Dunkermotor has been involved in the solar tracking field, providing motors for products, for the last 16 years. The company has heard a lot of feedback from field engineers and installers about tracker systems. The company thinks it’s important to share what it has learned with tracker manufacturers so the solar industry can be more competitive, safer and sustainable.
Here is some of what solar installers have told Dunkermotor:
Reduce or integrate motor-related components for quicker installation.
Solar tracker installers are often hired by developers because they can do the work more cost effectively and faster than their competition. To get the work done quickly, installers prefer the motor and other components–such as the gear reducer, linear actuator, encoder, inclinometer, and anemometer–to be as closely integrated as possible. Mismatched or components that don’t align are a time consuming and costly problem. Solar tracker motors shipped as one unit with an integrated gearbox, encoders, linear or rotary actuators with the inclinometer, if available, would be an excellent time and cost-saving product for installers.
Simplify motor electrical power and control connections for safer installations.
Installers are outside in harsh environmental conditions, and the safety of personnel and motor components are important concerns. Electrical connections with low voltage and DC power are safer and preferred over high voltage AC power. Power connections to the motor from the controller and main bus network that are integrated or reduced to a single cable are safer and preferred. Multiple cable connections may cause unsafe connections, space constraints and more difficult diagnostic testing.
Reduce motor related component weight and bulk, for easy installations.
Installers prefer components that can be installed with one or two workers. Ideally, component installation would not require a crane or other lifting device, which are not readily available in the remote areas where trackers are often installed. Motors and motion control need to be light and compact. From an installer’s point of view, multiple but modular sets of components are ideal. Modular components simplify installation, diagnostic testing and accelerate commissioning. Smaller and modular components can also maintain uninterrupted power generation. This seems to bode well with power providers, too.
Simplify motor and control operations for smoother tracking installations.
The most important part of a tracker installation is to ensure it accurately follows accurately the sun’s movement across the sky. The tracking resolution must be as precise as possible, up to 0.0002°. The greater the precision, the more efficient the project. Installers generally take an inordinate amount of time to achieve this goal. For that reason, installers prefer embedded intelligent sensor technology in the motor. Motors with an onboard computer allow for distributed control and proper execution of mission-critical functions. They also can provide diagnostics to the installers.
Endeavor for lifetime maintenance-free operation of motor components.
Installers don’t like returning to project sites for repairs or re-installations. They want maintenance-free components for the 30-year life of the project. Motors and components are exposed to unforgiving environments and harsh weather. Motors need to survive the extreme high and low temperatures of deserts. They must have comprehensive protection against water and dust. IP67-rated moisture equalizing protective vents are necessary. In areas where heavy saline or chemically corrosive vapors are prevalent, installers prefer that the units be covered by shrink wrap tubing with UL-rated sun protection. Motors and components are expected to last 15 to 20 years.
A note from Dunkermotor: With a pivot to ‘Smart Motor’ technology and the development of STM features, Dunkermotor (USA) has endeavored to provide solutions to some of the most pressing and cost-saving issues present in the solar tracker industry.
