Solar Module Trackers
by Zomeworks
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ZOMEWORKS:
the leader in passive solar energy trackers since 1969.
The Universal Series Track Rack is the latest in a long line of
Zomeworks photovoltaic mounting structures. Since 1980, over
12,000 Zomeworks tracking systems have been installed in different
climates on nearly every continent on Earth. As dependable as
gravity and as reliable as the sun's heat, more than 99% of these
trackers are still in operation today!
To jump to the pricing and specifications page, click
here.
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How
the Universal Track Rack
follows the sun....
The UTR starts out the day facing west -- from the evening
before. As the sun rises in the east, it heats the unshaded
west-side canister on the tracker, forcing liquid into the shaded
east-side canister. As liquid moves through the copper tube to
the east-side canister, the tracker's balance changes, and rotates so that
it faces to the east.
The heating of the liquid (refrigerant) within the tracker is controlled
by the aluminum shadow plates located like "wings" on the
outside edges of the tracker. When one canister is exposed to the
sun more than another, the result is its vapor pressure increases, forcing
liquid to the cooler, shaded side of the tracker. The shifting
weight of the liquid causes the rack to rotate until the canisters are
equally shaded. This is what keeps the tracker focused on the sun,
as it tries to maintain keeping the canisters as equal as possible.
As the sun moves across the blue sunny sky, the rack follows (at
approximately 15 degrees per hour), continually seeking equilibrium as
liquid moves from one side of the tracker to the other to keep it facing
the direct rays of the sun.
The tracker completes its daily cycle facing west. It remains in
this position overnight, until it is awakened by the heat of the rising
sun the following morning.
There are five standard sizes of Zomeworks trackers, holding from 2 to
16 modules. Every Universal Track Rack will accommodate most PV
modules on the market. If you have modules not listed as
"regulars", call us-- Zomeworks will build to your
specifications.
These trackers come packaged as a kit with all the hardware and
instructions for quick and sturdy assembly. Because just five basic
sizes cover most entire range of needs, Zomeworks and its distributors are
able to supply trackers with short lead times (at this
point---unless we have another Y2K!).
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sunrise position
mid morning position
mid afternoon position
sunset position
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EFFICIENCY:
in summer in most climates, utilizing a Zomeworks tracker will increase
your modules' efficiency by 35% to 40%; in winter ,as much as 15%
to 20%--but much less in winter if you're in the north or in a
cloudy climate. Typically trackers are used in water pumping
systems, as water is generally in greater demand in summer over
winter. It may be more cost-effective to add more modules for
low-light winter conditions, as opposed to utilizing a tracker. It
depends what your loads are seasonally.
These new trackers incorporate several decades of experience and design,
featuring an early morning 'rapid return system'; it's shipped partially
assembled and is easy to install and module specific.
CONSTRUCTION: these tough
units are built of milled steel and are finished in satin black urethane
paint. Stainless steel mounting hardware is provided with all
Track Rack systems. These are designed to slip over SCH 40 steel
pipe masts set in concrete, and are locked tight by tightening a
bolt. Very simple and effective!
The Track Racks' damping pistons are specially modified automobile shock
absorbers, which are inexpensive and easy to replace if necessary.
These are built to withstand 90 mph winds. Also, these mounts
offer a north-south axis adjustment of 2, 15, 30 and 45 degree for
optimal seasonal performance. Most users adjust their Track Racks
twice a year.
The Track Rack liquid-gravity drive system utilizes R22 HCFC refrigerant
in a rigid, completely sealed system. All joins are
silver-soldered and there are no parts to flex or bend. There are
no threaded fittings, plastic hoses, or high-tolerance seals.
Check out our Zomeworks chart for
pricing and more specifications
E-mail us for your freight
costs on these.
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