Spherical pillow block bearings for use in solar trackers

ESQM

The starting point of our development was a customer enquiry for a spherical, corrosion-free and heavy-duty bearing solution for solar module tracking. With the ESQM-120, we were able to fully meet these requirements while creating a solution designed for many years of lubrication-free and maintenance-free operation. In addition to other sizes and special solutions, we developed and put into operation an outdoor test rig for long-term tests. The knowledge gained from practical experience and laboratory tests during these years formed the basis for the next development stage.

ESQM-2.0

In the second generation, the total height of the component was reduced and the upper housing half replaced by a galvanised extender crossbar, which offers high structural stability despite its material thickness of just 2mm.

The Magnelis® coating protects the metal extender crossbar with self-healing corrosion protection and increases the durability of the component. The lower housing part made of solarmid G and the spherical bearing component made of iglidur P UV use materials with approximately three times higher UV resistance.

In addition, recesses for tidy cable management have been integrated into the profile holder, and the alignment has been switched from a V-shape to a U-shape, whereby the square profile rests more securely in the spherical ball half shell during installation. 

Strategic material redistribution also increases structural stability, while the more compact design offers a price advantage over the predecessor model.

ESQM-2.0-HD

Design study

Two heavy-duty versions were sought for applications with exceptionally high load requirements, such as those caused by storms or snow loads. For the ESQM-2.0-HD, the wall thickness was specifically redistributed to reinforce highly stressed areas, and the thickness of the extender crossbars was doubled. This allows the design to achieve significantly higher structural stability.

ESQM-2.0-HD-HS

Design study

The hard stop version supplements these reinforcements with a mechanical limit to the rotary movement. It prevents impermissible rotations of the tracker axis and thus protects both the axis and the motor from overload or damage.

Are you planning solar trackers for exceptionally demanding wind or load scenarios?

Then take part in our design study and receive further information on the heavy-duty concepts, potential areas of application, and initial technical design data.

ESQM-2.0-LEAN

The Lean version was developed for projects where an economically optimised bearing solution is paramount. It incorporates the design features and appearance of the ESQM-2.0, while using an alternative material with the same structural strength but reduced wear resistance.

The central specifications of lubrication-free and maintenance-free operation, as well as corrosion and dirt resistance, are fully preserved. The material pairing is also still designed for reliable and stick-slip effect-free operation. This results in an economical alternative for cost-optimised solar tracker concepts and applications with defined operating profiles.

Would you like to find out whether the Lean version is suitable for your solar tracker concept?

Project-specific requirements can be sent directly to our specialists via the enquiry form. Each enquiry is technically evaluated individually to support a suitable design for the respective application.