DuraTrack HZ v3 from ATI offers greater density and minimized components for lower LCOE

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

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.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

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.

Read Next

December 6, 2024
The company recorded losses of US$179.1 million in Q3, with revenues of US$88.5 million, in a continually difficult year.
December 6, 2024
US$14 million net losses for the quarter compared with net income of US$4 million in Q2 2024 and US$22 million in Q3 2023.
December 6, 2024
Encavis has commissioned a 114MW solar park in Borrentin, Germany, the largest project in its German portfolio.
December 6, 2024
The US Treasury and IRS have released their final rules for the implementation of the Section 48 Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
December 6, 2024
Singapore-headquartered solar manufacturer EliTe Solar has commissioned a solar cell production plant in Indonesia.
Premium
December 6, 2024
French independent power producer Reden has recently launched a module assembly line with an annual nameplate capacity of 200MW in France.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events, Upcoming Webinars
December 12, 2024
9am GMT / 10am CET
Solar Media Events, Upcoming Webinars
December 18, 2024
9am GMT / 10am CET
Solar Media Events
February 4, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
February 17, 2025
London, UK