Delrin® in Solar Tracker Bearings
Delrin® for Solar Tracker Bearings
Photovoltaic (PV) applications require durable materials that can perform outdoors for long durations, often up to 25 years. Photovoltaic systems and components include solar tracking systems and their tracker bearing components. These tracking systems allow PV panels to follow the sun throughout the day, generating maximum energy. The key component that allows these systems to move is the solar tracker bearings. The materials required for these applications should have low-friction and be able to maintain its toughness and other properties under weatherable conditions for long durations of time.
Delrin® has two grades that are optimized for UV performance in photovoltaic applications. Both are well suited for PV tracker bearing applications, as they are UV stabilized and have excellent impact strength, UV resistance and thermal stability.
Delrin® grades for PV tracker bearings include:
- Delrin®127UV
- Delrin®527UV
Benefits in Application
The specific low wear, low friction behavior of Delrin® facilitates smooth function of the bearing and does not need frequent greasing or maintenance that is required with metal bearings. Delrin® also offers better tolerances than metal bearings, which results in better alignment of trackers in the field.
Delrin® acetal homopolymer typically has a tensile strength 10% higher than alternative copolymers, so devices can be made smaller without compromising performance.
Summary of Benefits:
- No greasing or maintenance required
- Better tolerance and better alignment of trackers
- High strength for bearing application
- Low friction and quiet smooth function
Mechanical Features:
- High strength and stiffness
- Low wear and low friction
- Elongation and toughness properties
- Dimensional stability
- Very low moisture absorption
