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Always a possibility with trackers over a static frame of fixed panels, we had our first mechanical breakdown after 2 years with one of the East/West actuators giving up hard over to West facing. June is a good month to lose one tracker output (reduced by 75%) as the other tracker was able to take the burden of battery charging before end of daylight and it is not a month known for gale force winds.
Spare actuators (4 total) were ordered from the supplier on 6th June and delivered on 26th June (air freight - FedEx). Cost US$1,100 DDP. No contingency has been set aside for maintenance cost so this outlay will be added to the payback period. This was running at 12.5yrs based on 2 year production before contingency spend, now 13.25yrs after this contingency spend.
Changing the actuator was straightforward using our farm kit. Panels were supported by raised pallet platform on the tines of the telehandler. The new actuator was extended before fitting to ensure the controller was operating correctly. Then the failed unit was lower pivot released and then top mount removed and the new actuator top mounted and extended to align with the bottom mount. The panels were strapped secure to the telehandler while the actuator was being removed and replaced to prevent a possible disaster scenario of wind catching the panels and flipping the orientation onto the telehandler roof. Following calibration of the actuator with a manual full East extend command the controller took over automatic tracking for the first time in 3 weeks.
The failed actuator motor did attempt to move on manual setting so I will strip it down. That the motor tries to turn suggest that the actuator has either experienced a helical gear or hall sensor failure.
Spare actuators (4 total) were ordered from the supplier on 6th June and delivered on 26th June (air freight - FedEx). Cost US$1,100 DDP. No contingency has been set aside for maintenance cost so this outlay will be added to the payback period. This was running at 12.5yrs based on 2 year production before contingency spend, now 13.25yrs after this contingency spend.
Changing the actuator was straightforward using our farm kit. Panels were supported by raised pallet platform on the tines of the telehandler. The new actuator was extended before fitting to ensure the controller was operating correctly. Then the failed unit was lower pivot released and then top mount removed and the new actuator top mounted and extended to align with the bottom mount. The panels were strapped secure to the telehandler while the actuator was being removed and replaced to prevent a possible disaster scenario of wind catching the panels and flipping the orientation onto the telehandler roof. Following calibration of the actuator with a manual full East extend command the controller took over automatic tracking for the first time in 3 weeks.
The failed actuator motor did attempt to move on manual setting so I will strip it down. That the motor tries to turn suggest that the actuator has either experienced a helical gear or hall sensor failure.
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