The IMO Solar Cube has been developed by IMO Precision Controls as an easy to set up solar tracking and measurement controller with the flexibility to adapt to either one or two axis PV module installations to track the sun’s movement.
In the field of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) technology is one of the most widely used, and Dunkermotor’s new ‘Bifurcated Wormetary’ gearmotors are designed to meet that application’s requirements, while offering several unique benefits.
Start-up, QBotix, has revealed the ‘QBotix Tracking System’ (QTS), a dual-axis tracking system that employs rugged, intelligent and mobile robots to dynamically operate solar power plants and maximize energy output. QTS is claimed to costs as much as existing single axis systems but generates up to 15% more energy. QTS will generate up to 40% more energy than fixed mount systems.
PolyOne has introduced a new technology for PV systems wire and cable called ‘Syncure Solar.’ Available globally, this UV-resistant, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) system is claimed to meet UL 4703 and VW 1-compliance in one material, eliminating the need to use two separate insulation and jacketing formulations.
Clenergy launched the PV-ezRack Trapezoidal module mounting system at Intersolar Europe, 2012. The new high-quality universal mounting system is designed for PV-systems on trapezoidal sheet roofs with thicknesses of 0.4mm and above.
Siliken has developed the ‘energybox’ PV system that offers more than 100 structural solutions for the design of any type of residential and industrial rooftops. The kit is scalable and therefore allows the covering of any rooftop size by connecting several energyBoxes in tandem. Siliken also developed a 72-cell module, which yields the same power with 20% fewer modules, therefore saving components, cutting operating costs and installation time.
Shanghai TAOKE Network Technology has developed the GPRS photovoltaic data acquisition (TK-G10-01/08/16/08S/16S) and Ethernet photovoltaic data acquisition the (TK-E20-01/08/16/08S/16S/32D) systems for a wide range of PV power plant applications, designed to protect and improve the operating efficiency of the PV system.
AlsoEnergy has developed several new reporting and collaboration enhancements to its cloud-based ‘PowerTrack’ Energy Management Services software. The newest features allow developers and investors in solar energy systems to create performance models and compare operation between sites and models to quickly detect underperforming components and generate better system returns.
Amphenol Industrial is offering a new active trunk and drop cabling solution, in conjunction with Ampt, a designer of active electronics for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The new cabling solution is claimed to reduce the cost of commercial and utility-scale PV systems.
TTi has introduced its next generation of residential solar roof mount, the patented TTi Flat Jack Comp Shingle Mount. As a durable and reliable mount for installing PV panels on composition shingle roofs, the TTi Flat Jack now requires no shingle trimming or sealants, reduces labour costs and protects roofs.
Unirac has launched the ISYS Single Axis Tracker at the Solar Power International (SPI) trade show, which is claimed to be the most robust and versatile ground mount tracker system on the market today. The system is able to work with any space or module system. Unirac backs the ISYS Tracker with a 20-year structural performance warranty.
Molex has further expanded its range of ‘SolarSpec’ products with the development of pin (male) and socket (female) panel-mount DC connectors. SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors, with internal locking and touch-proof design for superior safety, feature an innovative nut mechanism for simple assembly to the panel and a durable connection for cable attachment to solar inverters. The products will be showcased at the Solar Power International at booth 6854.
Locus Energy is preparing to launch ‘Virtual Irradiance’ a patent pending software service providing highly accurate estimates of historical and real-time solar irradiance across North America. The service will be offered as an add-on for all users of the company’s web-based residential and commercial monitoring platform.
Kinematics slewing drives are designed, tested and guaranteed for a 30-year field life. All aspects of engineering control are based on creating a low-cost, reliable solution for our customers. We qualify all the raw materials, components and final assemblies to meet these standards. Kinematics slewing drives use hourglass worm technology, affording them maximum survivability load-holding capacity and increased efficiency and accuracy.
National Semiconductor has introduced the ‘SolarMagic’ arc detection reference design, comprised of analog front end integrated circuits (ICs) and multi-band dynamic filtering firmware. According to the company this is the first commercially available chipset to detect hazardous DC arc faults in PV systems.
Solyndra has launched the Solyndra 200 Series ‘Metal Roof Solution.’ The unique non-penetrating adjustable mounting system is designed to meet the additional solar installation challenges posed by metal roofs. Metal roofs make up a significant and growing portion of the large, low-sloped, commercial, industrial and agricultural rooftop markets.
Trojan Battery has added an Industrial flooded line of batteries for renewable energy (RE) and backup power applications to its product portfolio. Designed to support large daily loads where the batteries are cycled regularly, Trojan’s deep-cycle Industrial batteries are ideal solutions for a wide range of photovoltaic systems.
Yamaichi Electronics has developed a new photovoltaic junction box for crystalline solar modules for the ‘Y-Sol’ product family. The new, cost-effective ‘Eco-Si’ junction box uses hermetic sealed over-molding technology to provide greater sealing and long-life, even in extreme conditions. Yamaichi is presenting the technology at Intersolar Europe 2011, in Hall C3, Booth 533.
Transphorm has launched its new power diode based on patented, high-performance EZ GaNTM (Gallium Nitride) technology. The power converters are designed with 600V transistors and low-loss power diodes, which makes for a fast and efficient conversion technology.
KEMPER Solar is to present a new tracking system at Intersolar 2011. The KemTRACK two-axis tracking systems has undergone a complete facelift and offers 70-120 square meter module area with improved control and increased stability. Automated robot welding and a reduction in the amount of material used in the fabrication are designed to further reduce costs and prices.
Technology used in GE’s wind turbines, is now being applied to large-scale PV systems. Building on a platform of power electronics, monitoring and controls that enhance wind energy grid integration, GE has developed a 600 kW solar inverter, which includes grid-friendly features to deliver performance in large-scale solar installations similar to conventional power plants.
Siemens AG has developed and manufactured inverters for photovoltaic applications since 1987. The latest products of this development are the SINVERT PV inverters, a family of three phase grid-connected inverters in the range of 60kVA up to 1700kVA.