
Schaeffler at Hannover Messe 2013 (Hall 22, Booth A12)
Linear Actuator and Rolling Bearing Solutions for Solar Tracking Systems
Whether it is a photovoltaic (PV), a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV), or a concentrating solar power (CSP) system, solar power plants work particularly efficiently if their mirrors, collectors and PV modules track the course of the sun. The more precise and trouble-free they operate, the more efficient and profitable the plants are. Schaeffler has taken another step towards system integration for precise solar tracking in azimuth and elevation axes by offering the linear actuator as a complete unit from one source in addition to bearings for swivel drives.
Linear actuator as a complete mechatronic system
The INA linear actuator responsible for the stroke motion in the elevation axis was specially developed and designed by Schaeffler's Linear Technology Business Unit for operation in the harsh conditions in tracking systems of solar power plants. It is designed for dynamic loads of up to five kilonewtons and static loads of up to 15 kilonewtons. The actuator can reach a stroke travel of up to 1,000 millimeters at a stroke speed of five millimeters per second. Due to the linear actuator's innovative design and high flexibility, its length (stroke) and connection can always be matched exactly to the customer's individual plant. The complete mechatronic system comprises the rolling bearings for the individual bearing positions, the screw drive spindle and spindle nut, the extension tube, the compact housing with housing cover, the seal, the drive technology (motor and gearbox unit), the sensors, and the rod end for connecting the actuator.
The linear actuator is designed for operation in the harsh environmental conditions of solar power plants and protected against sun, sand, rain, storms etc. It is low-maintenance and, under favorable operating conditions, even maintenance-free due to the encapsulated housing, a reduced number of perfectly sealed joints, and the integrated motor and gearbox unit and entire drive technology. The components used for sealing the actuator according to protection class IP66 prevent the ingress of contamination, water or sand. In conjunction with the low-maintenance or completely maintenance-free components and bearing supports, the linear actuator achieves an operating life of up to 25 years. The high-precision axes ensure that the solar power plants generate an optimum power output on a permanent basis. Schaeffler's linear actuator concept can also be adapted for the use in other sectors or applications depending on the technical and geometrical requirements.
Bearing supports for precise swiveling motion
INA angular contact roller bearings AXS and FAG tapered roller bearings in X-life quality are particularly suitable for supporting the swivel drives responsible for adjusting the azimuth axis. They 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.
Series AXS rolling bearings have cylindrical rollers and raceways that are arranged at an angle to the bearing axis. The roller and cage assemblies are comprised of 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. They are manufactured using forming methods, which makes them cost-effective. In addition, turned bearing seats are sufficient for supporting the bearing rings manufactured using forming methods. This reduces the costs for the adjacent construction.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
06/05/2026
Polands Miecznik-class frigates are part of the largest contract in Polish shipbuilding history. (Image Credit: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna)...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Riedel Communications today announced the expansion of its leadership structure as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen both its operational management ...
06/05/2026
For nearly three decades, Veteran Production Sound Mixer and Five-time Emmy Award Winner Dirk Sciarrotta has helped define the sonic identity of the long-runnin...
06/05/2026
ZEISS CinCraft LensCore: Cinema Lens Looks for Compositing
Brie Clayton May 6, 2026
0 Comments
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a nove...
06/05/2026
Wisycom Solves Extreme RF Challenges Across Miles of Live Action for Gravity Med...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Narrative Entertainment has partnered with Encompass to deliver high-quality subtitling of its Great! network content using the Altitude Intelligence AI assiste...
06/05/2026
SipRadius, widely recognized for making content processing and connectivity secure and seamless, is proud to launch a dramatic new approach to AI content creati...
06/05/2026
When the broadband and media industry gathers at ANGA COM in Cologne from May 19 to 21, Big Blue Marble will be at the forefront. The international broadcast an...
06/05/2026
Cinegy GmbH, a leading developer of software-defined television technology, is proud to exhibit at MPTS for the first time. Visitors to the stand will discover ...
06/05/2026
Val Jeanty Receives 2026 Doris Duke Artist Award Jeanty, a composer, percussionist, and turntablist, is the fourth Berklee recipient of the prestigious award ...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
06/05/2026
When live cycling races and international marathons stretch for miles across cities and countryside, there is no margin for RF failure in live broadcast. As Chi...
06/05/2026
Oberkochen/Germany, May 5, 2026
ZEISS announces the launch of CinCraft LensCore, a novel solution for creating physically based cinematic lens looks for visual...
06/05/2026
SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 6, 2026 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced its latest broadband innovations for ANGA COM 2026, highlighting its vision for a new e...
06/05/2026
Statement from Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus, Fox Corporation on Ted Turner&...
06/05/2026
Friday 8 May on RT One and RT Player
Meet the NSPCA team caring for and protecting animals in need in this six-part series
Fly on the wall, six-part series...
06/05/2026
The race to build the world's most powerful AI factories demands networking ...
06/05/2026
How changes to proteins can alter drug interactions for new precision therapies Scripps Research team maps how chemical modifications to proteins affect drug bi...
05/05/2026
Experts from the world of academia, tech, business, politics and media convened for a Thomson Talks at the Cambridge Disinformation Summit in April. It's th...
05/05/2026
Three phones were hardwired for power and transmission to the truck; camera feat...
05/05/2026
The creative studio behind campaigns for the NBA, Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino, ...
05/05/2026
Nielsen has announced results from a co-viewing pilot program covering February&...
05/05/2026
viztrick AiDi, an on-device AI solution developed by Nippon TV, delivered global...
05/05/2026
ARRI has announced Omnibar, a battery-powered, IP65-rated multi-color LED linear...
05/05/2026
Imagine Communications has announced that France T l visions is the first broadc...
05/05/2026
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Bell Media today announced a multiyear agreement to broadcast and stream WNBA games in Canada beginni...
05/05/2026
SVG is proud to announce Warner Bros. Discovery's Techwood Studios in Atlant...
05/05/2026
With no operator required, AutoMic workflow automates talent identification on U...
05/05/2026
A crash in 2015 set the industry back, but this winter proved that drones are he...
05/05/2026
Another year, and more proof that Asia continues to shape some of the world's most exciting new sounds. This year's RADAR artists draw from deep local r...
05/05/2026
The Austin City Limits Music Fest 2026 lineup just dropped, and this year, Spoti...
05/05/2026
New drum machine book campaign incoming
Bjooks have announced that during Superbooth 2026, they will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the product...
05/05/2026
Flagship all-in-one production bundle updated
The latest version of Native Instruments' flagship virtual instrument and plug-in bundle has just been ann...
05/05/2026
Rohde & Schwarz to host RF Testing Innovations Forum 2026, helping design engine...
05/05/2026
L3Harris provides communications, electronic warfare, sensors and mission systems that enable Virginia-class submarine crews to operate with confidence in conte...
05/05/2026
The company grew by 7.6% in net revenue and 16.3% in EBITDA, achieving a 33% inc...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
05/05/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...