Fully integrated linear actuator and rolling bearing units designed for solar tracking systems
Photovoltaic (PV), concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) systems operate more efficiently when their mirrors, collectors and PV modules accurately track the course of the sun during the day. The more precise and trouble-free these systems are, the more efficient and profitable the solar power plants operate.
By offering its linear actuator and bearings for swivel drives as a complete system, Schaeffler has taken another step towards the full integration of precision solar tracking systems for azimuth and elevation axes.
The linear actuator responsible for stroke movements in the elevation axis was custom designed to withstand the harsh operating conditions typically found in solar power plants. The linear actuator is designed for dynamic loads of up to 5kN and static loads of up to 15kN. The actuator can reach a stroke travel of up to 1,000mm at a stroke speed of 5 mm/s.
The complete mechatronics system comprises the rolling bearings for the individual bearing positions, screw drive spindle and spindle nut, extension tube, compact housing with cover, seal, drive technology (motor and gearbox unit), the sensors, and rod end for connecting the actuator. The innovative design and high flexibility of the unit allow the stroke length and mounting to be matched precisely to individual customer requirements.
The linear actuator can operate in high temperatures and is protected from dust, sand, wind and rain. Due to an encapsulated housing, a reduced number of fully-sealed joints, as well as an integrated motor, gearbox unit and entire drive technology, the linear actuator is able to operate maintenance-free. The sealing components provide the actuator with an IP66 protection rating, which prevents the ingress of contaminants such as water and sand. With its low-maintenance requirements and bearing supports, the linear actuator provides an operating life of up to 25 years.
The high precision axes ensure that the solar power plants generate optimum power output on a continuous basis. Schaeffler's linear actuator concept can also be adapted for use in other sectors or applications depending on the technical and geometrical requirements.
Bearings for precision swivel motion
Schaeffler's AXS angular contact rolling bearings and FAG X-life tapered roller bearings support the swivel drives that adjust the azimuth axis. These bearings have a high load carrying capacity and can be set clearance-free. This is an important prerequisite for high rigidity and positioning accuracy and therefore the efficiency of the entire tracking system.
The AXS series of rolling bearings have cylindrical rollers and raceways that are arranged at an angle to the bearing axis. The roller and cage assemblies comprise cylindrical rollers that are snapped into high-rigidity plastic cages with very close spacing. This means that high load ratings are achieved. A special feature of the AXS series are the conical bearing rings. These are manufactured using forming methods, making them cost-effective. In addition, turned bearing seats are sufficient for supporting the bearing rings. This reduces the cost of adjacent components.
Other News from Schaeffler (UK) Ltd
- Schaeffler introduces CONCEPT1 lubricator
- Automatic lubricators and Arcanol grease ensure conveyor motor bearings run reliably at opencast mine
- Unique data matrix codes help in the fight against fake bearings
- Plain Bearings from Schaeffler - tried and trusted for 75 years
- Schaeffler UK supports local charities
- High cost savings through online condition monitoring and automatic lubrication of flood pumps
- Schaeffler provides custom rotating direct drive motor for one of the world’s largest reflecting telescopes
- Schaeffler forges ahead with technology transfer
- Robots get greater range with plug-and-play linear actuators
- Condition monitoring test rig helps ensure high train availability
- Schaeffler presents electric motors ready for volume production
- Improved brass cage and insulation coating prolongs bearing life in rail applications
- Counterfeit bearings put end users and distributors at risk
- Plain bearings optimise bobsled chassis and steering systems
- Vibration analysis prolongs the life of critical motors
- Schaeffler takes over remainder of Compact Dynamics
- Vibration analysis helps crisp producer reduce downtime
- Lubrication of rolling bearings on a paint shop ventilation fan
- Top five considerations for replacing linear systems
