Portuguese tracker manufacturer AlphaTracker has developed and patented an autonomous hydraulic mechanism that blocks the movement of solar trackers during strong wind gusts or high-amplitude vibrations, preventing axis displacement and reducing aeroelastic instability.
Once the adverse weather conditions pass, the system unlocks automatically without the need for electricity or electronic components.
According to the manufacturer, the Maxi-Lock system allows the integration of up to 60% more PV modules per tracker, reduces delivery costs by 20% and reduces the number of electronic and mechanical components in the assembly by 40%. The design also allows adjustment for installations on steeply sloping terrain.
No more technical details about the new product have been revealed.
The manufacturer also explained that conventional tracker installations on uneven terrain typically require projects to be divided into shorter units, each with its own motor and control system, increasing installation and maintenance costs. To address this problem, it developed Smart-Slope, a universal joint mechanism that transmits motion along the tracker axis even when sections are not perfectly aligned. This allows a single tracker unit to operate continuously in scenarios where two units were previously required.
The company said the result is a simpler, more reliable and easier to maintain installation. Because the system requires no additional machining of structural components and attaches to the axle via a clamp, Smart-Slope can be installed at any point along the tracker without being limited by the original design specifications. According to AlphaTracker, this eliminates the need for additional motors and control systems, reduces maintenance costs and the risk of failures by 50% and increases overall plant availability.
Both solutions are designed for conventional PV projects and agrivoltaic installations, the company said.
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