilt" and "Ground clearance" parameters are displayed correctly with the status showing as "OK". Click the "Are you sure to" button to start the comparison process.

Viewing Comparison Results and Subsequent Operations

After executing the settings of "Compare locations of PV arrays" function, the legend in the top left corner can display the quantity of "Arrays with the same location", "Arrays only in SU", and "Arrays only in CAD". Additionally, by right-clicking on the SU interface, users can select the following menus from the context menu for subsequent operations:

                       

Refresh: When there are changes in the array data in CAD (such as adding, moving, or deleting arrays), this function is needed to refresh the data. When the synchronization range, synchronization layer, or other settings change, it is necessary to return to the previous level and reset the settings on the "Compare Array Position Interface".

Synchronize location: If you need to unify the data of the photovoltaic arrays of both systems, you can choose to update based on one of them. For example, if you select "Update CAD based on SU", the array data of "SU only" will be added to the CAD file, and the array of "CAD only" will be deleted from CAD. Similarly, if you select "Update SU based on CAD", the process will be the same. ​

● Update CAD based on SU

● Update SU based on CAD

Move location:

● Move by number: This is applicable to arrays with the same number but different locations. You can choose one of the arrays as the benchmark for updating;（for example，update CAD based on SU）

● Click selection and move: By manually clicking on the array, select one side as the reference for updating.（for example，update SU based on CAD）

Synchronize number: If you need to unify the Array numbers of two systems, you can choose one as the benchmark for updating. The prerequisite for using this function is that the Array locations need to be synchronized first.

● Update CAD based on SU

● Update SU based on CAD

Select arrays: Selecting an array at a specific location in SU facilitates subsequent individual processing.

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Delete or Create Selected: For the selected array, you can perform a delete or create operation in SU/CAD.

Show arrays: It can display specific photovoltaic arrays, facilitating intuitive viewing of their locations. ​

Show number: You can only show the CAD/SU number when the numbers are not the same.

Compare locations of transformers

This function is primarily used to verify whether the Transformer position, number, and capacity parameters in the SU 3D model are consistent with the Transformer information in the CAD design files. It displays the positional deviations and parameter differences between the two, and allows for synchronous operations.

This function has the following prerequisites: when comparing transformers by block name, the transformer block in CAD needs to be defined with attributes.

Comparison of Parameter settings

Under the premise of normal communication status, right-click the mouse and select the second menu "Compare locations of transformers" from the pop-up right-click menu. After the parameter settings pop-up box appears, the following parameters need to be configured one by one according to the project design requirements:

 

Electrical configuration: It is necessary to select a configuration that is consistent with the electrical configuration of the existing transformers in SU.

Compare range: You can select "Show all" (to compare the locations of all transformers in SU and CAD), "Specified range" (to specify transformers within a specific area for comparison by drawing or selecting layers in SU or CAD), or "Specified power block". ​

Definition of transformer in CAD: Used to clarify the identification basis for transformers in CAD files. You can choose "By block name" or "By layer". ​

Transformer association number in CAD: Used to show the number of the associated transformer. ​

Maximum matching distance between number and transformer: Maximum associated distance of the number

Definition of CAD transformer capacity: Used to define the capacity of transformers.

Maximum matching distance between capacity and transformer: When selecting by CAD layer, it refers to the maximum associated distance of capacity.

CAD transformer layer, number, and capacity: It is necessary to select the correct layer where the transformers are located in the CAD file, and then choose the corresponding transformer number layer (transformers not selected will not be involved in the comparison).

Allowable deviation of transformer dimensions: Set the allowable error range for transformer dimensions in SU and CAD. ​

Allowable deviation of transformer position: Set the allowable error range for the transformer position in SU and CAD.

Allowable deviation of transformer azimuth angle: Set the allowable error range for the azimuth angle of transformers in SU and CAD.

After all parameter settings are completed, click the "Are you sure to" button to initiate the comparison process.

Viewing Comparison Results and Subsequent Operations

After executing "Compare locations of transformers", the legend in the top left corner can display the quantity of "Transformers with same location", "Transformers only in SU", and "Transformers only in CAD". Additionally, by right-clicking on the SU interface, you can select the following menus from the context menu for subsequent operations:

Refresh: When there are changes in the transformer data in CAD (such as adding, moving, or deleting transformers), this function is needed to refresh the data. When the Synchronization range, Synchronization layer, or other settings change, it is necessary to return to the previous level and reset in the "Compare Transformer Locations" interface.

