Array Technologies (ATI), has announced the introduction of its latest single-axis tracking system, the ‘DuraTrack’ HZ v3 for utility-scale PV power plants. After nearly 2 years of development and testing, Array recently commissioned the first 1.2MW DuraTrack HZ v3 site in northern New Mexico.
Problem
PV power plant developers and owners need to reduce Balance of System (BOS) costs and improve the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LOCE). Focus on tracker systems includes the need to minimized loads, wasted space, fasteners, number of motors, controls, columns, as well as maintenance cost and risk.
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Solution
The DuraTrack HZ v3 tracker incorporates a passively managed wind load mitigation system to reduce both cost and risk. The passive wind mitigation feature eliminates storm survival risks, complexities and maintenance issues associated with active stow components and UPS systems while said to provide significant cost benefits. The patent pending v3 design enables a significant increase in module density and panels per row, reduces motors per MW, shortens installation time and lowers maintenance costs. Tighter module gaps and elimination of center row dead-space results in a power density increase of 4.5% over v2.5 of the tracker system. By reducing driveline and module gaps, this highly articulating system maximizes ground coverage, even on uneven terrain and is designed with fewer columns, automatic row alignment, and snow or sand dune obstruction protection on an automatic and individual row basis.
Applications
Utility-scale PV power plants.
Platform
DuraTrack HZ v3 results in 33% more modules (80) per row. Racking posts in a standard installation have been reduced by 9% while balancing out the loads on each foundation. The new drivetrain is lower which eliminates dead-space and uses all sealed gears which are lubricacted for life, requiring no maintenance. Two-stage gearing at each row allows for the ability to link twice as many modules. Reducing the motor count from 4MW (AC) to 2 MWAC and relocating the motors on service roads, near the inverter, minimizes wire runs, eliminates motor wiring through the array block and provides easy access. A new clamp design with only 1 fastener increases install speed while reducing module-to-module gaps from 1″ to 0.25″. Breakaway nut for controlled QC and security is optional.
Availability
May 2015 onwards.