Movement for Tracking
LINAK supplies movement
Linear actuator solutions from LINAK supplies movement to your tracking
system.
LINAK is a specialist in linear movement and we have supplied actuators to solar tracking OEMs for several years. We have specially designed solutions ready to take up the challenges in the solar market.
To learn more about what LINAK can do for you please click on one of the product pictures.
Single axis tracking systems
Solar panels with single axis tracking systems. The panels can turn around the centre axis. LINAK can provide the actuators that tilt the panels.
LINAK perfects movement in tracking systems
For tracking systems, LINAK offers several strong electric linear actuator solutions depending on your demand for force, stroke length etc.
As to solar trackers LINAK has several solutions, but we have two main products, which we would like to recommend to you:
Dual axis tracking systems
Dual axis tracking is typically used to orient a mirror, to redirect sunlight along a fixed axis towards a stationary target or receiver, however you can also gain extra yield on you PV cells. LINAK can provide you with quality actuators that move your panels.
Solar Tracking video
A short presentation video of a 1 MW solar park in southern Germany. The trackers are made and installed by Lorentz GmbH, the movement is provided by LINAK:
Concentrator
A concentrator needs movement to be efficient, LINAK can help you with several solution for you concentrator.
Tracking Systems
Why tracking systems
Global warming has increased the demand and request for green energy produced by renewable sources - like solar power.
EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry Association) expects investments of around 30 billion DKK in the European solar industry, and the world market for solar cells has now for several years shown growth rates of up to 40%.
The solar cell market has to be as efficient as possible in order not to lose market shares on the global energy marketplace. There are two main ways to make the solar cells more efficient, either by improving the actual cell or by installing the solar panels on a tracking base that follows the sun.
The end-user will prefer the tracking solution rather than a fixed ground system because:
- The efficiency increases by 30-40% (= more money)
- The space requirement for a solar park is reduced, and they keep the same output
- The return of the investment timeline is reduced
- The tracking system amortises itself within 4 years (on average)
Tracking the sun from east in the morning to west in the evening will increase the efficiency of the solar panel by 20-62% depending on whom you ask and where you are in the world. Near the equator, you will have the highest benefit of tracking the sun.
Our business proposal is to offer a complete linear actuator system that moves your tracking base according to the sun. We catch the sun and increase the output of the solar panel.
Solar power
Clean power
There is a growing demand to find greener ways to power the world and minimise greenhouse gas emissions. The sun is a natural power source that will keep on shining for an estimated 4 billion years.
Solar power (photovoltaic) systems are a sustainable way to convert the energy of the sun into electricity. An average solar power system amortises itself within 4 years, meaning after four years they have produced as much energy as it took to manufacture it. The expected lifetime of a system is 25-30 years.
The energy potential of the sun is immense, and it is one of the emerging energy sources, which is subsidised in order to secure the distribution of the technology worldwide.
Efficiency
By tracking the sun the efficiency can be increased by 30-40%.
The photovoltaic technology allows the conversion of sunlight directly into electricity with a conversion ratio of about 15%. The efficiency of the solar power systems is increasing and it mainly depends on two factors:
- the solar panel
- the tracking system
A solar tracking system is a device for orienting a solar panel or concentrating a solar reflector or lens towards the sun. Concentrators, especially in solar cell applications, require a high degree of accuracy to ensure that the concentrated sunlight is directed precisely to the powered device.
More info about Solar Tracking in this wikipedia article.
Electric linear actuator solutions from LINAK are used as tracking devices.
The market
With the increasing carbon dioxide emissions from e.g. humans, the greenhouse effect has been drastically exaggerated. As a consequence, the temperature is rising.
Worldwide there is an increasing awareness that we need to invest in clean sustainable power to protect our environment. This makes solar power even more interesting.
The Kyoto Agreement, where each country that ratifies this protocol commits itself to reduce its emission of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if the country maintains or increases emissions of these gases.
EU states that in 2010, solar energy must be 1% of the total energy consumption and in 2030, the solar energy must be at least 4%.
Why choose LINAK?
With LINAK you get
- A specialist in electric linear actuator movement. More than 25 years of experience in the industry segment
- Sales and service all over Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia
- A competent sparring partner, with great application and product know-how
- A high degree of flexibility:
- small quantities
- customised solutions
- A broad product range for all demands
- Non-corrosive housings and tubes
- A long product life due to a robust construction
- A low weight
- Low current consumption solutions
- Exact positioning
- High IP rating; IP66 and IP69K
See also our Solar Tracking brochure available as an online magazine.
Solar Tracking Brochure.
Customer statements
All weather safe
All weather safe
When building in an electric linear actuator solution in a solar tracking application, it is of great importance that the actuator solution can resist both very dusty and very watery surroundings to keep the maintenance cost at the lowest possible level.
Our products undergo thorough climatic, electrical and mechanical testing
Well tested
LINAK’s actuators are well tested and have a reputation as high-end products. The solution LINAK offers to perfect movement in solar tracking applications is certified according to IP 66, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. Furthermore, LINAK’s products have undergone thorough tests in critical climatic, mechanical and electrical areas like:
- Low and high temperatures
- Rapid changes in temperatures
- Weather protection
- Power supply
- Control signals
- Electrical immunity
- Vibration shock
The LINAK Group has extensive test facilities. All products go through a 100% function test before leaving the factory.
Climatic Testing:
- Extreme temperatures
- Rapid temperature changes
- Salt spray
- Chemicals
Electrical Testing:
- Power supply
- Power & signal cables
- Control signals
- Electrical immunity
Quality
Quality
At LINAK, we manufacture quality products. We aim at being the leading manufacturer in the business, having a world class production. That is why we work according to the LEAN principles in all aspects of our production processes. This practice ensures high-quality products, services and deliveries.
Customised solutions
Many LINAK products are customised solutions. It must be easy for our customers to do business with LINAK. Therefore, if you have a request for a special solution, our sales consultants and our application engineers are ready to prepare an optimal solution for you.
Flexibility is the keyword in our organization. Therefore, we are ready even with small quantities to make changes that fit into your application.
Maintenance-free
To build a strong image as a reliable partner in the solar tracking marked, it is important that the tracking application works at all time. You can ensure this by establishing a partnership with a manufacturer of high-end actuator solutions, as an actuator solution of high quality will reduce the risk of failure.
It is a fact that every time a tracker does not work, the efficiency of the solar tracking application will drop by 30-40%, which equals loss of money for the end-user. LINAK’s actuator solutions are well tested and sufficient for outdoor use, thereby reducing the maintenance costs for the end-user.
That is why we say:
"Imagine if LINAK could reduce your maintenance cost by 50%!"