Solar Tracker Damper Selection: What Parameters Do You Need to Provide?
When selecting a damper for a solar tracker project, several parameters need to be confirmed before the damper can be customized.
One of the key inputs is the required damping value. This value needs to be provided by the customer, together with the required working stroke and other project-specific parameters.
So, what information should you prepare when discussing a customized solar tracker damper with a manufacturer?
1. Required Damping Value
The required damping value should be provided by the customer. For damping value customization, the following parameters should be specified:
Speed: V (mm/s)
Tensile damping force: Pf (N)
Compression damping force: Py (N)
Reference Example: TOMUU U21A
The following table shows one reference damping configuration of the TOMUU U21A solar tracker damper.
| Speed V (mm/s) |
Tensile Damping Force Pf (N) |
Compression Damping Force Py (N) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 444 MAX | 444 MAX |
| 26 | 5,500 | 5,500 |
| 31 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| 42 | 11,000 | 11,000 |
| 47 | 13,000 | 13,000 |
| 52 | 16,000 | 16,000 |
Note: These values represent one U21A reference configuration. The damping value is customizable and should be specified according to the customer's project requirements.
2. Working Stroke and Damper Dimensions
The required working stroke and damper dimensions should also be specified for the project.
Depending on the project requirements, the working stroke and damper size can be customized.
U21A Dimension Reference
The current U21A reference configuration has a working stroke of 522 mm, with a maximum working stroke of 900 mm.
U21A damper size customization includes working stroke S, Lmax, Lmin and mounting dimensions.
3. Other Project Parameters
In addition to damping value and damper dimensions, other project requirements can also be specified when discussing a customized solar tracker damper.
| Parameter | Information to Specify |
|---|---|
| Static Force | Maximum static pull force and static pressure |
| Lateral Force | Maximum lateral force |
| Working Stroke | Required working stroke |
| Outer Spring | K, H₀, Hw, Fmax and spring color |
| IP Class | Required IP class |
| Salt Spray Test | Required salt spray test |
| Ambient Temperature | Required ambient temperature |
| Service Life | Warranty life and design service life |
| Certification | Certification requirements |
Maximum static pull force and static pressure: 40 kN
Lateral force: More than 260 kg at 522 mm travel distance
Working stroke: 522 mm (Max. 900 mm)
IP class: IP68
Salt spray test: 840H / C5-M
Ambient temperature: -40°C to +65°C
Prepare Your Solar Tracker Damper Requirements
Before requesting a customized solar tracker damper, prepare the required damping value, working stroke and relevant project parameters.
For damping value customization, provide the required speed V, tensile damping force Pf and compression damping force Py, together with the other customization requirements for your project.