- Rolling bearing selection: look at the bigger picture
- Schaeffler UK launches condition monitoring services
- Dispelling the myths about linear guidance systems
- Schaeffler bearings keep lock gates and valves moving on the Panama Canal
- Refurbishment of tilt bearings for Pendolino trains keeps Alstom on the right track
- Keeping wind turbines running with high reliability
- Schaeffler receives 2015 Quality Supplier Award from Danfoss
- Plug-and-play linear systems for production machines
- Schaeffler receives 2015 Quality Supplier Award from Danfoss
- Schaeffler celebrates 125 year anniversary of ball grinding mill
- High precision bearings for printing machinery
- Germanischer Lloyd certifies Schaeffler test method for calculating the rating life of rolling bearings
- Planetary screw drive offers high load carrying capacity and high power density
- Schaeffler supplies custom bearings for Pioneering Spirit
- Schaeffler launches online rolling bearing calculation software for electric motors and generators
- Schaeffler lends it support to winning Teen Tech team
- Monorail guides for wing assembly jig
- Swap scheme broadens skills of apprentices
- Wear of rolling bearings: signs, causes and remedies
- Schaeffler supplies monorail guides for Airbus A350 wing assembly jigs
- All you need to know about the lubrication of rolling bearings
- Monitoring the health of cable car drive systems
- Schaeffler becomes an e-F@ctory Alliance partner
- A guide to selecting the right linear guidance system
- Schaeffler becomes exclusive technology partner of ABT Sportsline in FIA Formula E
- Schaeffler receives award for carbon-based coating system
- 700 page technical guide
- Understanding how fatigue contributes to bearing failure
- Schaeffler to work with Porsche on new hybrid sports car for Le Mans
- Multi-point lubricator for rolling bearings
- Schaeffler unveils compact 48V electric drive module for hybrid electric vehicles
- New plummer block housing increases bearing operating life by up to 50%
- Unique multi-point lubricator caters for up to eight different bearing positions
- Precision components for e-bikes ensure higher efficiency and improved rider comfort
- Linear actuators
- Rally success for E-Wheel Drive concept car
- Schaeffler expands its range of innovations for all-electric and hybrid vehicles
- Corrosion-resistant and media lubricated bearings for water power applications
- Improve your skills and knowledge on rolling bearings and condition monitoring
- New large size, high performance tapered roller bearings reduce frictional torque by up to 50%
- Water power systems turn on corrosion-resistant bearings
- Screw drives for machine building and automation
- Schaeffler extends ballscrew drives to include new rolled version
- Split sphericals save €220,000 for chemical plant
- Schaeffler destroys 26 tonnes of counterfeit rolling bearings
- Materials and coatings increase operating life of bearings in harsh food and beverage applications
- Correct bearing mounting saves time and extends life
- Schaeffler and Ford unveil concept Fiesta with new space-saving electric wheel hub drives
- Rolling bearings: a guide to material selection
- X-life large cylindrical rolling bearings offer new design opportunities
- Device enables fast, easy alignment of rotating plant
- Online guide to mounting rolling bearingsOnline guide to mounting rolling bearings
- Schaeffler replaces main Trunnion Bearings on BOS Plant Vessels at Tata Steel Port Talbot
- Prevention is better than cure
- Bearing and condition monitoring training
- Precision bearings for solar energy offer long life and high efficiencies
- Wind Power Standard ensures improved reliability
- Schaeffler provides online condition monitoring of turbines at Crystal Rig wind farm
- Novel, lightweight designs cut vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
- Smooth movement of kinetic sculptures
- Hybrid bearings prevent premature failures in short stroke ball screw applications
- Linear actuators ensure precise positioning of sheet metal parts for transformer cores
- Prevent unplanned downtime of drill rig plant and machinery
- Intelligent sensor simplifies condition monitoring tasks
- Linear actuators enable faster delivery of prescription medication to patients
- Compact online sensor monitors condition of vibrating screens, pumps and motors
- New bearing concepts for renewable energy
- Improved bearing design for wind turbines
- System know-how and solutions for all bearing positions on wind turbines
