BMG has extended the supply of Varvel gearboxes for small and medium power applications to include customised worm gearboxes for installation in photovoltaic solar tracking systems.
“As part of BMG’s commitment to providing alternative energy sources, the company works in conjunction with Varvel specialists and South African PV component manufacturers to design sustainable solutions for local conditions,” says Kelly Mac Iver, gears business unit manager, BMG. “Through close collaboration, BMG, Varvel and South African solar tracking manufacturers, PiA Solar SA, have redesigned mechanical drive components for solar tracking systems, to enhance cost-efficiency, increase installation speed and optimise the performance of every PV tracking installation.
“Customised Varvel worm gearboxes – designed to minimise losses associated with the energy conversion process – are incorporated in PiA Solar’s ContouR+ single-axis trackers. These maintenance-free gearboxes maximise efficiency by ensuring solar panels are always in the optimal position to track the sun.”
The PiA Solar tracker solution consists of a horizontal single-axis tracker that is capable of contour tracking the sun, both along and between rows of solar panels (up to 60 modules per row and 32 rows wide). The modular design requires no cutting, drilling or welding on-site and forms a mass-balanced system, reducing wear and self-consumption of the PV plant. The spring structure eliminates deviations in tilt within the rows, reduces peak power requirements of the electrical push-pull drive system, and also protects against oscillation of the system at low tilts.
BMG’s lightweight Varvel worm gearboxes are installed on solar panels to ensure that they are constantly in an optimal position to be able to track the sun. Versatile Varvel RT worm gearboxes have numerous advantages for PV installations, including an ingress protection rating of IP66. Other significant features include a high ratio of 1120:1 and the non-back driveability design for locking the solar panels in place, to resist external forces from moving the panels off their stopped position.
The Varvel range, which is designed for flexibility and interchangeability with other leading gearboxes, as well as easy mounting and quick lead times, enables BMG to offer customised power transmission solutions to users of gearboxes in diverse sectors.
South African businesses can alleviate energy price crisis
Electrical Power & Protection
While grid instability remains a concern, the immediate and most critical driver of South African commercial and industrial investment in renewable energy is the escalating cost of electricity.
Read more...Real-time modelling is the key to a resilient, bi-directional energy grid Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Utilities and municipalities are facing a challenge as the country’s legacy power grid, engineered for one-way energy delivery from centralised suppliers to end-users, must rapidly evolve to meet a new paradigm.
Read more...Shielding data centre growth from the looming power crunch Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s digital economy is placing unprecedented strain on the power grid. The good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. By adopting proactive strategies such as alternative power sources, infrastructure planning and software, operators can secure capacity, build resilient facilities and scale sustainably.
Read more...Circuit breaker innovations Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Recent advancements in circuit breaker technology have seen a major step forward in setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in data centres, industrial and commercial infrastructure.
Read more...Common battery tester errors and what they mean Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Battery testers help quickly assess battery health, diagnose issues, and determine whether a battery needs a charge or replacement. This guide covers some of the most common battery tester errors, what they mean, and what can cause them.
Read more...Cathodic protection design considerations that influence ESG outcomes Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Electrical Power & Protection
Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are at constant risk of corrosion. David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments, while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.
Read more...Recovering condensate and waste heat
Electrical Power & Protection
According to Associated Energy Services, strong partnerships with thermal energy users optimise opportunities to benefit from condensate return. waste heat recovery and the prevention of system contamination.
Read more...Quantum engine powered by particle entanglement
Electrical Power & Protection
In a landmark achievement that signals a new era in energy research, a team of physicists in China has carried out the first successful test of a quantum engine powered by particle entanglement. This technological breakthrough represents a fundamental shift in our approach to energy production.
Read more...Advancing sustainability in South Africa’s fruit industry Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric, together with Technoserve Medium Voltage, has implemented its advanced SF6-free MV switchgear at Two-a-Day situated in Grabouw in the Overberg district.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version