VE7 Hourglass Worm Gear Slew Drive for 120mm Square Tube Single Axis Solar Tracker

VE7 Hourglass Worm Gear Slew Drive for 120mm Square Tube Single-Axis Solar Trackers

Compact Slewing Solution for Single-Axis PV Tracking Systems

The VE7 hourglass worm gear slew drive is designed for single-axis solar tracking applications where reliable rotation, high load capacity, and secure positioning are required.

For PV trackers using a 120 mm square torque tube, the VE7 provides an integrated solution that combines the slewing bearing and worm transmission into one compact housing. The drive can be mounted directly to the tracker structure, helping simplify mechanical assembly and reduce installation complexity.

A 24 VDC geared motor can be integrated according to the requirements of the tracking controller and project design. Different output configurations and motor options are also available for customized solar tracker projects.

Parameters of VE Series Slewing Drives

Why VE7 Works Well for Single-Axis Solar Trackers

1. High Holding Capacity for Tracker Positioning

Solar tracker structures are continuously exposed to wind and other environmental loads. The VE7 provides a high holding torque to help maintain the desired tracker position when the motor is not actively rotating.

2. Self-Locking Worm Transmission

The worm gear mechanism provides self-locking characteristics, reducing the possibility of unwanted movement caused by external loads. This is particularly useful for PV tracking systems that need stable positioning during changing wind conditions.

3. Enveloping Worm Gear Design

The hourglass-shaped worm gear configuration increases the contact area between the worm and gear teeth. More tooth engagement helps distribute the transmitted load and contributes to stable operation under demanding working conditions.

4. Integrated Mechanical Hard Stop

The standard configuration can incorporate internal mechanical limits of approximately +60° to -60°. This provides a defined operating range for single-axis tracker structures.

For applications requiring a wider rotation range or 360° rotation, Hangtuo can provide alternative output configurations, including flange-output designs.

5. Enclosed Construction

The slewing mechanism is housed in a compact enclosed body, providing a practical solution for outdoor PV installations. The integrated design also reduces the number of separate transmission components required during tracker assembly.

The VE7 can be customized to interface with a 120 mm square torque tube, making it suitable for single-axis solar tracker designs using this common structural configuration. The final slew drive selection should not be based only on torque tube dimensions. The tracker designer should also consider:

• Total PV module area

• Number and dimensions of modules

• Total rotating mass

• Center-of-gravity position

• Torque tube dimensions and span

• Operating wind speed

• Maximum or survival wind speed

• Required tracking angle

• Mounting arrangement

• Required motor voltage and speed

Based on these parameters, the appropriate slew drive size and motor configuration can be determined.

Motor and Drive Customization

The slew drive can be supplied with different drive configurations depending on the control system.

Available options may include:

• 12 VDC or 24 VDC electric motors

• Stepper motors

• Servo motors

• Hydraulic motors

• Motors with Hall sensors

• Motors with encoders

• Customized motor and gearbox combinations

Motor speed, voltage, output configuration, encoder type, and mounting interface can be adapted according to project requirements.

Customized Slew Drive Solutions

Not every solar tracker uses the same mechanical structure. Hangtuo can modify the slew drive according to the installation and transmission requirements of the project.

Customization options include:

• Torque tube interface

• Output flange configuration

• Motor selection

• Mounting dimensions

• Rotation limits

• Surface coating and color

• Encoder or sensor configuration

• Special mechanical interfaces

Standard products are supplied in RAL 9006, while other RAL colors can be provided for customized projects.

Typical Applications

The VE series slew drives can be used in applications requiring controlled rotary movement and high-load positioning, including:

• Single-axis solar tracking systems

• PV solar trackers

• Dual-axis solar tracking systems

• Solar thermal tracking equipment

• Industrial positioning equipment

• Heavy-duty rotary machinery

• Hydraulic machinery

• Crane and material-handling equipment

• Automated positioning systems

For photovoltaic projects, the VE7 is particularly suitable where a compact, self-locking transmission is required to rotate a solar tracker torque tube.

FAQ

How do I select the right slew drive for my solar tracker?

The slew drive should be selected based on the complete mechanical load rather than torque tube size alone. Please provide the module area, total rotating weight, center-of-gravity offset, wind conditions, torque tube dimensions, and required tracking angle so we can recommend a suitable model.

Can the VE7 be used with a 120 mm square torque tube?

Yes. The VE7 can be configured for a 120 mm square torque tube. The exact interface dimensions should be confirmed according to the tracker structure and mounting design.

Can a 24 VDC motor be installed?

Yes. A 24 VDC geared motor is one of the available motor configurations for the VE7. Motor speed, power, encoder type, and other parameters can be selected according to the tracker control requirements.

Can the slew drive rotate 360 degrees?

The standard configuration uses internal mechanical limits for a defined operating range. If the application requires 360° rotation, an alternative flange-output configuration can be considered.

Can I order samples before a large project?

Yes. Sample orders are available for testing and mechanical evaluation before volume production.

What information is required for a quotation?

For a solar tracking project, we recommend providing the tracker structure drawing or the following information:

• PV module quantity and dimensions

• Total tracker area

• Total rotating weight

• Torque tube size

• Center-of-gravity offset

• Operating and survival wind speeds

• Required tracking range

• Motor voltage

• Required output speed

• Quantity required

• Delivery destination

This information allows the slew drive and motor configuration to be evaluated more accurately.

Hangtuo Slew Drive for Solar Tracking Projects

Hangtuo provides worm gear slew drives and customized rotary transmission solutions for solar tracking and other heavy-duty positioning applications. From standard VE series drives to customized torque tube interfaces and motor configurations, our engineering team can support different tracker structures and project requirements.