- Online condition monitoring of grease in rolling bearings
- Composite plain bearings for wind, wave, tidal and solar energy systems
- New improved online condition monitoring system for wind turbines
- Needle roller bearings enable more energy efficient systems due to downsizing and reduced friction
- Schaeffler receives 2011 Supplier award from Porsche
- Investment in new plant and machinery gives Schaeffler UK the edge
- Schaeffler's lightweight balancer shaft receives PACE Award for lowering CO2 emissions
- Corrosion resistant, low friction, lightweight hybrid bearings boost performance of inline skates
- Rolling bearings and condition monitoring ensure safe elevator rides at The Eiffel Tower
- Schaeffler unveils new four-wheel drive, battery electric vehicle
- Axial ball bearings for household appliances cut energy consumption by 5%
- Schaeffler supports top level sports with engineering know-how
- Condition monitoring offers insurance against downtime
- New technologies drive vehicles towards a sustainable future
- Novel bearing and electric motor technology is critical to a new design of electric vehicle
- Linear guidance systems ensure accuracy and reliability of DMG milling centres
- Schaeffler scoops national sustainability prize
- Precision bearings make electric bikes more reliable and energy efficient
- Mounting and dismounting of large sized bearings
- New Awareness Campaign to prevent bearing counterfeiting
- Monitoring system detects early damage signs in gears
- Maintenance-free spherical plain bearings support new retractable roof at Olympic Stadium in Kiev
- Tube roller bearing prevents slippage in wind turbine gearboxes
- Low friction rolling bearings enable greater drive train efficiency in tractors and graders
- Robust, high performance spherical roller bearings withstand harsh heavy duty operating environments
- New bottom bracket bearings for cycles provide more energy efficient, smoother ride
- New powertrain simulation tool will improve wind turbine performance and reliability
- Reducing vehicle CO2 emissions by replacing plain bearings with rolling bearings
- Prince learns of green drive in Wales
- Bearings enable precise adjustment of wind turbine blades
- New low friction, maintenance-free plain bushes suit dry-running applications
- Schaeffler joins Low Carbon Vehicle Cluster
- Schaeffler's complete bearing replacement service minimises downtime for Subsea 7 pipe-lay vessel
- improving safety and fuel efficiency of Dakar Rally vehicles
- Bearings drive breakthrough in wave power technology
- Bearings keep on rolling with the wind
- Schaeffler plant produces one-millionth ball screw drive for electromechanical steering systems
- Bearings increase machine availability
- Mounting and dismounting rolling bearings
- Fiat contract boosts fortunes of UK manufacturing plant
- Monorail guidance systems get new calculation software
- Volvo recognises Schaeffler as an added value supplier
- New linear systems partnership offers complete motion control & automation solutions
- FAG spherical roller bearings selected for new retractable roof at Wimbledon's Centre Court
- Ball bearings reduce noise and friction
- Tailored training in roller bearings
- Bearings improve efficiency and safety of marine drives
- Actuators drive ground printing machines
- Metering valves cut lubricant consumption by 25 percent on linear guides
- Rolling bearings
- Actuators ideal where space is tight
- Linear motion products
- Operational costs are reduced
- Schaeffler wins manufacturing prize
- Reference library
- Linear bearings and guidance systems
- Miniature guides deliver high accuracy in harsh environments
- Shaft guidance
- Profiled rail linear guides carry loads of up to 149 tonnes
- Guide to valve train systems
- Lead-free and custom designed plain bearings
- Protective materials and coatings for harsh environments
- Warnings of bearing failure using vibration analysis
- Vibration analysis detects early failure of bearings
- Actuator for heavy duty applications
- Custom bearings are the key to high performance
- Precision machined components
- Bearing maker recognised for its investment in people
- Rolling element offers the best of both worlds
- Wheelset bearing kits reduce maintenance costs
- Cost-effective continuous lubrication
- Tools help with bearing mounting and dismounting
- New damage diagnosis instrument
- Highlighting the good from the bad
- Coatings improve INA FAG bearings in tough conditions
- Ingenious solution to highlight good bearings from bad
