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In the photovoltaic solar industry, bearings are crucial components for creating solar trackers. These devices allow tracking of the sun’s position throughout the solar cycle, optimizing the capture of solar energy. Beyond enabling the torque tube to rotate and track the sun, bearings also serve to anchor the torque tube to the pile, which requires them to withstand high vertical, horizontal, and axial loads.

Without bearings, a single-axis solar tracker would be nothing more than a fixed structure. A well-designed bearing ensures optimal tracking, minimizing energy loss due to friction. Moreover, it reduces assembly time and absorbs distortions that can occur when piles are driven into the ground.

Challenges with Cylindrical Bearings

The first bearing designs were cylindrical. During initial assembly and testing of trackers, issues related to alignment and assembly quickly became apparent. Even today, many trackers continue to use cylindrical bearings. However, after analyzing the installation and performance of trackers equipped with such bearings, Good Future’s R&D team identified areas for improvement.

When cylindrical bearings were tested on sample trackers, specific problems with alignment and assembly emerged, caused by mechanical operations. Cylindrical bearings introduce alignment challenges, as they fail to compensate for the bending of the posts or the irregularities in the ground.

Introducing the Spherical Bearing Solution

Calibration is a critical part of the assembly process for EPC companies, as precise calibration is essential for the correct functioning of a solar tracker. After thorough assessment and testing of different bearing designs, Good Future introduced a spherical bearing geometry. Unlike cylindrical bearings, spherical bearings feature three-dimensional articulation instead of just two-dimensional axial movement. This enhancement greatly simplifies tracker installation and reduces potential risks. Consequently, Good Future decided to patent this innovative design.

Advantages of Spherical Bearings Over Cylindrical Bearings

1. Absorption of Post Twist The twist along the longitudinal axis of the post keeps the sphere securely within the spherical bearing housing (cavity), allowing it to rotate within tolerance. Cylindrical bearings can cause post distortion, but spherical bearings eliminate this issue.

2. Absorption of Ground Slope On uneven terrain, the spherical bearing adjusts naturally to the ground’s slope, eliminating the need for extra adjustments or additional components.

3. Prevention of Ball Exit from the Bearing Housing Spherical bearings prevent balls from exiting the housing due to deviations or longitudinal torque loads, which can occur with other designs.

4. Resistance to Axial Loads Spherical bearings are engineered to handle high axial loads efficiently.

5. Self-Adjusting Design The self-adjusting nature of spherical bearings simplifies the assembly process for solar trackers, making installation faster and easier.

6. 50% Reduction in Assembly Time and Cost Spherical bearings cut assembly time by at least 50% per post, resulting in a substantial reduction in overall installation time and associated costs.

7. Minimal Failure Rates To ensure optimal performance, Good Future conducts 100% product inspections before shipment, significantly reducing the chances of defects.