Cabanillas produces the most reliable dual-axis solar tracker in the world

In Spain, photovoltaic energy is becoming increasingly important within the framework of renewable energy. However, its implementation is currently impeded by the actual cost-effectiveness of the installations and the lack of a technological development that is capable of withstanding unfavorable climatic conditions over the long term.

The Cabanillas Ingenieros S.L. company has been involved in engineering projects and building management systems in the field of industrial construction, as well as building installations the south of Madrid, since 1986. In 2002, it turned its attention to the development of photovoltaic systems.

Cabanillas Ingenieros S.L. has created – and patented – the solar Titan Tracker, a completely innovative technology both in Spain and the rest of the world. This system features dual-axis tracking and is supported at five points for improved resistance to adverse weather conditions

The Titan Tracker achieves an increase in production of 45% compared with systems without tracking, thanks to its precise, complete dual-axis tracking which is 10º from the center. The design concept of this tracker means that it can withstand wind speeds of up to 150 km/h. The Titan Tracker was produced in response to the deficiencies suffered by existing solar trackers, which do not possess the necessary characteristics to last for 25 or 30 years in bad weather.

Characteristics and distinguishing features of the Titan Tracker

Compared with conventional systems, in which the paneled section is supported by a single, central monopile, the tracker developed by Cabanillas Ingenieros, S.L. is based on a three-dimensional beam structure consisting of classic trusses, with dual-axis movement supported at five points (center, left, right, front and back), which transmits the force to the ground.

In addition, the paneled section is divided into two symmetrical parts in such a way that a beam providing the support towards the front can be inserted between them without causing any shadow, because this beam is always perpendicular. Thanks to this beam, the wind load from the rear can be transferred to the ground with ease.

The vertical and horizontal forces are transferred to the ground via four supports on wheels and a central anchorage point. As this action extends all the way to the edges and has a very long travel, it boasts maximum precision.

The tracker’s panel boards are also unique and the subject of a special patent. These consist of modular panel sections that are suitable for panels of any size and to which panels can be secured without screws, avoiding the expensive, difficult and hazardous task of screwing them in place.

Another significant characteristic is the tracker’s large size of up to 180 m2 – twice that of most conventional trackers. This reduces the time and cost of assembly and maintenance while offering the same potential when installed. The size was determined under consideration of the need to find an ideal balance between width and height, in order to achieve the best use of the ground without producing shadow.

Finally, a key advantage of the solar tracking system is its software, which covers the entire solar range, projecting 10° from the vertical, unlike the 40° common with other trackers.

To sum up, the Titan Tracker offers greater cost-effectiveness and reliability for photovoltaic solar panels.

Omron control elements

Simplicity has been the basic premise governing both the design and the structure of the tracker, like the development of the automatic system based on an Omron control unit. ASA, a partner of Omron, has been responsible for developing and programming the system, under the constant supervision of Cabanillas Ingenieros, S.L.

Like the tracker, the automatic control system is innovative, simple and revolutionary, enabling all the trackers installed in the plant to track the sun with precision, with the installation of a single Omron programmable controller. Tracking is achieved through the continuous analysis of the sun’s position, permitting the user to define the maximum desired error for the tracking process in the program.

Each tracker functions independently but is managed by the programmable controller. This avoids the problems of closed-loop control systems, which are complicated, expensive and involve more work. The PLC sends the commands to the trackers, where they are transmitted from one tracker to the next. All the trackers are controlled by the same controllers, but are mutually independent.

The basic principle here is the simplicity of a system that is expected to operate for 25 -30 years. This simplicity ensures lower development, installation and maintenance costs.