Synchronize location: If you need to unify the transformer data of both systems, you can choose to update based on one of them. For example, if you select "Update CAD based on SU", the transformer data of "SU only" will be added to the CAD file, and the transformers of "CAD only" will be deleted from CAD. Similarly, if you select "Update SU based on CAD", the process will be the same. ​

● Update CAD based on SU

● Update SU based on CAD

Move location:

● Move by number: Applicable to transformers with the same number but different locations. You can choose one as the benchmark for updating;（for example，update CAD based on SU）

● Click selection and move: Manually click on a transformer to select it as the reference for updating.（for example，update SU based on CAD）

Synchronize number, capacity, or size: If you need to unify the transformer numbers, capacities, and sizes of two entities, you can choose to update based on one of them. The prerequisite for using this function is that the transformer locations need to be synchronized first.

● Update CAD based on SU：（Synchronize number）

● Update SU based on CAD：（Synchronize capacity）

● Update SU based on CAD：（Synchronize size）

Select transformers: Select transformers at specific locations in SU for subsequent individual processing.

  

Delete or Create Selected: For the selected transformers, you can perform a delete or create operation in SU/CAD.

Show transformers: It allows for the display of specific transformers, facilitating an intuitive view of their location. ​

Compare locations of L1 devices

This function is primarily designed to verify the consistency between the location and number of L1 devices in the SU 3D model and the String device information in the CAD design files. It displays the positional deviations and parameter discrepancies between the two, and allows for synchronous operations.

This function has the following prerequisites: Before synchronization, if the L1 devices are inverters, an inverter needs to be created on the "Create Inverter" interface first.

Comparison Parameter Settings

Under the premise of normal communication status, right-click the mouse and select the third menu option "Compare locations of L1 devices" from the pop-up right-click menu. After the parameter setting pop-up appears, configure the following parameters one by one according to the project design requirements:

Electrical configuration: It is necessary to select a configuration that is consistent with the electrical configuration of the existing transformers in SU.

Compare range: You can choose "Show all" (to compare the locations of all Level 1 devices in SU and CAD), "Specified range" (to specify a specific area of Level 1 devices for comparison by drawing, selecting a layer in SU or CAD), or "Specified power generation unit". ​

Definition of L1 devices in CAD: This is used to clarify the identification basis for L1 devices in CAD files. You can choose between "By block name" and "By layer". ​

L1 device association number in CAD: Used to display the number associated with Level1 devices. ​

CAD L1 device layer, number, and String inverter type: It is necessary to select the correct layer where the L1 devices are located in the CAD file, and then choose the corresponding L1 device number layer and String inverter type (unselected L1 devices are not involved in the comparison).

Ground clearance of L1 device: Only used during creation, does not affect location comparison. ​

Allowable deviation of L1 device position: Set the allowable error range for the position of L1 devices in SU and CAD.

Allowable deviation of L1 device azimuth angle: Set the allowable error range for the azimuth angle of L1 devices in SU and CAD.

After all parameter settings are completed, click the "Are you sure to" button to initiate the comparison process.

Viewing Comparison Results and Subsequent Operations

After executing "Compare locations of L1 devices", the legend in the top left corner can display the numbers of "L1 devices with same location", "L1 devices only in SU", and "L1 devices only in CAD". Additionally, by right-clicking on the SU interface, the following menus can be selected from the context menu for subsequent operations:

 

Refresh: When there are changes in the data of L1 devices in CAD (such as adding, moving, or deleting L1 devices), this function is needed to refresh the data. When the synchronization range, synchronization layer, or other settings change, it is necessary to return to the previous level and reset on the "Compare L1 Device Position Interface".

Synchronize location: If you need to unify the data of Level1 devices between the two, you can choose to update based on one side. For example, if you select "Update CAD based on SU", the data of Level1 devices for "SU only" will be added to the CAD file, and the Level1 devices for "CAD only" will be deleted from CAD. Selecting "Update SU based on CAD" is similar. ​

● Update CAD based on SU

● Update SU based on CAD

Move location:

● Move by number: Applicable to L1 devices with the same number but different locations, where one of them can be selected as the benchmark for updating;（for example，update CAD based on SU）

● Click selection and move: Manually click on a Level1 device and select one side as the reference for updating.（for example，update SU based on CAD）

Synchronize number or Size: If you need to unify the number and size of Level1 devices, you can choose to update based on one of them. The prerequisite for using this function is that the location of Level1 devices needs to be synchronized first.

● Update CAD based on SU：（Synchronize number）

● Update SU based on CAD：（Synchronize Size）

Select L1 combine devices: Select a Level1 combine device at a specific location in the SU for subsequent individual processing.

Delete or Create Selected: For the selected Level1 devices, you can perform the Delete or Create operation in SU/CAD.