- Measurements on hard to reach machinery
Latest news about Linear acctuators
- Transport balls screws from Abssac
- Linear actuators the preferred solution for agricultural OEMs
- Actuators provide a low maintenance solution in a high duty bread manufacturing application
- Compact ServoWeld actuators from Tolomatic deliver high force in a small package
- New rod-style stainless steel actuator for food and beverage applications
- Thomson adds CANopen networking protocol option for Electrak HD actuators
- Thomson introduces compact electromechanical linear actuators with embedded CAN Bus support and PLC capability
- Investing in skills and technologies proves key
- ElectroCraft expands the AxialPower family of linear actuators with the APES 17
- compact electromechanical linear actuators with embedded CANbus support and PLC capability
- High force integrated actuator reduces footprint and extends service life
- Robots get greater range with plug-and-play linear actuators
- The force awakens
- Universal torque wrench calibration
- Going beyond just servo valves for auto test labs
- Proportional solenoids just got even smaller
- High force actuators: convert from hydraulic to electric
- Considerations for selecting electric actuators for harsh environments
- Screw jacks design guide for automation
- A quick guide to selecting the best linear motion product
- The motion control solution with higher load density
- Igus expands leadscrew range with iglidur E7 nuts
- Micro gripper allows fragile part handling to 2.5g force
- Actuators keep Sperry Rail on track
- Articulate gantries keep axle production moving
- Linear actuator drive choice is a precise balancing act
- Actuator is adaptable to a range of applications
- Reliance launches new actuators catalogue
- Lifting Cathedral’s dais to new heights
- Redesigned linear stages improve your process by up to 98%
- LG Motion delivers a perfect soft landing with moving coil actuators from SMAC
- New ideas in linear motion
- How to specify simple, reliable and adaptable screw jacks
- Modular design for electric actuators
- Zimmer clamping and breaking MBPS from Moore International
- New high load precision linear module from SKF
- New recirculating units offer unlimited stroke
- XY piezo nanopositioning stages with 50x50mm aperture
- Igus drylin ZLW for linear robotic applications
- Electric cylinders offer high power and speed
- Actuator switch delivers 89% energy savings
- Electromechanical joining module
- IP rated products from SMAC-MCA
- Haptic accelerator pedals improved
- Discovering the benefits of electromechanical actuation
- How to specify simple, reliable screw jacks
- Electric versus pneumatics
- Planetary screw drive offers high load carrying capacity and high power density
- Electric versus pneumatic
- Guideways, stages and ballscrews, plus accessories
- Miniature actuation solutions for Steeper's bebionic hand
- Trends in specifications for industrial linear actuators
- Inkoma KSH bevel gear high speed screw jacks from Francis and Francis
- Microsite showcases benefits of electric linear actuators in off-highway applications
- Electric throttle control for mechanical diesel engines
- Fast actuator delivery for machine builders
- Servo motor driven ballscrew key to car seat test system
- Linear drive technology aids PCB production throughput
- Back to basics on linear motion systems
- Warner Linear supplies actuators for all-terrain vehicles
- HepcoMotion linear actuators boost safety at packaging plant
- Integrated XY ball-screw stage for cost-sensitive planar performance
- Linear actuators
- Intelligent stepper motor linear stages
- Moore International at Southern Manufacturing 2014
- Eight tonne load driven into oven
- Self-lubricating and compact, drylin E offers a complete drive solution, with axis and motor
- New Generation of drylin Linear Axes for food and beverage applications
- Electric cylinders deliver control and flexibility
- High acceleration, high load and smooth running
- Linear solutions for heavier loads
- Low friction positioning and transportation
- Powerful, precise option for linear positioning tasks
- Robust and reliable electric linear actuation
- Screw drives for machine building and automation
- Simulator improves race cars and driver training
- Smooth, accurate, linear positioning systems
- Schaeffler extends ballscrew drives to include new rolled version
- Linear actuation for hovercraft steering
- Moore International to distribute Schneeberger
- Selecting lead screws
