Tracker Actuator arm

ecogeorge
Posts: 402
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:23 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Tracker Actuator arm

#1

Post by ecogeorge »

A friend who has a Lorenz Etatrak trackeer has suffered a broken actuator arm during the recent winds.
Struggling to find a replacement and suggestions / help required.
So far i have ......
-Spoken to Wind and Sun-Leominster who were Lorentz agents - says no longer made /supported by Lorentz -try FF solar Portugal.
-Spoken to Linak uk (manufacturer of actuator) who say the Type no. 36CXX+1H700C25 cotaining XX means its a "special made to order" item and they could not supply via UK.
They suggested I contact Automation Warehouse and forwarded my request. They can make 360289-00 part no. but want 5-6wks and £1600.00.
I have tonight emailed FF Solar in Portugal .
Any suggestions folks ?? pics below.
George


Image

Image

Image
1750w Vertical PV micro inverters
3800w almost horizontal/south
Aarrow Becton 7 Woodburner
Dream 3kw ASHP only connected to summer Pool.
Allotment heavy clay.
1.784kw Kirk Hill
0.875kw Derril Water
0.2kwWhitelaw Brae
1kw Harlow Hydro.
User avatar
Joeboy
Posts: 8148
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 4:22 pm
Location: Inverurie

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#2

Post by Joeboy »

Closest docks and find a marine engineering shop?
19.7kW PV SE, VI, HM, EN & DW
Ripple 7kW WT & Gen to date 19MWh
42kWh LFPO4 storage
95kWh Heater storage
12kWh 210ltr HWT.
73kWh HI5
Deep insulation, air leak ct'd home
Zoned GCH & Hive 2
WBSx2
Low energy bulbs
Veg patches & fruit trees
User avatar
Fintray
Posts: 1572
Joined: Mon May 31, 2021 6:37 pm
Location: Aberdeenshire

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#3

Post by Fintray »

Like Joe, I would expect that arm to be repairable, just need to find the right person to do it.
3.87kWp PV
10.24kWp PV SolarEdge system
Tesla Powerwall 2
100 x 47mm Navitron tubes (still being installed!) Now likely to be removed for more PV.
MK2 PV router DHW diverter
Morso 5kW WBS
Vaillant AroTherm 10kW ASHP
Nissan Leaf
Moxi
Posts: 2293
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 3:46 pm

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#4

Post by Moxi »

I would try any hydraulic fitters as it’s the piston that’s failed they should be able to match up a replacement diameter and length.

Should be a few companies in the area given all the agricultural activity around that area.

Is the piston electro mechanically driven with spring or driven return, pneumatic or accumulator hydraulic ?

Moxi
Moxi
Posts: 2293
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 3:46 pm

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#5

Post by Moxi »

ecogeorge
Posts: 402
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:23 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#6

Post by ecogeorge »

All electric . Never had one apart -assume fine thread ??
George
1750w Vertical PV micro inverters
3800w almost horizontal/south
Aarrow Becton 7 Woodburner
Dream 3kw ASHP only connected to summer Pool.
Allotment heavy clay.
1.784kw Kirk Hill
0.875kw Derril Water
0.2kwWhitelaw Brae
1kw Harlow Hydro.
Moxi
Posts: 2293
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 3:46 pm

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#7

Post by Moxi »

I wouldn’t think it would be too fine owing to the torque that such an actuator would need to sustain.

As long as you are sure that it’s not sprung return then it should be easy enough to disassemble to identify what parts other than the replacement piston you need.

Moxi
Marcus
Posts: 270
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2021 6:25 pm

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#8

Post by Marcus »

I would try to determine the approx specs of the broken actuator (36v, 700mm? stroke, 4500N?, limit switches or no, etc) and find the nearest standard version that can work with the tracker - a higher load rating, or slightly different stroke length wouldn't matter as long as the limit switches cut in before the physical travel limit for e.g.
450W hydro-electric
5110W pv
1.3kw Wt2 - not yet producing
6kWh lead acid - maybe 1kwh useable
LiMnCo battery made from 2nd hand hybrid car modules 3.6kwh nominal 24v.
300lt hot water tank and two storage heaters
ASHP Grant Aerona 3 10.5kw and UFH
ecogeorge
Posts: 402
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:23 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#9

Post by ecogeorge »

Tend to agree ....... have this spec off the actuator -i'm guessing it has limit switches ?? -apply voltage and see if it stops when in /out ??
George
-But its not mine to play with and mess it up ........ (mines still working fine :D )
1750w Vertical PV micro inverters
3800w almost horizontal/south
Aarrow Becton 7 Woodburner
Dream 3kw ASHP only connected to summer Pool.
Allotment heavy clay.
1.784kw Kirk Hill
0.875kw Derril Water
0.2kwWhitelaw Brae
1kw Harlow Hydro.
ecogeorge
Posts: 402
Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:23 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: Tracker Actuator arm

#10

Post by ecogeorge »

Image
1750w Vertical PV micro inverters
3800w almost horizontal/south
Aarrow Becton 7 Woodburner
Dream 3kw ASHP only connected to summer Pool.
Allotment heavy clay.
1.784kw Kirk Hill
0.875kw Derril Water
0.2kwWhitelaw Brae
1kw Harlow Hydro.
Post Reply