Show L1 combine device: It allows for the display of specific Level1 combine devices, facilitating an intuitive view of their location. ​

Compare electrical connections

This function is primarily designed to verify the combiner relationships among PV strings, Level1 devices, and transformers in the SU 3D model against those in the CAD design files. It displays any discrepancies and enables synchronous operations.

The use of this function is subject to the following prerequisites:

● Before synchronization, it is necessary to first synchronize the PV arrays, Level1 devices, and transformer positions before comparing the stringing relationships.

● When synchronizing by number, ensure that the device number in the cad is correct; for arrays with multiple strings, use the array number instead of the string number during synchronization.

● When synchronizing by polylines range, it is necessary to use closed polylines to frame the master and slave devices one by one in CAD according to the string relationship, ensuring that the polygons of the devices are within the range.

● When synchronizing by color, it is necessary to ensure that the master and slave devices with a String relationship are of the same color. Throughout the entire drawing, colors can be reused, but the distance between devices should be greater than the "Max grouping distance" set on the interface. For arrays with multiple strings, assuming the layer or block name is Array1, if there is an Array1_str layer in the CAD drawing, the color of the rectangle in that layer will be automatically used as the basis for the String relationship.

To synchronize the complete Combine relationship, two synchronizations of the Combine relationship are required. You can choose one of the following two options:

● PV strings and transformer, PV strings and Level1 device;

● PV strings and Level1 devices, Level1 devices and transformers.

Comparison of Parameter settings

Under the premise of normal communication status, right-click the mouse and select the fourth menu "Compare electrical connections" from the pop-up right-click menu. After the parameter settings pop-up appears, configure the following parameters one by one according to the project design requirements:

 

Synchronization range: You can select "Show All" (to compare the string relationships within all areas in SU and CAD) or "Specified range" (to specify the string relationships within a specific area by drawing, selecting layers in SU or CAD for comparison).

Synchronization relationship:

● Pv strings and transformers: Synchronize the confluence relationship between strings and transformer;

● Strings and L1 devices: Synchronize the confluence relationship between strings and L1 combine devices only;

● L1 devices and transformers: Synchronizes only the String relationship between L1 devices and transformers.

Synchronization type:

● By number: Applicable to projects with a complete numbering system, where the numbering in CAD serves as the basis for determining the string relationship;

● By color: Determine the String relationship based on the color matching in CAD, synchronizing the String relationship of objects of the same color in batch;

● By polylines range: Determine the string relationship based on the polylines drawn in CAD, suitable for quick synchronization scenarios without numbering and coloring.

After all parameter settings are completed, click the "Are you sure to" button to initiate the comparison process.

Viewing Comparison Results and Subsequent Operations

Synchronizing Pv strings and transformers

After executing "Compare electrical connections", the legend in the top left corner can display "Strings with different electrical connection relationships". Pressing the TAB key can switch to display the current electrical connection relationship. Additionally, right-clicking on the SU interface allows you to select the following menus from the context menu for subsequent operations:

Refresh: When there are changes in the electrical connections data in CAD (such as modifying numbers, colors, or adjusting the range of polylines), this function is needed to refresh the data. When the synchronization range, synchronization relationship, or other related settings change, it is necessary to return to the previous level and reset the settings on "Synchronize confluence relationships from CAD".

Based on CAD, update SU: After clicking "Based on CAD, update SU", the electrical connections in CAD will be synchronously updated to SU.

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Synchronization of Pv strings and Level1 devices

After executing "Compare electrical connections", the legend in the top left corner can display "strings with different electrical connection relationships". Pressing the TAB key can switch to display the current electrical connection relationship. Additionally, right-clicking in the SU interface allows you to select the following menus from the context menu for subsequent operations:

Synchronizing L1 devices and transformers

After the "Compare electrical connections" operation is completed, the legend in the upper left corner can display "inverters/String boxes with different electrical connection relationships". Pressing the TAB key can switch to display the current electrical connection relationship. Additionally, by right-clicking on the SU interface, you can select the following menus from the context menu for subsequent operations:

Import or export polylines and Llines

This feature is designed to facilitate bidirectional data transmission between SU and CAD for polylines and straight lines, and is suitable for synchronous updating of data such as project red lines and road boundaries.

Before performing this Operation, ensure that the "Coordinate Origin" has been correctly set in the "Project settings".

After the communication status is normal, right-click in the SU interface and select "Import or export polylines and lines" from the pop-up right-click menu. An operation selection pop-up box will appear:

If you need to export polylines/lines from SU to CAD, you need to select the "Export to CAD" option. Choose the layer in the SU file where the polylines need to be exported, and the software will automatically export the polylines/lines in that layer to the specified CAD layer, completing the data synchronization.

If you need to import polylines/lines from CAD into SU, you need to select the "Import from CAD" option.