[RE-wrenches] Wire management dual axis tracker

[Glenn Burt]

We did a single axis tracker some time ago and used a hydraulic hose between moving parts as a conduit. 

It has lasted for the 5 years they have been in service with no signs of deterioration.



 

Good luck,

Glenn

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jerry Shafer
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2015 12:06 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Wire management dual axis tracker

 

Wrenches

For some of our off grid customers we have installed the combiner on the array right behind the gimble and then only run the home run wire down, fewer wires is better. We try to keep the run in a loop  720` real close to the gimble, the loop reduces wire stress and we have had no failures. 

Jerry

 

On Mon, Nov 30, 2015 at 5:35 PM, Ray Walters <ray at solarray.com> wrote:

We used to  just bundle the PV cables and secure them close to the pivot point at both the rack and the pole with insulated wire loom clamps.  We always made a big enough loop to handle full articulation, but not too long so they wouldn't catch on the Combiner box, etc.  We also started using braided ground strap, instead of stranded #6.  Braided is made for movement, stranded #6 would strain harden and break off at the connector.
I'm not sure how flex conduit would do.  It definitely could break out of a plastic J box, I would think.  The back and forth motion eventually wears out things not really made to move.  I had lots of trouble with this issue.
Finally, don't be greedy on tracker settings, I'd keep the total range of motion to less than a full 180 degrees Azimuth, and probably limit the tilt some too. 



R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer, 
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760 <tel:303%20505-8760> 

On 11/30/2015 8:21 PM, Mac Lewis wrote:

Hi Wrenches, 

 

I'm looking for advice on the best way(s) to secure PV source circuit wiring on a dual axis tracker.  I've never wired one up before and it seems tricky.  This particular tracker is 12 modules, 3 strings.  Is it best to run a flexible conduit up the pole and leave plenty of excess conduit to create large loops that fluctuate in size throughout the day?  What are some other ideas?  How do you avoid abrasion over time?  

 

Thanks in advance


 

-- 

 

 

 

Mac Lewis

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

 

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