Zero Lubrication Bearings in the Sun
igus presents a new maintenance-free and cost-effective pillow block bearing for solar tracker applications
July 16, 2024 – The motion plastics specialist igus® has launched an optimized version of their successful igubal® ESQM pillow block bearing for tracking solar modules. The ESQM 2.0 is a self-lubricating and maintenance-free solution for the safe support of solar trackers according to the sun’s position. With a slim design, users can save installation space and continue to rely on a proven bearing solution made of UV-resistant high-performance plastics.
Solar park operators rely on movable modules that automatically adjust themselves to face the sun to enable solar panels to generate energy efficiently. The igubal ESQM pillow block bearings from igus have been used successfully for 15 years to mount these modules. This pillow block bearing is made of high-performance plastics and consists of a split housing and two spherical half-shells for easy installation. A square profile is attached to the housing, which supports the solar modules. The spherical half-shell enables angular compensation of up to 9° and a high radial load capacity of up to 50kN.
“We keep in contact with our customers who use our products in solar parks around the world. We are very interested in finding out how users get on with the products and where we can optimize them further,” says Richard Won, Solar Industry Manager at igus GmbH. “We have now developed the ESQM 2.0 through this sharing of information.”
Slim design saves installation space and makes installation easier
The ESQM 2.0 is based on a new design. The spherical ball halves now have a U-shape with an integrated slot so cables can be guided through the bearing. Two small pins under the housing ensure easy and slip-free installation, thanks to the tried-and-tested split housing. The slim design saves material and provides additional installation space in height. A sheet metal extender crossbar, which can be easily mounted over the spherical ball, ensures that the latter is held securely in the housing.
As with all igus plastics, users of solar parks can completely dispense with lubrication and maintenance. Solid lubricants integrated into the plastic ensure the plain bearing’s smooth, dry operation. This results in immense cost and time savings: every year, $240 billion is spent on lubrication alone in all industries worldwide.
In addition, there are associated maintenance costs of at least $200 billion. Despite this, failures occur repeatedly due to insufficient lubrication, totaling $750 billion. The use of dry-running igus components reduces maintenance costs, conserves personnel resources in times of a shortage of skilled labor and protects the environment. There is no risk of lubricating oil or grease seeping into the soil of the open spaces on which the solar parks are located.
“With the ESQM 2.0, we have been able to further optimize our already excellent ESQM to offer customers the perfect solution for their solar tracker applications. Like its predecessor, it has a 25-year functional guarantee,” explains Won.
Learn more about the ESQM 2.0 pillow block from igus here: https://www.igus.com/news/igubal-news-overview-2023#section_3