- Sun seekers
- The future belongs to electric actuation
- High-speed axis features roller bearings for higher performance
- Optimised motion series provides cost-effective motion control
- Cost-effective linear motion for a wide range of applications
- Bomb disposal robot gets extra lift with actuator
- Raising the stakes
- igus linear drive modules for extreme conditions
- Miniature linear actuator offers stroke lengths of up to 250mm
- Linear actuators ensure precise positioning of sheet metal parts for transformer cores
- Actuators compatible with profile system
- Linear actuator speeds up pick and place processes
- Screw jacks for hygiene conscious tasks
- Servo press module equipped with wireless telemetry for clean rooms
- Simple solution found for heavy duty linear actuator
- Heavy-duty linear axis with belt drive or ball screw
- Linear actuators enable faster delivery of prescription medication to patients
- Adapter kit enables linear bearing systems to be built easily
- Small, lightweight and lubricant-free system for positioning small loads
- New electro hydrostatic design concept unveiled
- Welding guns rely on ballscrews
- Renewable Energy in Motion
- Back to basics on ball screws
- Electric cylinders
- Folded over motorised linear rail system
- Servo actuators provide a boost for machine productivity
- NSK achieves 40% cost reduction for welding gun manufacturer
- Linear motion technology
- Maximum precision from spindle drives
- Penny and Giles integrates Mechetronics into its controls division
- Lubricant-free linear drive fully assembled with NEMA motor
- Electric alternative to screw or belt drives
- Novel bi-parting drive cuts the cost of machine automation
- Linear motion: myth and reality
- Rack and pinion drive system
- Roof lift improves composting
- Linear actuators bring greater flexibility to automation
- Cost effective alternative to pneumatic actuators
- Screw jacks
- Compact, precise external actuator
- Greater choice needed as Britain automates
- Lightweight face tests respirator seals
- Linear actuation for Advanced Gun System for the US Navy
- Medical leadscrews in miniature sizes
- Short stroke electric cylinder uses tubular linear motor
- Compact actuator delivers reliability for film winding
- High performance in a small package
- Heason Technology is appointed Premier Partner for Danaher Motion's Thomson brand
- Power Jacks provides the lift for aero engine transport
- All-in-one motion package
- Performance cylinders based on innovative tubular linear motor
- Stainless steel linear motor
- The advantage of large journal at rolled screw cost
- Festo enters low-cost electric actuator market
- All-in-one actuator package is an easy to specify option
- From light duties to the most rugged
- Guide ball bushing for miniature sizes
- High speed linear motion
- Linear actuators with embedded force sensors
- Linear motion package suits clean room tasks
- Screw jacks weigh up the universe
- Vacuum-through shaft actuator eliminates common dust problems
- Belt driven actuator is a really fast mover
- Linear motion products
- Power Jacks Helps Wimbledon Play On
- Safe work access for nuclear containers
- Actuators drive ground printing machines
- Ballscrews take to the sky
- Driven to provide greater capacity
- Increased safety and longer life
- Actuators ideal where space is tight
- All-in-one linear actuator technology is on a roll
- Linear actuator offers higher force
- Rack actuator offers precision and efficiency
- Actuators reduce package size and cost
- Direct drive modules increase throughput
- Linear drives range boosts performance
- Actuators go stainless
- Corrosion-free screw jacks
- Electrics oust pneumatics
- Left handed and right handed lead screws
- Linear actuators now have inbuilt force measuring option
- Mechatronic assemblies integrate intelligence
- Push or pull the heaviest of loads
- Radical new option for linear motion
- Modularising machine design and build
- Actuation systems
- A more productive plant
- Drive systems
- Electromechanical actuators prove a good fit for joining
- Off the shelf connectors for parallel motion
- Mechatronic assistance tidal simulation project
- Opening doors for neutrons
- Precision three-in-one servo actuators
- Should you build or buy?
- Telescopic pillars suit medical tables
- Virtually unlimited lift in a space saving package
- The myths of converting to electric actuators debunked
- Belt actuator combines accuracy and durability
- Automation made simple with linear motion technology
