SOLGLIDE Bearings Provide Solution For Solar Technologies
Willich, Germany (SPX) Apr 05, 2011 Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a global leader in supplying engineered components to international OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), have launched a maintenance-free bearing for the solar market. SOLGLIDE bearings are specifically designed for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants, applied at pivot points at all major tracking systems used in area of CSP. Proprietary developed fluoropolymer compounds in SOLGLIDE bearings increases the long-term operational efficiency of solar equipment, reduces energy usage and decreases long-term costs. As the SOLGLIDE bearings offer a unique, thicker layer of fluoropolymer compounds, they provide less friction on a constant level throughout the whole product life. Avoiding stick-slip effects in the tracking systems, the mirrors move more easily and efficiently towards the sun, resulting in less energy usage. Featuring superior corrosion and wear-resistance, the new bearings can last the lifetime of a CSP tower, usually around 25 years, with no maintenance costs. SOLGLIDE bearings can be offered with different backing layers, normal steel protected with a proprietary corrosion protection system, aluminium or stainless steel backings. All types provide high resistance to harsh outdoor elements such as radiation, water and dust, for further longevity benefits. Saint-Gobain engineers can also customise various parameters to meet specific applications. To comply with environmental regulations, SOLGLIDE bearings feature lightweight materials that are free of heavy metals and banned chemicals such as chrome VI and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PfOA) materials. Additionally, the bearings operate without grease to avoid cleaning costs needed to remove drippings from the structures. The ability to produce the products close to the current and future main markets has a positive impact on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint of the product. Users of SOLGLIDE bearings benefit from the established global presence and extensive experience of Saint-Gobain, which have provided customised bearing solutions for automotive applications for over 30 years. They are also fully equipped to deal with the rapid scale-up required by the booming solar industry. Teams like application engineering and testing facilities within Saint-Gobain can co-develop with the customer and create the optimal solution. Due to testing capabilities, Saint-Gobain can also pre-validate solutions as well as help to develop specifications and internal standards to minimise risks in the phase of purchasing, therefore minimising transactional costs as well. Mr. Janaki Weiden, Solar Market Manager, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics said, "One of the priorities of CSP plant owners is to increase the lifetime of their equipment so they can achieve more rapid returns on investment and reduce overall costs. Our bearings can withstand any outdoor elements and last longer, so owners and engineers alike can be satisfied that they have the optimum custom-designed bearing solution."
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