Solar energy systems as rain collectors
Solar panels above agricultural land generate electricity while protecting and optimising the use of fields.
Product
Solar panels are in high demand. As well as covering numerous roofs, they are installed along motorways and are even deployed on farmland. In the latter case, the solar modules are mounted several metres above the fields and fulfil a variety of functions. They can be adjusted by linear drives and adapted to the relevant requirements. The drives manufactured by Phoenix Mecano operate reliably at any temperature, as well as in windy and wet conditions. A smart sensor-based control system allows up to eight linear drives to be moved synchronously. This reduces the need for additional control points and increases control efficiency.
Application
Linear drives are used, among other things, in solar energy systems on agricultural land. Their adjustment parameters allow the solar collectors to be configured to make maximum use of the sun as well as for expanded deployment of the system. Placed horizontally, the collectors provide optimal shade for the areas underneath. When it rains, their special design allows them to be tilted to collect rainwater, which can then be used for irrigation.
Benefits
The ability to adjust the panels using linear drives significantly increases the power output of the solar cells, and because the entire unit can be placed in a horizontal position, thus providing shade, the sunlight levels can be tailored to the needs of the plants growing beneath. Moreover, the design of the solar system allowing for rainwater collection is a welcome additional benefit in our increasingly hot and dry summers. Last but not least, the adjustment options provided by the linear drives mean that in storms and bad weather the panels can be positioned to massively reduce the likelihood of damage.