Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SecureTracker (New-generation bifacial solar tracker with integrated wind protection system for large scale photovoltaic arrays)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2019-11-01 al 2020-03-31
A solar tracker is a device that orients a structure towards the Sun to minimize the angle of incidence between the incoming sunlight and the structure, maximizing the amount of energy captured. For PV panels applications, solar trackers can increase the energy output by up to 25%, in comparison to a fixed structure PV plant and increase the capacity value of the plant during the winter and/or in systems with high insertion of PV generation.
Solar trackers are designed for all type of climates but suit better in mild ones, while fixed structures are preferred on harsher environmental conditions. Since trackers introduce moving parts, they are more complex than fixed structures, which tend to possess a higher degree of robustness. Even with the latest advancements in reliability, trackers generally still require more maintenance, with 10% more Operations & Maintenance (O&M) costs. This also includes additional site preparation tasks, additional trenching for wiring and additional grading. In financial terms, these systems are therefore also more complex operationally, and are thus seen as a higher risk.
In terms of structural challenges, wind damage is the main concern. Wind can become turbulent and cause unexpected load patterns, causing significant stress in the form of harmonic resonances. This phenomenon, known as galloping, can even be experienced in low wind regions, often resulting in catastrophic effects. According to recent studies, limited structural centralization measures on current utility-scale tracker systems would already result in a 7% lower LCOE, as they would reduce the number of necessary repairs.
To overcome this obstacle and take full advantage of the potential of solar trackers, ESASolar developed the unique ESAblock fixing device (initially called SecureTracker). Through an efficient implementation of this new system, we estimate that a standard utility-scale 100MW array will avoid 95% of previous repairs, thus saving €6 million over 30 years through 700 times fewer lifetime part failures and 400 times less labour hours. This reduction amounts to 80% lower tracker O&M costs and increased profitability through an estimated reduction of 30% in the Levelized Cost of Energy.
ESAblock will also allow us to increase ESAsolar’s visibility in the market and consolidate our brand as a technological leader in the PV tracker market, also increasing its work force with the creation of dozens of direct jobs until 2026.
Solar trackers are designed for all type of climates but suit better in mild ones, while fixed structures are preferred on harsher environmental conditions. Since trackers introduce moving parts, they are more complex than fixed structures, which tend to possess a higher degree of robustness. Even with the latest advancements in reliability, trackers generally still require more maintenance, with 10% more Operations & Maintenance (O&M) costs. This also includes additional site preparation tasks, additional trenching for wiring and additional grading. In financial terms, these systems are therefore also more complex operationally, and are thus seen as a higher risk.
In terms of structural challenges, wind damage is the main concern. Wind can become turbulent and cause unexpected load patterns, causing significant stress in the form of harmonic resonances. This phenomenon, known as galloping, can even be experienced in low wind regions, often resulting in catastrophic effects. According to recent studies, limited structural centralization measures on current utility-scale tracker systems would already result in a 7% lower LCOE, as they would reduce the number of necessary repairs.
To overcome this obstacle and take full advantage of the potential of solar trackers, ESASolar developed the unique ESAblock fixing device (initially called SecureTracker). Through an efficient implementation of this new system, we estimate that a standard utility-scale 100MW array will avoid 95% of previous repairs, thus saving €6 million over 30 years through 700 times fewer lifetime part failures and 400 times less labour hours. This reduction amounts to 80% lower tracker O&M costs and increased profitability through an estimated reduction of 30% in the Levelized Cost of Energy.
ESAblock will also allow us to increase ESAsolar’s visibility in the market and consolidate our brand as a technological leader in the PV tracker market, also increasing its work force with the creation of dozens of direct jobs until 2026.
We prepared the roadmap to optimize manufacture and cost, adapt ESAblock’s anti-galloping protection system to be fully compatible with the 5 main tracker firms in the market, test a full large-scale plant and finally, optimize software features.
Also, the feasibility study included a deep analysis of solar tracker market worldwide and the demand forecast for solar trackers. The commercialization strategy, business model and communication strategy were also fully elaborated, including the preparation and update of local marketing strategies (web/social media updates, publications, events…). A full FTO analysis was also performed, leading us to the appropriate IP strategy, mainly through patent preparation and application (EU and World). In this context, regulatory barriers were also assessed. Hence, we developed the complete financial plan, based on the initial 5-year forecast, and further detailed the resources needed to complete the project and optimize profitability.
Also, the feasibility study included a deep analysis of solar tracker market worldwide and the demand forecast for solar trackers. The commercialization strategy, business model and communication strategy were also fully elaborated, including the preparation and update of local marketing strategies (web/social media updates, publications, events…). A full FTO analysis was also performed, leading us to the appropriate IP strategy, mainly through patent preparation and application (EU and World). In this context, regulatory barriers were also assessed. Hence, we developed the complete financial plan, based on the initial 5-year forecast, and further detailed the resources needed to complete the project and optimize profitability.
The durability of trackers under specific wind conditions has been brought into sharp focus with new testing and calculation methods providing more stability and reducing operational risk for utility-scale solar power.
ESAblock is based on an innovative design that completely blocks the tracker structure using tailor-made actuators secured on some of the tracker poles, fully locking their rotation axis. The system does not require dampers and its effect is permanent. The system is only unblocked during tracker readjustment, thus virtually eliminating the risk of catastrophic failure due to galloping.
The outstanding technical specifications of our patent-pending ESAblock system adapts seamlessly to the latest tracker features (bifacial, self-powered), improving tracker durability and reducing installation and O&M costs.
With higher safety standards, combined with easier and faster installation, ESAblock provides the most convenient option for securing utility scale tracker arrays. We estimate, based on a number of assumptions, that the significantly lower expenses for installation and maintenance will reduce the overall investment in 20% with respect to the best commercial solution available in the market. ESAblock is therefore completely unique both technically and commercially.
As a result, ESAblock will facilitate a wider implementation of utility scale PV tracker arrays, increasing worldwide PV adoption in the energy mix, even in locations with harsher environmental conditions.
ESAblock is based on an innovative design that completely blocks the tracker structure using tailor-made actuators secured on some of the tracker poles, fully locking their rotation axis. The system does not require dampers and its effect is permanent. The system is only unblocked during tracker readjustment, thus virtually eliminating the risk of catastrophic failure due to galloping.
The outstanding technical specifications of our patent-pending ESAblock system adapts seamlessly to the latest tracker features (bifacial, self-powered), improving tracker durability and reducing installation and O&M costs.
With higher safety standards, combined with easier and faster installation, ESAblock provides the most convenient option for securing utility scale tracker arrays. We estimate, based on a number of assumptions, that the significantly lower expenses for installation and maintenance will reduce the overall investment in 20% with respect to the best commercial solution available in the market. ESAblock is therefore completely unique both technically and commercially.
As a result, ESAblock will facilitate a wider implementation of utility scale PV tracker arrays, increasing worldwide PV adoption in the energy mix, even in locations with harsher environmental conditions.