Mechanical Design and Material Quality
- Component durability: High-quality materials like corrosion-resistant aluminum and stainless steel improve longevity.
- Motion activation systems: Designs using zero-backlash ball bearings (e.g., Mechatron Solar) or robust actuator arms reduce wear compared to traditional slew drives.
- Wind resistance: Automatic brakes and wind sensors prevent structural stress during storms.
Environmental Conditions
- Climate: Harsh weather (extreme heat, humidity, or sandstorms) accelerates component degradation.
- Terrain: Complex landscapes with uneven ground or stone protrusions may strain tracking mechanisms over time.
- Cloud cover: Frequent overcast conditions do not directly damage trackers but may increase relative wear due to unnecessary adjustments.
Maintenance and System Reliability
- Preventive upkeep: Regular lubrication and part replacements mitigate wear.
- Uptime: Modern designs achieve over 99% reliability, with failures often linked to inverters rather than tracker mechanics.
- Safety features: Redundant braking systems (e.g., Mechatron’s double-brake design) reduce unplanned downtime.
Operational Factors
- Energy consumption: Frequent motor use in real-time tracking may affect component lifespan without efficient control algorithms.
- Manufacturer warranties: Performance guarantees (e.g., 1c/Watt warranties) reflect confidence in longevity under specified conditions.
While dual-axis trackers typically have shorter lifespans than static systems due to moving parts, advancements in materials and design are narrowing this gap.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-factors-influence-the-lifespan-of-dual-axis-trackers/
