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The Importance of Hydraulics in the Solar Industry

November 20, 2022

The Importance of Hydraulics in the Solar Industry

To start off the Importance of Hydraulics in the Solar Industry, let’s go over how hydraulics work.

Hydraulic fluid is used to create power in a Hydraulic system. When a force is added to the system, Hydraulic energy is created as the fluid flows into the cylinder through a valve. Once it passes through the value, it is converted back into mechanical energy, which can be harnessed. Many industries rely on Hydraulic systems around the world; one such industry is the solar industry.

Why use Hydraulics in the solar industry?

Nowadays, Hydraulics are a vital part of the solar industry. One specific field they have made a huge difference in is increasing the energy generation of solar panels. When a solar panel is able to follow the path of the sun, it generates up to 25% more energy. Floating solar panels are just one type that utilises Hydraulics to maximise energy production.

The most advanced type of solar panels available today are active solar trackers. They use either motors or Hydraulic cylinders to rotate and light sensors to track the sun. There are two types of active solar trackers; single-axis solar trackers and dual-axis solar trackers.

As the name suggests, single-axis solar trackers are able to track the sun as it moves from east to west and are available with horizontal and vertical axles. Dual-axis trackers, on the other hand, are able to track the sun’s path as it moves east to west and also in the north and south directions too.

Solar tracking systems are becoming more popular as the technology becomes less expensive. There are many benefits to choosing a solar tracking system over a stationary system.

They generate more electricity than stationary systems due to their increased direct exposure to solar rays.
The ability to choose between single and dual axis make them a versatile option for unique or difficult job sites.
The advances in technology have increased their reliability while decreasing their maintenance requirements.

Hydraulics have become essential to the development of the solar industry. The advancements enabled by Hydraulic technology require less maintenance while generating more energy. Without Hydraulics, there would still be technicians manually adjusting solar panel angles throughout the day.

Featured Product

Power Team – Counter Balance Valve

Application: Double-acting cylinders. Provides positive holding and controlled, “chatter-free” lowering of a load.

Operation: Load is raised at flow rate of pump, and held when pump is shut off. When the pump is shifted to “retract,” the counter balance valve will continue to hold the load until system pressure exceeds pressure caused by load. The load can then be lowered smoothly to the flow rate of the pump. The counter balance valve is designed to operate with pumps having a high pressure flow rate of up to 120 cu. in./min. (1,9 l/min.) and cylinder ratios of 3 to 1.

CAUTION: The 9720 patented counter balance valve has a pilot pressure as high as 3,000 psi (210 bar). Because this pressure is applied to the rod end of the cylinder while it is already under load, the system should not be sized for loads greater than 80% of cylinder rated capacity.

CAUTION: To prevent sudden, uncontrolled descent of a load as it is being lowered, use a Load Lowering Valve (No. 9596) or Counter Balance Valve (No. 9720) in conjunction with the directional valve used in your application.

9720 – Counter balance valve, including two male and two female half two hydraulic hoses, fittings and dust caps.

9721 – Same as 9720, but does not include couplers, hoses, fittings and dust caps.

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About TJI Solutions.

Official Distributors Of SPX Bolting,
SPX Powerteam & Suppliers Of Norbar Products.

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TJI Solutions specialise in the Sale, Hire and Repair of hydraulic torque and tensioning equipment along with hand, pneumatic and electric torque tooling.

With our extensive knowledge of the industry we are committed to customers supplying innovated solutions alongside commercial initiatives which are complimented by outstanding customer service 24/7 365 days a year. As a close knit family business, we are extremely proud of our moral values and commitment to take personal responsibility for your needs.